The travel industry’s post-pandemic recovery continues to gain momentum, with TravelManagers Australia revealing its May 2022 sales figures were at 92 per cent of the same period in 2019.

Chief operating officer, Grant Campbell, said the figures reveal an even more optimistic picture at an individual level, with average sales per personal travel manager (PTM) in May at their highest ever.

“What’s more, the average income per PTM – based on commissions and service fees – in May is also at an all-time high,” he added.

Whilst this recovery may seem miraculous, Campbell points out that it comes as the culmination of a lot of hard work behind the scenes over the course of the pandemic.

According to Campbell, with the support of TravelManagers national partnership office (NPO), PTMs have worked on their businesses, polishing their systems and product knowledge while focusing on the domestic market and waiting for the point at which customers would once again start looking beyond Australia for their next travel fix.

The reaction from Melanie Whyte, who is TravelManagers’ representative for Devonport, Tasmania, summed up the sentiment shared by PTMs throughout Australia.

“Whew, what just happened? I think May was the busiest I have had in 22 years in the job!” she commented.

“38 people to Europe, thirteen to the US, four to the Pacific Islands, one to Asia and countless people around Australia: it makes my heart happy!”

Whyte said that whilst it has become necessary to navigate new (and oft-changing) post-pandemic rules relating to testing, certification, passenger declarations and more, her customers are happy to put their faith in her ability to ensure that all bases are covered.

“I’m having to tell my customers that if they are thinking of getting away in 2022, they need to book now. The European summer is almost booked out for flights, the United States is not far behind, and the entire world seems to have this immense buzz now that we’re allowed to travel.”

Featured image: Tasmanian personal travel manager – Melanie Whyte