The pleasing result followed a financial year 2025 growth of 48% for US bookings – increases achieved in a climate that Helloworld conceded still involves “complex” sentiment toward the
major North American market.
“Right now, we are seeing a clear message that the appetite for leisure travel to the US continues to be strong,” Helloworld’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director Cinzia Burnes said.
“Even with mixed global perceptions, the booking activity we have seen over the last 12 months, and more significantly the last two weeks, is suggesting that Australians are continuing to have an enthusiasm for US travel experiences,” she added.
Helloworld attributed the surprising growth to a combination of factors, including competitive airfare deals, added air capacity, strategic marketing activity, and its enhanced product range and competitive packages.
The results followed ABS figures this month that showed Aussie travel to the United States in
May grew by 12,600 visits on the previous month (TD 15 Jul).
More broadly, the latest figures from within the US show the country continues to see YoY volume dips, exacerbated by major cuts to its tourism marketing body Brand USA, and a planned doubling of the ESTA fee from US$21 to $40 (TD 07 Jul).
