Australians ready to spend $250 billion on travel
Travel is a bright spot amid global challenges: People are keen to spend billions saved during pandemic
One of Australia’s leading economists says that travel, amid the global challenges of high inflation, supply chain disruptions and the conflict in Ukraine, will be a key factor shielding Australia from a hard landing amid the slowdown of the global economy.
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HSBC Chief Economist Australia, New Zealand & Global Commodities, Paul Bloxham, who will share his insights with attendees at the Flight Centre Corporate Illuminate conference in Sydney on 20 October, said with households having spent less during the pandemic and the country’s unemployment rate at its lowest since the mid-1970s, as a result, Australians have saved over $250 billion and are ready to deploy those funds.
“Now that the world is reopening, there is a strong appetite for travel among the population and we expect to see a continued increase in travel activity, particularly domestically. Australians are also starting to travel abroad again in large numbers,” he said.
“Corporate travel is reviving faster than leisure, with businesses returning to face-to-face contact, particularly at conferences and other events.”
“Globally, inflation rates are well above those we’ve seen in decades. While inflation is running at around eight percent in US and nine percent in the Europe, its growth in Australia has fortunately been slower.
“We forecast Australia will avoid a recession, unlike some other countries.
“Supply constraints are also a deep global issue, because of the impact of the pandemic, the Ukraine war, labour shortages and a shortage of shipping containers. Policymakers, central banks and treasurers, will need to tighten up policy settings to try and slow demand down.”
Mr Bloxham said interest rate increases introduced in Australia, and the subsequent decline in house prices, will help discourage households from spending to ease inflation.
“I anticipate consumer spending in Australia will slow from six percent to close to two percent next year. Consumers will also redirect more of their spending to services, including travel and hospitality,” he said.
“While this will be a challenge for Asian economies because they are big producers of manufactured goods, Australia, which has a strong service-based economy, will be in better shape.
“Bringing international tourists back also ought to be a key focus for policymakers and will benefit the economy.
“Closing our borders was a successful strategy in managing the pandemic. However, it did do damage and it will take some time for international travellers to return. I expect a travel bounce-back between New Zealand and Australia first – something we’re already seeing.”
Mr Bloxham said he also believes the Australian dollar will weaken further, predicting a fall to US$0.63 by mid-2023 which will encourage travellers to our shores.
“This will be attractive to international travellers, who may see us as a cheaper option for them, which will be helpful to the economy,” he said.
“While it will be slower bringing international leisure travellers back over corporates, their return presents a great opportunity for local businesses.
“Ultimately, Australia’s economy is doing well. Spending is strong, the unemployment rate remains low and the labour market is strong.
“While we are operating beyond our capacity, and it is crucial we slow things down, travel is one thing we expect that people will choose to spend on.”
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
