In 2023, Paros, a Greek island, was recognized by Expedia Australia as one of the best and most popular winter island getaways for Australian travelers.
Expedia, a prominent travel service provider, assessed the interests of Australian travelers and the quality of accommodations to compile the rankings.
Paros secured the eighth position on the Expedia Island Index, with Fiji claiming the top spot, followed by Okinawa in Japan and Lombok in Indonesia. Kauai in Hawaii and Langkawi in Malaysia completed the top five rankings. Daniel Finch, the Managing Director of Expedia Brands, noted that while Fiji's popularity among Australian travelers was expected, other destinations also offer exciting options.
The inclusion of Paros on the list is a reflection of the travel resurgence experienced by islands worldwide. Recent data revealed a significant increase in searches for accommodations on the listed islands, with an average surge of 315 percent over the past year. This trend highlights the enduring appeal of islands as favored holiday destinations. Expedia Australia's findings also showed that Australians had a strong interest in vacations that involved minimal planned activities, with approximately 83 percent expressing a desire for a more relaxed holiday experience. Additionally, 74 percent of Australian travelers were considering international destinations for their getaways.
Daniel Finch added that Australians are prioritizing relaxation in their overseas getaways, whether due to cost considerations or a growing desire to unwind and rejuvenate.
Expedia, an online travel agency owned by Expedia Group, offers services to book airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rentals, cruise ships, and vacation packages. It was launched in 1996 by Microsoft.