Latest news with #ATIA
New York Post
20-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Aussies are traveling to the US in droves, despite Trump's strict border stance: report
There's been a surprising spike in Aussies heading to the US after many were deterred by President Donald Trump's strict border stance and other controversial government policies. According to new data released by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), travel from Australia to the US increased by 4.8 percent year-on-year and was up 8 percent in May 2025 compared to May 2024. Advertisement Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) were also up in various categories including traveling on a holiday (up 12 percent compared with last year), visiting friends or relatives (up 15 percent) or for business (up 8 percent). It shows a solid improvement compared to April where there was a 6.2 per cent decline. US inbound travel to Australia, however, slipped by 3.7 percent in May and remained flat year-on-year with a modest 0.6 percent rise. 'The USA remains popular with outbound travelers, but the muted inbound response highlights challenges in achieving a balanced two-way tourism recovery,' ATIA director of compliance and membership, Nina Hedges said. Destinations Aussies are travelling to over the US Advertisement The US continues to take a back seat to destinations like Bali, Japan and Vietnam, which lead the way as Australia's favourite overseas locations. According to recent ATIA figures, for the year ending May 2025, outbound travel surged by 12.5 percent to 12.21 million trips, driven by a strong appetite for travel across Asia. Standout growth included Indonesia (Bali) up 16.3 percent, Japan, up 32.4 percent, Vietnam, up 25.8 percent and China, up 26.9 percent. 3 More Australians are heading to the United States despite being previously affected by President Donald Trump's strict border policies. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement 'Asia continues to shine as the preferred playground for Australian travellers, with Bali, Tokyo and Ho Chi Minh City topping itineraries for millions,' Ms. Hedges said. Japan specifically continues to see a growth in visitor numbers thanks to expanded flight options and the region's strength with the AUD, allowing it to stretch further for accommodation, dining and shopping. 'Australia's love affair with America could fade' Flight Centre chief executive and founder Graham Turner told that in the first three months of 2025, leisure bookings to the US from Australia dropped about 12 to 15 percent compared to last year, while business travel remained 'on par'. But he anticipated the decline to 'accelerate' for both leisure and business travel across April, May and June. Advertisement June figures are yet to be released. Meanwhile, Sarah Megginson, a personal finance expert at Finder, previously said perceptions of hostility and the current political climate 'could see Australia's love affair with America fade.' She warned Australians to check their travel insurance policies carefully before going to the US as many insurers would not provide cover if you are denied entry at the border. 3 Data released from the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) shows travel from Australia to the US increased by 8% in May of 2025, compared to the same time a year ago. WILL OLIVER/EPA/Shutterstock There's been reported cases of tourists being denied entry on arrival and at times, strip searched and thrown in prison. It comes as the US maintains strict immigration rules with significant emphasis on border security and entry eligibility. 'With tensions rising on American soil, Australians are rethinking holidays to the US at the moment,' Ms. Megginson told in June. 'There's growing sentiment among Australians that the potential issues that could arise when visiting the US are beginning to outweigh the appeal of visiting some of our favorite cities. Advertisement 'My husband recently got back from a week in Los Angeles, and he noticed a huge shift from previous visits: he was questioned in detail about all aspects of his trip and why he was travelling alone. 3 Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) also shows holiday travel to the U.S. went up by 12% compared to 2024. AFP via Getty Images 'It was a really hostile welcome, and if travellers feel they're being treated like suspects at the border, they'll simply take their travel dollars elsewhere.' Meanwhile, according to Finder survey results, it appears older Australians are less likely to be deterred by what is happening politically in the US, with this age group actually traveling to the States more on Intrepid trips this year than they did last year. Advertisement Leigh Barnes, who is the company's managing director of the Americas, told his team had increased their focus on domestic travel within the US, promoting the right products at the right time, and increasing their brand presence. Canadians visiting the US plummets Other visitors from other countries aren't so enthusiastic about the US with Canada – the country's biggest market for international visitors – having plummeted more than 14 percent, according to the US International Trade Administration, with almost a million fewer Canadians so far in 2025 compared to last year. Visitors from other countries, such as China, South Korea and Germany, have also declined. The drop in Canadian figures come as then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Canadians not to spend holiday dollars in the US after Mr. Trump's talks about tariffs and referring to Canada as 'the 51st state' in February. Advertisement He repeated that call to action until he left office in April. Forbes reported that three-quarters of Canadians who had previously planned a trip to the US say the tariff announcements influenced their plans. Over half (56 percent) of those who had been planning to visit the US have since decided to travel elsewhere, according to a survey by Leger Marketing of over 1,500 Canadian adults fielded mid-May. Advertisement Tourism Economics, which forecasts foreign traveller arrivals in the states, said the US is looking at a significant nine per cent drop in international arrivals for 2025, and a drop of $US8.5 billion – $A13 billion (-4.7 percent) in international visitor spending compared to last year. The travel data company's May report cited factors contributing to the negative outlook include Mr Trump's administration posturing and policy announcements, such as 'Liberation Day' tariffs across longstanding trade partners.
News.com.au
19-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Surprise shift in Aussies visiting the US
There's been a surprising spike in Aussies heading to the US after many were deterred by President Donald Trump's strict border stance and other controversial government policies. According to new data released by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), travel from Australia to the US increased by 4.8 per cent year-on-year and was up 8 per cent in May 2025 compared to May 2024. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) were also up in various categories including travelling on a holiday (up 12 per cent compared with last year), visiting friends or relatives (up 15 per cent) or for business (up 8 per cent). It shows a solid improvement compared to April where there was a 6.2 per cent decline. US inbound travel to Australia, however, slipped by 3.7 per cent in May and remained flat year-on-year with a modest 0.6 per cent rise. 'The USA remains popular with outbound travellers, but the muted inbound response highlights challenges in achieving a balanced two-way tourism recovery,' ATIA director of compliance and membership, Nina Hedges said. Destinations Aussies are travelling to over the US The US continues to take a back seat to destinations like Bali, Japan and Vietnam, which lead the way as Australia's favourite overseas locations. According to recent ATIA figures, for the year ending May 2025, outbound travel surged by 12.5 per cent to 12.21 million trips, driven by a strong appetite for travel across Asia. Standout growth included Indonesia (Bali) up 16.3 per cent, Japan, up 32.4 per cent, Vietnam, up 25.8 per cent and China, up 26.9 per cent. 'Asia continues to shine as the preferred playground for Australian travellers, with Bali, Tokyo and Ho Chi Minh City topping itineraries for millions,' Ms Hedges said. Japan specifically continues to see a growth in visitor numbers thanks to expanded flight options and the region's strength with the AUD, allowing it to stretch further for accommodation, dining and shopping. 'Australia's love affair with America could fade' Flight Centre chief executive and founder Graham Turner told that in the first three months of 2025, leisure bookings to the US from Australia dropped about 12 to 15 per cent compared to last year, while business travel remained 'on par'. But he anticipated the decline to 'accelerate' for both leisure and business travel across April, May and June. June figures are yet to be released. Meanwhile, Sarah Megginson, a personal finance expert at Finder, previously said perceptions of hostility and the current political climate 'could see Australia's love affair with America fade'. She warned Australians to check their travel insurance policies carefully before going to the US as many insurers would not provide cover if you are denied entry at the border. There's been reported cases of tourists being denied entry on arrival and at times, strip searched and thrown in prison. It comes as the US maintains strict immigration rules with significant emphasis on border security and entry eligibility. 'With tensions rising on American soil, Australians are rethinking holidays to the US at the moment,' Ms Megginson told in June. 'There's growing sentiment among Australians that the potential issues that could arise when visiting the US are beginning to outweigh the appeal of visiting some of our favourite cities. 'My husband recently got back from a week in Los Angeles, and he noticed a huge shift from previous visits: he was questioned in detail about all aspects of his trip and why he was travelling alone. 'It was a really hostile welcome, and if travellers feel they're being treated like suspects at the border, they'll simply take their travel dollars elsewhere.' Meanwhile, according to Finder survey results, it appears older Australians are less likely to be deterred by what is happening politically in the US, with this age group actually travelling to the States more on Intrepid trips this year than they did last year. Leigh Barnes, who is the company's managing director of the Americas, told his team had increased their focus on domestic travel within the US, promoting the right products at the right time, and increasing their brand presence. Canadians visiting the US plummets Other visitors from other countries aren't so enthusiastic about the US with Canada – the country's biggest market for international visitors – having plummeted more than 14 per cent, according to the US International Trade Administration, with almost a million fewer Canadians so far in 2025 compared to last year. Visitors from other countries, such as China, South Korea and Germany, have also declined. The drop in Canadian figures come as then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Canadians not to spend holiday dollars in the US after Mr Trump's talks about tariffs and referring to Canada as 'the 51st state' in February. He repeated that call to action until he left office in April. Forbes reported that three-quarters of Canadians who had previously planned a trip to the US say the tariff announcements influenced their plans. Over half (56 per cent) of those who had been planning to visit the US have since decided to travel elsewhere, according to a survey by Leger Marketing of over 1,500 Canadian adults fielded mid-May. Tourism Economics, which forecasts foreign traveller arrivals in the states, said the US is looking at a significant nine per cent drop in international arrivals for 2025, and a drop of $US8.5 billion – $A13 billion (-4.7 per cent) in international visitor spending compared to last year. The travel data company's May report cited factors contributing to the negative outlook include Mr Trump's administration posturing and policy announcements, such as 'Liberation Day' tariffs across longstanding trade partners.
West Australian
25-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Re-routing, delays and squashy air corridors caused by Middle East war
The escalating war in the Middle East and shockwaves rippling out through the region is affecting aviation routes. There are airspace closures over Iran, Israel and Russia, and these have narrowed the flight corridors that Middle East airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways use to Europe. There may be delays and route diversions, particularly for passengers transiting through Dubai and Doha. But major carriers are still flying, with adjusted flight paths — and on Tuesday, Qatar Airways confirmed the reinstatement of flights following the reopening of its airspace. A spokesperson says: 'We are working tirelessly with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to restore operations as quickly as possible. 'As operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. We would advise passengers to check or the Qatar Airways mobile application ahead of travel.' Travellers on Singapore Airlines, Qantas or Cathay Pacific through Singapore and Hong Kong are experiencing minimal disruptions. The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is advising travellers not to cancel flights. An ATIA spokesperson points out: 'Airlines have well-established systems in place to navigate such restrictions, and have been operating under constrained conditions since the start of the Ukraine conflict. 'Travellers should expect some delays, but not panic.' ATIA has provided this advice for travellers: You will be contacted Your travel agent or airline will prioritise impacted travellers of delays and cancellations. Do not contact your agent or airline unless you're travelling in the next three days. This will let them handle the needs of those travelling immediately first. I ncreased chance of delays Be prepared. You may be spending some time at airports as a result of schedule adjustments. Avoid cancelling flights independently When an airline cancels your flights, you are entitled to a full refund. Monitor official travel advice Look at the Smart Traveller website. The spokesperson adds: 'This evolving situation reinforces the importance of booking through an ATIA accredited travel business. Accredited agents and businesses are best placed to manage disruptions, rebook flights and ensure clients receive their full entitlements under Australian Consumer Law.'
ABC News
24-06-2025
- ABC News
Passengers stranded as flights cancelled, delayed amid Israel-Iran war
Stranded passengers have faced chaos and uncertainty while waiting for flights, either delayed or cancelled, due to the Middle East conflict. Routes to major cities across the world have already been cut off, including in Qatar's capital of Doha along with Dubai. Dubai Airports said operations had resumed after a brief suspension but is warning of further delays and cancellations, while Qatar's civil aviation authority said it had also reopened its airspace. Meanwhile, travellers in the air, in transit and waiting to board long-haul flights have reached out to the ABC, desperate for clarity as conflicting information spreads online and in terminals. Some passengers reported being diverted mid-air, while others were stuck on the ground in limbo. By Tuesday afternoon, DFAT had not issued any updated advice since the airspace reopened. While the head of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) expected some flights to the gulf countries to be cancelled today, he said the worst thing travellers could do was cancel their own flights. "That means you limit the number of things that an airline can … provide in terms of refunds," CEO Dean Long said. "If [passengers] are flying out today or in the next 48 hours, they will be contacted by their travel agent or airline if their flight has been cancelled." Mr Long said the most important thing was for travellers to stay calm. He said if they hadn't been contacted by their agent or airline within the next 24 hours, they should try to get in touch themselves. "Be aware that their call centres are experiencing long delay times … we may not necessarily have the answer at this time," he said. Mr Long also said people should contact their travel agency about what sort of emergency accommodation is available to them. "If they are nervous, book an extra night's accommodation where you are to give you that certainly that you will have a place to stay, and most of the time, you will be able to claim that with your travel insurance." Compare Travel Insurance managing director Natalie Bell said passengers should also pay attention to Smartraveller and speak with their insurer about any concerns they have regarding their destination. "Stay in contact with your booking agent or travel provider and make sure you know what options are available to you. Insurers will also typically assess claims on a case-by-case basis, taking individual circumstances into account, so get in touch if you have any queries," she said. Conflicting reports about cancellations and delays left many passengers at airports unsure of what to believe. An Adelaide nurse stranded at Doha's Hamad International Airport said the experience had been "surreal" after an air-strike hit a US military base about 50 kilometres from the terminal. Amanda Tate had just wrapped up a conference in Italy and was preparing to fly home when the incident unfolded. "We started looking on the internet and seeing there had been some missiles launched. At that time we didn't know what had happened," she said. She found a quiet space in the airport and was huddled there with four others. "We're like family now," she said. She described a tense atmosphere, with many travellers afraid to leave the airport. She said there were long queues at airline counters and little information about what was happening, or when flights would resume. "He looked completely discombobulated. And another young girl was crying." Polly Robinson was en route to Adelaide when her journey was disrupted by a sudden airspace closure, reportedly linked to restrictions imposed by the Qatari government. Speaking to ABC News Breakfast from Hamad International Airport, she described the confusion and frustration felt by many passengers. "Everyone is literally sitting where they can find a spot and waiting for any of the announcements," she said. "I flew in from Dublin and my flight was on the ground for 40 minutes. I was going through security when it happened. No announcements. Nothing." She said travellers had received credit loaded onto their boarding passes but had heard nothing from airline staff. Damian Milverton, an Australian expat who travelled from Paris to Doha for work, was leading a workshop when Iranian rockets zipped overhead. "It was initially a very large sound and then everyone was like, 'What was that?' We did not immediately think, 'dive under tables, we are under attack'. It was more a case of bewilderment," he told ABC News Breakfast.
News.com.au
24-06-2025
- News.com.au
Why Aussie travellers should avoid cancelling flights independently
Aussie travellers flying to Europe via the Middle East have been urged not to cancel their flights as doing so may impact refund rights. It comes after Iran launched what it called its 'mighty and victorious' response to US air strikes on its nuclear sites, on Monday evening, local time. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said 'Operation Besharat al-Faith' saw missiles fired at the US' Al Udeid air base in Qatar. It is the US' largest air base in the region. The skies across Qatar's capital Doha – familiar to many Australians who fly through on the way to Europe – were streaked with antimissile interceptors and explosions. The State of Qatar closed the airspace but has since reopened it. Flights in and out, however, have been impacted as global airlines scramble to accommodate passengers. Hamad International Airport located to the east of the capital, Doha, is considered one of the best airports in the world. According to Flightradar24, it currently has 24 cancelled flights and 30 delayed flights. 'Don't cancel flights' The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) – the country's peak industry body – has since advised Australian travellers to remain informed about the situation in the Middle East and, 'most importantly, not to cancel their flights'. 'Travellers shouldn't panic or cancel unnecessarily,' ATIA CEO Dean Long said. 'The one thing we learned through Covid is don't cancel as it reduces the number of rights you have. Let the airline make that decision. This approach ensures your rights are protected and you get the support you need.' He told they're seeing growing concern from Australians scheduled to travel in the next 72 hours. 'This evolving situation is understandably causing increasing anxiety, especially for travellers transiting through the Middle East,' he said. 'The most important thing Australians can do right now is not cancel their flight independently. 'If your airline cancels the flight, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking. But if you cancel yourself, you could lose those rights entirely.' He said this applies across most airlines under Australian Consumer Law, although terms may vary based on your ticket and carrier. He explained that with 70 per cent of international air tickets in Australia booked through ATIA Accredited Travel Agents, 'our members are carrying the load, working around the clock to support affected travellers'. 'Your agent or the airline you booked with will contact you directly to advise what's happening and what your options are. That contact process starts with travellers scheduled to depart now and within the next 72 hours.' ATIA said airlines have well-established systems in place to navigate such restrictions, and have been operating under constrained conditions since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Route planners Jo Lloyd, the global head at FCM – one of the world's largest travel management companies, has reassured travellers that air travel remains the safest form of transportation. She said this is largely thanks to a dedicated group of specialists who work tirelessly behind the scenes: the route planners. 'In the complex world of airline operations, route planners are the unsung heroes who combine art and science to chart the safest paths through ever-changing airspace conditions,' Ms Lloyd said. 'Their role, essential to everyday travel, becomes even more critical amid geopolitical tensions that may restrict certain airspaces or alter established routes.' She said people can remain confident in their journeys, thanks to the meticulous efforts of route planners who employ sophisticated technologies and data analytics. 'They use GPS systems, real-time data feeds, and artificial intelligence tools to craft routes that navigate potentially risky areas while maintaining travel efficiency. 'Their work is underpinned by a deep understanding of international airspace regulations and geopolitical developments.' 'Be patient' Mr Long added there are robust, methodical systems in place to manage these disruptions. 'It's critical that you don't make the decision to cancel without first speaking to your agent or airline. Please be patient and wait to be contacted especially if you're not travelling in the next couple of days as there's a tremendous amount of work to be done helping those immediately impacted.' Airlines such as Qantas, Virgin, Qatar Airways and Emirates have all felt the impacts with the carriers forced to cancel or reroute flights due to the changing nature of the situation, including the closure of airspaces. 'Travellers on Middle Eastern carriers like Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Emirates are certainly feeling the impact more directly because those carriers operate out of hubs in the region. But concern extends to other airlines too,' Mr Leong said. 'With airspace closures and rerouted paths into Europe, delays and changes are affecting the broader network, not just the Middle East-based carriers.' Mr Leong said the key concerns they're hearing are around flight cancellations, rebooking difficulties, getting stranded mid-journey, and not knowing if they're entitled to a refund. 'That's why we're reinforcing this message: don't panic, don't cancel. Your accredited agent or airline will contact you if you're affected.' 'Making your own cancellation could void your refund rights.' ATIA has also advised travellers to monitor official travel advice, particularly via the Smartraveller website. The site is run by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and as of last week raised the advice level for Qatar to 'exercise a high degree of caution'. 'You will be contacted, your accredited travel agent or airline, will prioritise impacted travellers of delays and cancellations,' the statement continued. It asked travellers not to contact their travel agent or airline unless they are travelling in the next three days so that the needs of those travelling immediately could be accommodated as a priori 'There is an increased chance of delays so be prepared that you maybe spending some time airports as a result of schedule adjustments.' ATIA is the peak body representing Australia's $69 billion travel industry. It represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators and wholesalers.
