What's Happening?
Webjet has released new booking data indicating a strong demand for travel among Australians during the upcoming Christmas and New Year period. The data, covering bookings made between January 13 and December 4, 2025, shows that 64% of these bookings are
for domestic trips, while 27% are for international travel, and 9% for Trans-Tasman routes. Asia is the most popular international destination, with nine out of the top ten international travel spots located in the region. Bali, Tokyo, and Manila are among the top choices for Australians traveling abroad. Domestically, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney are the leading destinations. The data also highlights a trend of longer international trips, averaging 16 days, compared to 7 days for domestic travel. Solo travelers are the largest group, making up 47% of the bookings.
Why It's Important?
The data from Webjet underscores a significant recovery in the travel industry, reflecting a strong appetite for travel among Australians post-pandemic. This trend is crucial for the tourism sector, which has been heavily impacted by travel restrictions in recent years. The preference for Asian destinations suggests a shift in travel patterns, potentially benefiting airlines and tourism operators in these regions. The increase in solo travel bookings could indicate changing social dynamics and travel preferences. Additionally, the launch of Webjet's domestic flight sale could stimulate further interest in domestic travel, providing a boost to local economies.
What's Next?
As the festive season approaches, travel operators and airlines may see a surge in last-minute bookings, especially with Webjet's domestic flight sale. This could lead to increased competition among travel providers to offer attractive deals. The trend of longer international trips might encourage airlines to expand their long-haul offerings. Tourism boards in popular destinations may ramp up marketing efforts to capitalize on this demand. Additionally, the rise in solo travel could prompt travel companies to tailor their offerings to cater to this demographic.
