How will Trumpaggedon affect travel
The overnight election of Trump to US President has left the world shocked, and those at World Travel Market in London were wondering just what does this mean for travel?
Shock, devastation and bewilderment: those appeared to be the main emotions among staff on the US stands at the World Travel Market in east London at what has been dubbed “Trumpaggedon” by some in tourism, according to the Independent.
America has the largest presence at the annual global travel event, where many were studying their smartphones throughout the presidential election.
Travelzoo UK managing director Joel Brandon-Bravo said “following confirmation of a win for Donald Trump in the presidential election, we’re now forecasting an unstable 2017 for US tourism, with over one million UK travellers set to reconsider the country as a holiday destination.”
In a Travelzoo survey conducted shortly before the election, one in five respondents said they would “definitely” not consider the US as a travel destination if Mr Trump were to be elected. A further one in nine said they would “probably” not travel to America.
Other members of the industry reacted by taking to social media to say they were changing their US holidays to Canada instead.
Could this mean an influx of travellers to Canada instead of the US? Representatives of the Canadian travel industry at World Travel Market were quietly jubilant, because they believe they will be the beneficiary of displaced tourism to the US.
Flight Centre seem adamant that the outcome of the United States presidential election is unlikely to end the Aussie love affair with US holidays.
Flight Centre Travel Group’s Australia leisure travel businesses general manager, Tom Walley, said today that he predicted that the US would maintain its appeal as a holiday destination.
“The US has been incredibly popular and we expect that popularity to continue, given the country’s huge appeal to Aussie holidaymakers,” Walley said.
“Our US ticket numbers increased almost 40% last month and have grown almost 15% so far this financial year. The strong demand we have seen in recent times has, in part, been fuelled by some the cheapest return fares we have ever seen to Hawaii, Los Angeles, New York and other destinations.”
“We don’t anticipate that any short-term uncertainty arising as a result of yesterday’s election will deter travellers from taking advantage of these offers.”
Mr Walley said travellers could take steps to protect themselves from the impacts of possible exchange rate fluctuations in the future by paying upfront for as many holiday necessities as possible and converting spending money now.
Meanwhile, Cheapflights.com.au revealed that searches for flights to America dropped dramatically over the last week – down 19.8 per cent – as the uncertainty of the result caused Aussies to rethink travel plans.
Cheapflights ANZ Regional Sales Manager, Nathan Graham said there has been a massive 55.3 per cent downturn in overall searches from Australia to the USA when compared to before candidates were nominated in July.
“Overnight, we saw searches for one-way flights from the US to Canada increase by 133% compared to a month ago, and as the polls closed and results start to roll in, searches out of America only accelerated. Between 6pm ET and midnight, these searches were more than 1000% over the average volume in the same window over the last four weeks.
“Between midnight and 8am ET, searches for one way tickets from the US to Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Japan, South Africa and Germany also jumped by over 500% compared to the last four weeks. Last year, Australia welcomed over 580,000 US tourists and whilst we’re confident that Aussies will continue to want to visit the USA, what the ‘Trump Effect’ could mean for American tourists – faced with potential currency uncertainty and increased border controls at home – remains to be seen,” Graham added.
“With Donald Trump now elected President, we can already see the dollar improving against the greenback. This is good news for Aussies heading over to the USA over the next few months, and could give travellers as much as 20 per cent extra bang for their buck. On the flip side however, this cheaper exchange rate could spike demand and raise the cost of airfares and hotel bookings.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
cheapflights donald trump flight centre Trump US ElectionLatest News
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar turns 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights across domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Amora going the way of property tycoons Australia wide... More more more!
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
Trilogy Hotels and Panthers Group have signed a milestone agreement that will see Trilogy Hotels oversee operations of the five-star Pullman Sydney Penrith. Part of a $110m investment from Panthers Group, the 153-room hotel opened in August last year and is the first five-star offering in Penrith. Trilogy Hotels is a new name in the […]
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.