Press Release

3 out of 4 want Melbourne Cup holiday: survey

October 27, 2009

3 out of 4 want Melbourne Cup holiday: survey THREE out of four Aussies are calling for a public holiday to watch the Melbourne Cup, according to a new survey.

Seventy five per cent of people say they love dressing up and having a flutter on the horses and everyone should have a public holiday on Melbourne Cup Day.

They argue that nobody does work on the day anyway.

More than 1000 people were responding to totaltravel.com’s latest survey which asked the question: ‘Should the Melbourne Cup be a public holiday?’

The majority were in favour of the idea, with one voter declaring online: “I hate having to work Melbourne Cup. I would rather work my birthday. I love it and I am not a big gambling person. I just love the day.”

Twenty per cent of people voted against the idea, arguing that Melbourne Cup day was just an excuse for people to lose their money and get drunk.

One voter complained: “As a nation and so called responsible government we spend hundreds of thousands a year on anti-alcohol / non gambling campaigns aimed at our youth ... then in one swift back-flip we make these very things the basis for a national public holiday - go figure.”

Five per cent voted for the option: ‘Don’t care; I prefer the footy any day of the year’.

“Melbourne Cup is ok but I prefer footy any day,” one voter wrote. “3mins & it’s all over with the Melbourne Cup. Not as much excitement as footy. We don't get a holiday for the grand final of footy. I know it's on a Saturday, but a lot of people work on a Sat….”

totaltravel.com global marketing manager Paul Fisher said watching the Melbourne Cup was an Australian tradition and one of the most exciting days on the calendar.

“I think it would be safe to say that most offices in Australia are not very productive on Melbourne Cup Day – it really is the race that stops the nation,” he said.

“Even after the race people are a bit sluggish from all the food, drinks and frivolity. Most people would only get a half a day’s work completed – if any.

“A public holiday is not such a bad idea and is something the government should investigate. It’s definitely got the support of the Australian people.”

The survey attracted 1086 votes and ran for a period of four weeks.

ENDS

Media enquires:
Paul Fisher
Global Marketing Manager
totaltravel.com
Phone +61 (0)2 6680-8755
Mobile 0404 057 367

About totaltravel.com
totaltravel.com was established in 2002 and is Australia’s leading online travel marketplace for travellers and travel suppliers. Travellers can research destinations, read the opinions of other travellers, find travel offers and then deal directly with travel suppliers to save money.