Accommodation specialist, Stuba, has said that they have seen a 39 per cent increase in bookings since Easter vs the same period pre-pandemic in 2019.
Stuba saw a marked improvement in sales as soon as the easing of restrictions was announced. Despite international borders reopening, domestic sales are still strong with triple-digit growth figures with destinations such as Darwin, Port Douglas, Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Alice Springs, and Broome seeing strong sales.
Short-haul destinations seeing robust triple-digit growth include Bali, Fiji, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. Stuba reports that popular European destinations including Italy, France and Spain are currently trading flat i.e., the same number of room nights booked vs 2019.
Stuba’s biggest selling destination from Australia is the USA and reports 40 per cent growth, with Hawaii, New York City, Las Vegas, and Anaheim showing excellent rebound.
Rebecca Day, head of sales, said: “Finally, it looks like confidence to travel has returned. Huge thanks go to all our agents and brilliant staff for their support in recent times. We are looking forward to working closely with them all once again.”
Stuba also reports their average booking value has increased by 22 per cent for the same period pre-pandemic suggesting stronger demand for a luxury product whilst they are seeing an increase in length of stay by 25 per cent.
CEO, Ruchir Bang, said: “Our average booking value increases show that customers are trading up and staying longer having been denied international travel for so long.
“The team have been working incredibly hard this year to contract more luxury hotels in all our core and growth destinations, and it’s paying off, proving we offer fantastic value for travel agents and their clients”.
Stuba is currently running an incentive for Australia agents to celebrate the return of travel. All bookings over $250 made until 26 June will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win one of 25 prizes including AirPod Pros, Sonos Roam, Apple Watch 7, and $150 e-gift card vouchers.
Agents can keep up to date with Stuba on their Facebook page.
