A record number of Australians are travelling to Asia for their New Year celebrations, according to bookings taken by online accommodation website Wotif.com.

While New Zealand took the top spot, the list was heavily dominated by Asian countries, including Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, who took six of the top ten positions.

Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Kowloon were among Asia’s most popular cities, all enjoying a year-on-year increase in the number of bookings made over the New Year’s Holiday.

Across the Tasman, New Zealand’s city destinations were the most popular, with Australians preferring to bring in the New Year in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

Commenting on the results, Wotif.com’s CEO Robbie Cooke said a number of factors had contributed to this result.

“Wotif.com has increased the quality and quantity of Asian accommodation options listed on our site, providing more choice for consumers,” Cooke said.

“Couple this with the cheap airfares on offer from the low cost carriers, and a strong Australian dollar and you’ll find that travelling to Asia has never been so affordable,” he said.

Top International Destinations for NY08

1. New Zealand

2. Thailand

3. Singapore

4. Malaysia

5. Hong Kong

6. Vietnam

7. Indonesia

8. Fiji

9. United Kingdom

10. France.
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