Press Room: Media Releases

BRISBANE – 20 February 2008 : While Aussies think it’s saucy, Kiwis feel it’s sincere, Asians say romantic and Americans enjoy the fun, apparently Europeans just think Valentine’s Day is a rip off.

Online accommodation website, Wotif.com’s survey of nearly 2000 customers found that opinions on Valentine’s Day differ around the globe.

The results also revealed that overall Australians were more likely to feel ripped off than their Kiwi counterparts and were much less likely to be frightened by the prospect of declaring their love to their Valentine than Asian respondents.

Wotif.com’s Market Manager, Saskia Moon said that while region to region the results differed, almost 100% of respondents agreed that Valentine’s Day was ‘designed for the ladies’.

The survey also asked respondents to name their favourite, romantic destinations.

“Despite being home to the most cynical respondents, Europe claimed six of the top ten positions in the ‘Most Romantic City’ in the world, with Vienna pipping the traditional favourite, Paris, to take the title of the most romantic city in the world,” Moon said.

While Melbourne was the only Australian destination to make the international top ten list – proving particularly popular with Kiwi and Asians voters – bookings on Wotif.com for this weekend indicate that when it comes to a romantic getaway, Aussies love to escape the city.

“Australia’s wineries, such as the Barossa, Hunter Valley and Margaret River are proving to be a popular choice for canoodling couples, as are Cradle Mountain, the Whitsundays and regional Victoria,” she said.

“Overall the special romantic packages and Valentine’s Day deals being promoted by our hotel partners are selling very well.”

Top International Destinations

1. Venice

2. Paris

3. Rome

4. Vienna

5. New York

6. Florence

7. Prague

8. Las Vegas

9. Melbourne

10. Koh Samui

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