In what are more promising signs for travel, Helloworld Travel Limited (HLO) has reported a 60 per cent rise in turnover from Australian and New Zealand sales in the January to March quarter, despite heavily impacted January sales due to the Omicron outbreak.
In its just-released ASX market update, total turnover in leisure bookings was up 117 per cent and revenue up 89 per cent. HLO said forward bookings had also had a boost thanks to the return of cruise from Australia in April and stabilised borders.
Turnover for Helloworld Travel’s wholesale arm is also tracking higher at 154.3 per cent compared to the prior year in Australia despite the lockdowns earlier in the year, the Omicron outbreak and floods in New South Wales and South-East Queensland.
Helloworld retail makes moves to home-based
Helloworld Travel confirmed that over the last six months, some multi-agency owners have consolidated some of their outlets while other agencies have scaled down their businesses or moved to home-based agencies or broker networks.
Bricks and mortar store-based businesses in Australia declined by 20 per cent, while home-based businesses increased by 25 per cent.
The total number of members in Australia in March 2022 was 1,753 comprising 1,039 agencies and 714 home-based businesses. In 2019, the total number of members in Australia was 1,895.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the total number of HLO members has reduced by approximately 30 per cent.
The total number of members in New Zealand in March 2022 was 317 comprising 104 agencies and 213 home-based businesses. In 2019, the total number of members in New Zealand was 501.
Sales wise, HLO’s retail business in Australia has shown significant improvement from the prior year with turnover growth of 145 per cent for the March quarter and a 164 per cent improvement year to date.
HLO said that multiple tranches of the Consumer Travel Support Program together with State Government assistance had assisted agents across Australia while in New Zealand agents have benefited from the million Consumer Travel Reimbursement Scheme.
Helloworld Travel also held its first Owner-Managers network Conference for two years last weekend on the Gold Coast, with 500 members and suppliers in attendance.
For more, head to www2.asx.com.au/markets/company/HLO