Flexible bookings sought

INSIGHTS from a Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) agent survey revealed exclusively to Travel Daily have found 86.6% of customers are looking for more flexible booking terms.

It is by far the biggest change in travel behaviour since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, FCTG said, with roughly 60% of customers currently looking at booking domestic holidays - surprisingly split 50/50 for intra- and interstate - with Flight Centre Travel Group General Manager Australia Kelly Spencer adding WA and the islands of Qld are some of the more-coveted destinations.

Spencer also reflected on some other encouraging trends noted from the survey.

“There seems to be a tendency to book longer stays, I think everyone still wants to have their two weeks away... the length of stay and the amount people are spending is a lot higher,” she said.

“The average length of stay is about 10-12 days, where previously it was a quick weekend or up to five days.

“We’re seeing the higher end of the market well represented... people still want an amazing experience and they know close to home is a great option.”

Almost half (45.2%) of current travel intent is for the next three months, while approximately 20% of those intending to take a vacation are planning to do so within the next six months.

“That element of security and safety is coming into a lot of questions we’re getting from customers,” Spencer added.

“I think once borders open up it will be a lot about where it is safe to go and as agents we can really make sure we’re the experts at that advice and the recommendations.”