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
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel