Travel chiefs in aviation, cruise, hotels, tours consider Covid and the year ahead
We asked Australia’s travel leaders to gaze into their crystal balls at the year ahead. This is what they saw.
As Covid-19 and the dastardly Omicron variant continue to turn Australian travellers’ plans upside down, T+L asks local industry leaders for their perspectives. What’s on the cards for their business in 2022, where do they personally hope to travel this year, and if they were to gaze into a crystal ball, what would they see?
PHILLIPA HARRISON
Managing director, Tourism Australia
What next? This will be a positive, if not bumpy, year of tourism recovery. For Tourism Australia that means a year to drive much-needed international demand and travellers back to Australia. We will continue to support and partner with our industry as we rebuild tourism together.
Where to? At this stage – anywhere. But for me, it’s exploring those unknown gems across the country that have surprised Australians as they have discovered their own backyards. I am also planning on visiting those who have done it the hardest – those experiences, cities and destinations reliant on international tourists. State and territory border closures have hurt consumer confidence to travel, so I hope for a nationally consistent approach to give operators and travellers the certainty they are after.
In the crystal ball? Our research tells us Australia remains an incredibly desirable destination for international visitors and we can’t wait to say “g’day” and welcome more travellers back to our beautiful country when the time is right. We also know travellers will be looking to splurge a little, immerse themselves in more bespoke experiences, find offerings that consider wellness, and explore and better understand Indigenous cultures, all of which are areas where Australia has a competitive edge.
ALAN JOYCE
Chief executive, Qantas Airways
What next? This is shaping up to be a really exciting year for Qantas and its customers. We’ve already announced new international flights to Rome and Delhi, with more to come. Our A380s will be back flying in the middle of the year, which means the return of first class, and we’ll add more 787 Dreamliners to the network, which were put on hold during the pandemic. It will be a great time to book a holiday as fares should be generally lower than they were pre-pandemic as we try to get all of our aircraft and people back to work.
Where to? Like most people, I’ve got a fair bit of travel to catch up on, both for work and leisure. I’ll be taking advantage of the flights to Rome in the middle of the year to see a few friends and family in Europe. I’ll also be heading to the US and Asia on business. I love the Great Barrier Reef, and now that domestic borders are open I’d really like to get back up there.
In the crystal ball? We’re seeing really strong demand to Rome, Vancouver and Delhi, which was the fastest-selling route since we relaunched international flights. This shows just how keen Australians are to reunite with loved ones or experience something new. Domestically, Tasmania continues to boom. We’ve added eight new routes to the Apple Isle since the pandemic began and travellers can’t get enough of its natural beauty, amazing food and history. Since Queensland opened up we’ve seen strong demand into holiday hot spots across the state.
GLEN MORONEY
Founder and chairman, The Scenic Group
What next? This will be a significant year as our Australian guests return to river and ocean cruising. In April, we are looking forward to Scenic’s sister brand, Emerald Cruises, launching its first superyacht, Emerald Azzurra, in the Mediterranean. In 2023 our fleet will grow with the arrival of our second ultra-luxury Discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, and the Emerald Sakara superyacht.
Where to? Top of the list has to be Australia, to return home [from Switzerland] and spend time with family and friends. Second is the Iberian Sea cruise on Emerald Azzurra to share our new superyacht experience with our closest friends. At the end of the year, we’re looking forward to experiencing the pristine landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica on a Scenic Eclipse voyage.
In the crystal ball? We’re seeing our guests booking longer cruises, combining voyages and journeys in one trip to optimise the number of experiences. They’re also celebrating anniversaries and birthdays with friends and family. We are seeing strong demand for our luxury river and ocean-yacht cruising in 2023 and 2024. We are focused on helping our guests navigate the changed travel world, and our flexible booking policies and health and safety protocols are proving to be drawcards.
JAMES BAILLIE
Founder, Baillie Lodges
What next? Hopefully welcoming back many international visitors to our properties as Australia learns to live with Covid. It’s going to be a busy year, with the new Silky Oaks Lodge (Daintree) enjoying the limelight after its $20m rejuvenation, and construction kicking off to bring Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island back from the ashes for a 2023 relaunch. The newly acquired The Louise in the Barossa is set for a “Baillie-fication” mid-year. We are also planning a makeover of Huka Lodge in New Zealand.
Where to? We’ve just come back from Lord Howe Island, which is such a fantastic and active destination. Our sons are also keen for us to return to Indonesia for surfing in Sumba and diving with whale sharks. We have booked out the new Scenic Rim Walk in Queensland with friends and we’re looking forward to exploring the southwest of WA, where my wife Hayley and I bought some incredible land at Injidup Beach during lockdown.
In the crystal ball? So much hinges on our borders and the willingness of Australians to face the reality of Covid being endemic and part of life. I’m in favour of just getting on with it but I think we will see two types of travellers – those who are ready to jet off and those who want to continue exploring our own country. From an international perspective, I see Australia being in demand as a safe and uncrowded destination and I feel sure higher-end experiential properties will lead the way.
DENNIS BUNNIK
Joint chief executive, Bunnik Tours
What next? This will be the year we reconnect with the world as we restart our international touring program. We’re working with our local teams to bring tours back online as soon as it is safe to do so. We can’t wait to help our guests rediscover the joy of travel.
Where to? Everywhere. I am a natural explorer and being locked down is not my normal state. Top of my list will be reconnecting with our teams in Sri Lanka, Egypt and Slovenia. I’ll also be travelling to various destinations to help train tour guides, accompanying our first groups to Sri Lanka, Japan and Europe and joining tours in Egypt and Oman. So far, I am up to eight international trips so it is promising to be an epic year.
In the crystal ball? As we open up there will be new steps and protocols to navigate. Unfortunately, these can change, sometimes with little notice. We will see more travellers book through a tour operator so we can navigate those changes and they can enjoy their holiday. We’re seeing strong bookings for bucket-list destinations such as Egypt, Italy, Peru and even African safaris for the second half of 2022. Early bookings are recommended as well as ensuring your passport is valid.
BEN ANGELL
Vice-president and managing director, NCL Asia Pacific
What next? We remain focused on our commitment to the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit. We believe mandatory vaccinations, universal testing and our comprehensive health and safety protocols are the safest way to cruise. Looking ahead, we can’t wait for Australians to have the chance to be the first to sail on our new Prima Class ships – kicking off with Norwegian Prima in August, when she makes her maiden voyage in Northern Europe, followed by Norwegian Viva in the Mediterranean from 2023.
Where to? In May I’m looking forward to exploring the Hawaiian islands aboard Pride of America, our dedicated Hawaiian ship, then in August, I’ll be sailing Northern Europe on Norwegian Prima, visiting my bucket-list destination, Iceland.
In the crystal ball? We know from recent NCL research that 90 per cent of Australians believe holidays are important for their mental wellbeing, so it’s not surprising local travellers are keen to get back to cruising. We also know 94 per cent intend to travel more mindfully, taking time to live in the moment and appreciate travel for the gift it is. As for destinations, I believe the Mediterranean and Northern Europe will continue to reign as popular choices, along with Hawaii and New Zealand for those who prefer to explore closer to home.
ANDREW BURNES
Chief executive, Helloworld Travel
What next? As Omicron hopefully fades, 2022 will be a year of recovery as we learn to live with this virus. We saw late last year an uptick in demand for the advice, service, support and back-up that agents provide in an uncertain world with fluid rules and continued uncertainty. Your travel agent is a priceless asset in these times.
Where to? After 267 days in lockdown, anywhere. My favourite destinations are the Top End, the Pacific, southern Europe, South America and Africa. I think the last two are off-limits for a while yet but certainly the others are at the top of my list.
In the crystal ball? There will be a lot of domestic and South Pacific travel in the first half of 2022, followed by the return of cruising and then longer haul to Britain, Europe and the US.
SARINA BRATTON
Chairman Asia Pacific, Ponant
What next? The federal government’s two-month extension of the biosecurity declaration creates unnecessary uncertainty as to when we can commence operations in Australia. Our small ships (160 and 200 passengers) are in Noumea and are in a good position to move quickly. We’re still hopeful of a late March commencement for the Kimberley ex-Darwin. The 2021 Kimberley expedition season on small vessels operated successfully with no health incident. Ten of our 13 expedition ships have progressively been operating through 2020 and 2021. The Omicron transmission experience around the world indicates no country or region is able to avoid its effects. As the Prime Minister says, we need to learn to live with it. I urge the governments to clear the way for the expedition sector to undertake its planned 2022 Kimberley operations and allow the 6000-plus Aussies booked to explore their country.
Where to? My husband and I can’t wait to get back to beautiful Wanaka in New Zealand to visit our daughter. To live so close yet not be allowed to be with family has been emotionally trying. Virtual hugs don’t really do it.
In the crystal ball? Small, luxury, responsible exploration on new ships with the latest technology is our predicted sweet spot for consumer sentiment. Reticence about long-haul air travel will continue in 2022, easing more in 2023. Our commitment to closer-to-home expeditions has ramped up considerably with multiple ships deployed to destinations such as the Ross Sea, Melanesia, Raja Ampat and Borneo. There will be plenty of choice close by.
JUDE TURNER
Founder, Spicers Retreats
What next? Covid lockdowns have held up our plans for refurbishments and additions in many Spicers properties. We’re excited to get back to that and to implement new experiences for guests, including our 10th retreat, Spicers Tower Lodge in the Hunter Valley.
Where to? Northern Croatia with friends for our annual bike ride in September, originally planned for May 2020. And to London to see our daughter and granddaughter.
In the crystal ball? Some people are just busting to travel overseas again but I think they will be careful where they go for a while. Covid, and now Omicron specifically, has made overseas travel more complicated with new rules and testing. Others now have the taste for Australia and will be staying in Oz for 2022 at least. I think the trend here for the next few years is away from big crowded venues and accommodation, so our blend of quality and space in the country is ideal.
BAS BOSSCHIETER
Chief executive, Captain’s Choice
What next? We are continuing to innovate and create new journeys across Australia and New Zealand. We’ve introduced intimate expedition cruising for only 30 guests aboard a luxury superyacht, three journeys to Australia’s most luxurious lodges connected by a Royal Jet, and a series of solo journeys – tapping into the increasing trend of travelling independently in a small group. We also look forward to welcoming back some of our popular domestic trips to the most remote corners of Australia.
Where to? I hope to further explore regional areas in both Victoria and NSW. Silo art has really captured my attention. Combine that with local produce and a great selection of wineries – what more does one need?
In the crystal ball? Australians are itching to travel interstate and across the ditch to our Kiwi neighbours – close-to-home travel will still be key. There will be continued focus on health and safety, and it’s something we consider so important at Captain’s Choice and why we have a tour doctor on every journey. The pandemic has restricted travel for a considerable amount of time. This has ignited a stronger-than-ever desire to explore the incredible destinations on our doorstep as well as certain international destinations.
GEOFF YORK
Chief executive, Crystalbrook Collection Hotels & Resorts
What next? I had been hoping we would move past a sense of just existing to living again, growing our teams and business. Enter Omicron and that’s looking delayed. Three years ago we opened the first of our seven upscale hotels, delivering our responsible-luxury positioning and demonstrating that upscale hotels can have environmentally sound practices that enhance, not compromise, guest experiences. I’m determined Covid-19 won’t define us and that our growth continues.
Where to? At last count I’m up to four cancelled holidays since early 2020. I need to feel the sand between my toes, balmy weather and the siren sound of cocktail hour calling, so it will be to a tropical destination – one of the Far North Queensland islands or Pacific countries no doubt.
In the crystal ball? What’s normal today is not tomorrow. The collective desire for travel has never waned, just the choice of available destinations. This year will slowly present more offshore possibilities, while we continue to explore Australia’s backyard. I think we’ll see a great emphasis on sustainable travel and more travellers choosing to book directly with hotels and airlines. I’m not expecting travel to return to 2019 levels until mid-2023.
MATTHEW CAMERON-SMITH
Chief executive, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
What next? This will be a recovery year for Ayers Rock Resort and the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. The domestic market will remain critical, and smooth border operations will be a key success factor as will attracting and retaining the right talent. We are looking forward to graduating our next round of students from the Voyages National Indigenous Training Academy. To date we have graduated more than 500 young Indigenous trainees with a nationally recognised certificate in hospitality, retail or horticulture. We also will celebrate the first anniversary of the Gallery of Central Australia and the 10th anniversary of Tali Wiru, our dune-top Indigenous dining experience.
Where to? We are excited to head to Queensland early this year to reunite with family, then in May we are all attending the Opera Gala at Uluru. This will be the second time Opera Australia has performed but our first experience of it as a family.
In the crystal ball? Australians have fallen back in love with their own country. As international travel slowly recovers, I believe domestic travel will continue to be a critical part of our industry’s recovery, as will the strong desire to learn more about the incredible depth of our First Nations culture and wisdom.
SIMON McGRATH
Chief executive, Accor Pacific
What next? We are looking forward to welcoming our teams back and to giving our guests the outstanding service Accor is famous for. We cannot wait to reconnect with our loyal customers. Recently our ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program announced a partnership with Qantas for greater rewards, and we launched Accor Stadium, which will give access to incredible live entertainment and sporting experiences beyond our hotels. We will continue to open new properties and bring world-class hotels, resorts and apartments to Australia.
Where to? I can’t wait to be able travel everywhere. I am particularly keen to travel to Western Australia and Queensland again. Visiting our regional areas is exciting, but equally watching our cities open up will be great.
In the crystal ball? Australian cities will activate strongly with events and experiences. Loyalty will be key as people seek certainty. Lifestyle and restaurant experiences will dominate consumer demand. Employees will demand companies have strong purpose. Geopolitical issues globally will be more complex than ever. Investment in travel and tourism will exceed expectations as investors seek to benefit from the strong sector and the decade ahead.
Simon McGrath takes on the role of chief executive of Crown Sydney next month.
MARK FIFIELD
Group general manager, Coral Expeditions
What next? We have high hopes that 2022 will be more certain for our guests. We will continue to focus our expeditions on remote areas of Australia’s coastline as these will be the safest and most reliable for travellers. We have excellent forward bookings in the Kimberley, Tasmania and Cape York and our new South Australian Islands and Abrolhos voyages are attracting great interest.
Where to? While our annual ski trip to Japan is unlikely, we look forward to greater freedoms to travel within Australia and to New Zealand to reunite with family I haven’t seen for more than two years. My wife Sam and I are avid trail runners and look forward to exploring the old race venues at Mt Buffalo and in the Blue Mountains and others internationally as they become accessible.
In the crystal ball? We expect to see a gradual return to some normality, and no doubt health considerations will continue to shape the landscape. People are looking for safe travel to remote destinations while learning about the people, culture, history and nature. They want to share the company of likeminded travellers in a comfortable setting. Our vessels are designed with open public areas and extensive outdoor options.
CHARLIE CARLOW
Founder, Wild Bush Luxury
What next? This year is an opportunity to connect people with the bush again and for our teams in the field to indulge our guests’ passion for the environment. After more than a year of online overload, this will be an opportunity for travellers to truly reconnect with the landscape. This is true for both our Bamurru Plains (NT) and Arkaba (SA) properties. With The Maria Island Walk coming into the ExperienceCo/Wild Bush Luxury fold, there will be a focus on Tasmania as we explore the potential for other experiences there. We will work with the environment and local communities and use our tourism business as a channel to contribute locally, culturally and environmentally.
Where to? Anywhere that has clean air, few people, natural landscape and no Wi-Fi. Much of Australia still qualifies.
In the crystal ball? If we can get over the unpredictability of travel, I hope people will think about how they travel. The right sort of travel can be a force for good. Travelling longer and slower will feature in decisions as people look for more substance, rather than just a “flop and drop” experience.
STEVE ODELL
Senior vice-president and managing director Asia Pacific, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
What next? We are looking forward to having all six ships back in the water, and to celebrating our 30th-anniversary year with commemorative events and gifts for guests. We are anticipating strong demand when we open bookings for 2024/2025 itineraries and our 2025 World Cruise – the 2024 voyage sold out in less than three hours. We will also reveal more details of our newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur.
Where to? I will be reconnecting with family and friends at a wedding in Britain in June, then joining the honeymoon in Malta with the entire family. Afterwards, I cannot wait to spend a quiet week at Belmond’s Grand Hotel Timeo in Sicily. As for business travel, I am eager to connect with our major business partners in Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong in person.
In the crystal ball? As witnessed by our record booking days for 2024 sailings, we expect guests will continue planning luxury travel further ahead, and to take longer journeys, such as our Grand Voyages and extended European itineraries. I firmly believe the pandemic has made Australians eager to make up for lost time by taking multiple bucket-list holidays. Guests keen to treat themselves are typically upgrading to our larger Penthouse or Master Suites, not forgetting our Regent Suites, considered the most exclusive address at sea.
BEN SOUTHALL
Expedition director, Best Life Adventures
What next? Our clients are pretty adventurous and revel in the wilderness, so things are looking good once the green light of travel is shining bright again. I’m really looking forward to getting back to some of our most in-demand international destinations such as the Himalayas, Africa, Mongolia and the Arctic. It’s been two years since we’ve truly gone off-grid and our clients are busting to get there. Some of the remote overseas communities rely heavily on tourism so it’s going to be great for them too.
Where to? I’m keen to get anywhere that challenges me culturally. I miss that feeling of arriving in a new country and having to figure everything out for the first time. Australia is a wonderful place to live but life here doesn’t test me enough.
In the crystal ball? I think it’s going to take at least another 12 months before we see international travel get back to any semblance of pre-Covid normal. I feel cruise travel and city breaks will be some of the last travel experiences to get back up and running. People are looking to visit more remote parts of the world where they can disconnect from technology, immerse themselves in nature and get away from people.
PHIL HOFFMANN
Founder and managing director, Phil Hoffmann Travel, Adelaide
What next? We’re looking forward to a much-improved year. Bookings for European river cruising are strong from April onwards, particularly in the Mediterranean and Baltic. Alaska is coming back slowly but demand for European coach holidays is almost non-existent. New Zealand has fallen off the radar for now. Many travellers are playing a waiting game. Based on inquiries, roughly two-thirds of clients intend to travel this year but around a third are holding off until 2023.
Where to? I’m heading to Hawaii but otherwise staying close to home, cranking up our offices. All the travel I planned for 2020, including a cruise of the Adriatic on a superyacht, will have to wait until 2023.
In the crystal ball? We’re detecting an underlying hesitancy among baby boomers; I think many will choose to holiday domestically. Stop-start border closures have been the biggest impediment. On the international front, inbound caps have made it difficult to quote fares; things will improve when caps are eased. Qatar and Singapore Airlines have been fantastic in supporting Adelaide by maintaining services. On the cruising front, we’d worked hard to have more South Australian ports added to schedules and it’s sad to see that fall away during Covid. I don’t expect cruise ships will return to Australian waters until September or October.
