Demand for private charter closer to home is increasing plus there is strong growth across key leisure routes, according to insights from Machjet International and bookings trends from Eden Retreat show.
The new data points to Aussies rethinking luxury travel – a clear shift toward domestic and short-haul destinations as ongoing global disruption continues to impact long-haul travel.
This shift follows recent widespread flight cancellations across Europe at the start of the northern hemisphere summer, which have reinforced concerns around the reliability of long-haul travel during peak periods.
“We’re having more conversations with clients who are uncertain about heading to Europe this summer, particularly following the recent disruption,” Machjet general manager Abbie McDermott said.
“There’s a growing preference to stay closer to home, with travellers telling us they don’t want to risk getting stuck overseas and missing important commitments.”
Enquiries for private charters between Sydney and Hamilton Island have increased by four per cent, while Sunshine Coast to Queenstown has grown by 10 per cent (YTD 2026 compared to 2025).
“At the premium end of the market, travel decisions are increasingly driven by reliability and continuity of experience – not just destination,” McDermott added. “What we’re seeing is not a slowdown in demand, but a recalibration. Travellers still want high-end experiences, but they’re choosing options that reduce risk and maximise their time.
“We’re seeing destinations like Hamilton Island and New Zealand emerge as clear alternatives to Europe and other long-haul markets. They offer a premium experience within a shorter travel window, with far greater certainty around timing and access.”
Machjet is uniquely positioned to service this demand, as one of the few Australian operators with the approvals required to operate private charter flights across the Tasman, enabling direct, seamless connections between Australia and New Zealand.
The business is also seeing broader diversification across its leisure portfolio, supported by international assets including luxury holiday properties in Greece, Canada and Hamilton Island – providing direct insight into shifting global demand patterns.
At the same time, operators on the ground are seeing a parallel shift in traveller mindset, with wellness and recovery becoming central to luxury travel decisions.
Eden Retreat CEO Dan Hastings said the business is experiencing an uplift in bookings, driven largely by domestic guests, following a 78 per cent increase in the past four months (noting the conflict with Iran started on 28 February).
“We’re seeing continued demand, but those travellers are choosing to stay closer to home,” Hastings said. “They’re prioritising destinations that are easy to access but deliver a deeper, more meaningful experience.
“Anecdotally, guests are telling us they’re fatigued by the constant cycle of disruption and negative global news. They’re actively seeking environments where they can disconnect, reset and regain a sense of control.
“At Eden, that’s translating into strong demand for programs focused on stress reduction, sleep and mental clarity – it’s less about indulgence and more about outcomes.”
The retreat, which traditionally draws guests from Queensland, NSW and Victoria, is also seeing increased demand from local Gold Coast and Northern NSW markets, alongside a rise in shorter, high-impact stays designed to deliver tangible wellbeing benefits.
Together, the trends point to a maturing luxury travel market – one where time efficiency, personal wellbeing and experience design are becoming as important as the destination itself.
“Luxury travellers are prioritising seamless, end-to-end experiences,” McDermott added. “That includes how they get there, how long it takes, and how confident they feel in the journey.
“Luxury is no longer just about where you go – it’s about how you feel when you return,” Hastings concluded. “In many ways, wellbeing has become the new currency of travel.”
