TRAVEL BUG: MTA – Mobile Travel Agent Michelle Young says although there’s future interest in international travel, right now people are looking domestic.
The introduction of digital health passes is expected to provide reassurance for international jet setters once borders reopen, but Orange travel agents have confirmed while they remain closed interest is still firmly focused on domestic travel.
Farther afield despite the government’s ban on cruising and international travel remaining in place until at least March 17, Orange travel consultant Michelle Young said the interest she’s receiving is more
consistent with those restrictions. It’s been confirmed the government will revisit those restrictions this month, with Michelle explaining she’s taking enquiries for cruises much later in the year, somewhat surprisingly, both domestic and international. Many people are using the opportunity book destinations or experiences in Australia they’ve never got around to doing before.
“I’m starting to see enquiries, particularly for (domestic) cruising from Australia ports from late 2021 onward,” Michelle Young, from MTA Mobile Travel Agents said. “But I am also getting enquiries about cruising from Sydney to New Zealand or the South Pacific Islands.” Any international cruises will be subject to over-arching restrictions or reciprocal travel bubbles being established, rather than the one-way bubble in place with New Zealand at the moment.
Air New Zealand will begin testing an industry-developed Travel Pass app on Auckland to Sydney flights, which will be linked to a passenger’s e-passport and carry verified copies of COVID-19 test results and
immunisations. With a number of major airlines worldwide committing to the app and Qantas expressing interest, it could provide insight into the future of international travel or, at least, provide reassurance of safe flights. “So many people will want to be on that first plane to New Zealand when the bubble is open in both directions. I think the vaccination passport will definitely reassure some people,” Mrs Young said.
“There is still some nervousness around borders opening and closing however most people are keen to travel, so they’re looking at holidays within NSW and further afield,” Mrs Young said.
“Many people are using the opportunity to book destinations or experiences in Australia they’ve never got around to doing before, as international travel was always calling. “There are people waiting for travel bubbles to open up with other South Pacific countries or even Asia (and) I also have clients looking at Europe for 2022 and 2023, so there is interest in planning overseas holidays, just not for this year.”
Credit: Matt Findlay – Central Western Daily Orange
Photo credit: Jude Keogh