Agents to play a big role coming out of the pandemic, according to News Corp’s 1H23 travel forecast

News Corp Australia today released findings from its News Travel Network Trend Forecast for July to December 2022, where it highlighted the important role of travel agents coming out of the pandemic.

The forecast revealed that travellers are seeking the guidance of travel experts in the post-pandemic world.

42 per cent of travel intenders plan to use a travel agent when they reach the booking stage of their holiday.

This means travel agents can win customers based on the unique complexities of travel and specialised advice needed.

More than one-third of travel intenders have booked all or parts of their next holiday, with many planning their next two holidays and over 50 per cent of travel intenders are willing to pay more to ensure a safe and seamless getaway.

Alongside the news about travel agents, four key insights were identified to assist the travel industry with their planning:

• Millennials to shift intent and action – For international travel, millennials are the group with the most confidence at 48 per cent, while 37 per cent of those ‘not confident at all’ are Boomers.
• Opportunity in gender confidence gap – 71 per cent of confident international travel intenders are male while only 29 per cent are female.
• Keen travellers – Those who have had COVID are keen to travel again with almost one in three having booked everything for their next holiday.
• Travelling is about travelling again – Sightseeing is the number one activity travel intenders plan on doing during their next holiday, overtaking spending time with family and friends.

The forecast also predicts that intrastate travel is still the most popular form of planned holiday, with many planning shorter trips and staying in accommodation that is comfortable and homely.

People are also looking for overseas holidays close to home, according to News Corp Australia’s managing director, food and travel, Fiona Nilsson.

“Interest in international travel is slowly but surely growing, with Australians having the greatest confidence in travelling to our neighbours,” Nilsson said.

“New Zealand remains at the top of the list, with 36 per cent of international travel intenders planning a trip.

“Fiji has jumped from number eight to number three, not only due to proximity but also social proof; the exposition of the experience, from visitors and media alike, has created an upswell of confidence in the destination.”

The forecast comes from the behavioural data from the News Travel Network audience, combined with a recent consumer survey of just over 1,000 people to understand sentiment, intent and motivating factors in booking both domestic and international travel.