With global uncertainty continuing to shape travel behaviour, it’s perhaps surprising that for tour operator AAT Kings, the message is steady: it’s business as usual.
Speaking with Travel Weekly, CEO Ben Hall says despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and aviation volatility, the company has seen no disruption to its operations, itineraries or supply chain.
“It’s business as usual for us. There’s no change in any of our itineraries or plans of how we’re operating,” he says, and that includes fuel supplies.
“I think there’s certainly one of the questions that seems to come up. People are concerned. There’s no need to be. We’ve got suppliers, we’ve got access to fuel and good relationships there.”
That operational confidence comes as domestic tourism shows signs of renewed strength. AAT Kings is reporting a 6 per cent uplift in local bookings over the past month, driven in part by travellers seeking safety, familiarity and convenience closer to home.
“We’ve certainly seen a bit of a pickup in domestic tourism, and we’ve also seen that inbound tourism still is flowing,” Hall says. “So far, it’s a positive story.”
Safe, scenic and back on the bucket list
While Australians returned to international travel in force post-pandemic, Hall believes there’s a renewed appetite to rediscover the country’s own backyard, particularly as global instability persists.
“I think Australia and New Zealand are perceived as wanting to keep away from some of the other global issues, which is actually working in our favour,” he says.
That sentiment is translating into strong demand across both iconic and emerging destinations. Regions such as the Kimberley, South Australia and Tasmania continue to perform, alongside a noticeable uptick in regional dispersal across Queensland and New South Wales.
“I think South Australia has done remarkably well over the last five years… Tasmania’s booming,” Hall says. “And then some of the regional destinations, they’re also seeing a bit of an uptick.”
Even the Northern Territory, often challenged by seasonality, is enjoying a golden moment, thanks to recent heavy rains transforming typically arid landscapes.
“People really now see that you’ve actually got such a lush, green Northern Territory that you just never see,” Hall says. “It’s another one of the reasons to venture along there.”
AAT Kings has expanded 2026/27 Day Tour collection, introducing new and enhanced experiences across some of Australia’s most iconic destinations, designed for travellers short on time but eager to connect deeply with place, culture and story.
With everything taken care of, from hotel pick-ups to expert Driver Guides, guests can simply relax and immerse themselves in the destination.
Small groups, big demand
A key shift underpinning AAT Kings’ strategy is the continued rise of small group touring. While the company can accommodate up to 24 guests, the average group size has settled at around 16, striking a balance between social travel and personal space.
“We’ll introduce more small group itineraries,” Hall says, whether that is catering to multi-gen or people who just want to travel together in small groups, “and get a little bit more off the beaten track”, Hall explains.
The appeal is clear: less logistical stress, more immersive experiences and a seamless journey from start to finish.
“People know they can book with confidence… and take a lot of the operational concerns away, so they get a nice, seamless travel experience,” he says.
This trend is also influencing fleet investment, with AAT Kings upgrading and expanding its vehicle range to meet expectations around comfort, quality and state of the state-of-the-art equipment.
“We’ve added updated 24-seat vehicles given the growth in small group, and we’ll continue to bring on new fleet,” he says.
Experience-led evolution
Beyond logistics, product evolution remains firmly focused on experience. AAT Kings has expanded its Indigenous tourism offerings, alongside enhanced food and wine experiences across key regions.
“We’ve had new additions, a lot of Indigenous experiences,” Hall says. “We’ve changed some of our food offerings, people are after food and wine and different experiences.”
The company now operates more than 150 itineraries, ranging from single-day tours to journeys of up to 22 days, reflecting a broadening of traveller expectations.
New Zealand value play
While Australia remains front of mind, Hall is also urging agents to consider the growing value proposition across the Tasman.
With the New Zealand dollar currently around 8 per cent weaker against the Australian dollar compared to last year, the destination is becoming increasingly attractive for cost-conscious travellers.
“New Zealand is a short-haul flight away, and the value goes a long way further than what it used to,” Hall says. “The value across New Zealand, along with the myriad wonderful experiences they offer, is also a worthwhile consideration.”
Advice for agents
For travel advisors navigating a complex global landscape, Hall’s message is simple: confidence is key.
“They can advise their clients that trips are operating,” he says “There’s no change to itineraries.
“You’re going to have good value and ultimately, you’re going to get a nice, seamless travel experience that you don’t need to worry about some of the headaches that are out there right now.”
In an environment where uncertainty continues to shape decision-making, AAT Kings’ steady course – and the enduring appeal of Australia and New Zealand – may prove to be exactly what travellers are looking for.
