United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Bookings slump hits European destinations
SYDNEY – Amadeus has revealed that both international and domestic air travel bookings made through travel agencies in Australia remain down by around 12 percent compared to 2008 bookings.
Globally, European destinations have been worst hit, suffering a 25 percent drop.
Only one region experienced an increase in travellers, with the Middle East and Africa attracting eight percent more Australian visitors.
South America had the least impact, with a decline of only one per cent, whilst North America has seen bookings slump 22 per cent. Asia Pacific is down 12 percent.
“These are some very sobering figures for the Australian travel industry,†said David Brett, president of Amadeus Asia Pacific.
“Clearly the financial crisis and corresponding drop in consumer confidence is having a significant impact on Australians’ willingness to travel.â€
Whilst bookings are down across the board, business class is in the sharpest decline, dropping 36 per cent.
Surprisingly, first class bookings in Australia have actually seen a very slight increase of almost 2.5 per cent – possibly due to the inelasticity of this traveller group to downgrade, and the introduction of new first-class product in the form of A380 aircraft.
Despite the continued downturn in international travel overall, long-haul travel started to show signs of recovery in April while short haul travel (trans-Tasman) continued to fall.
“The ongoing drop in passenger bookings across the board obviously has a significant economic impact for the travel industry, but we are seeing some signs of hope with long-haul travel numbers improving in April.
“However, the big picture remains pretty bleak, and it’s little wonder that airlines and travel agencies are looking to maximise efficiencies in their operations and reduce operating costs,†said Brett.
Ian Jarrett
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
Dozens of bodies recovered from DC river after midair collision
Quake warning in Santorini after hundreds of tremors
Trump Admin vows to end cruise tax loophole
Cockpit tarantula causes flight delays
EasyJet forced into flight emergency landing after pilot collapses