THE spike in coronavirus cases in Australia over recent weeks has put paid to the nascent recovery of consumer travel spending, according to the latest News Corp Australia index.
Although there had been signs of an upturn or at least a stabilisation in the previous report (TD 21 Jul), the new figures – based on consumer spending on travel via credit cards for the week ending 20 Jul – now indicate a reversal.
“The market has been shaken by recent outbreaks and border restrictions,” said Fiona Nilsson, News Corp MD Food & Travel.
“All sectors have dropped back to Jun levels, with cruise showing a small improvement week on week.
“Yet consumer interest in travel destinations has not waned, suggesting consideration is ongoing and even increasing throughout COVID-19,” she said.
The figures are delayed by about two weeks, with further declines expected as the impact of Victoria’s dramatic lockdown, the Queensland outbreak and ensuing border closures continue to make their impacts felt.
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Source: traveldaily