Travel intentions are high amongst Australian travellers with up to 72 percent of Aussies intending to travel over the next 12 months, according to new findings.

Roy Morgan research found within the three months to February 2012 that up to 13.4 million Australians 14 years and over said they were likely to travel over the next year, compared to 70 percent who asked within the corresponding three months last year.

The company’s international director of tourism Jane Ianniello explained the number of Aussies looking to travel “increased strongly” over the period and pinned the jump in interest rate decreases in November and December last year.

“The percentage of Australians who say they are worried about interest rates has decreased to 34% down from 41% a year ago,” she said.

It’s also good news for domestic tourism over the coming 12 months, with 58 percent of Aussies intending to take a local trip on their next holiday, up from 56 percent over the same period 2011.

Meanwhile international plans remain steady among Aussies at ten percent.

“Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast, and the Northern NSW coast remain the most popular domestic destinations, with intention to holiday at these destinations staying strong,” Ms Ianniello explained.

“With so many overseas and domestic destinations competing for the Australian tourism dollar, destination marketers are looking closely at their Australian target markets: — who they are; what type of holiday they want; and most importantly, how to reach them.