Travel Barometer takes the temperature of Australian tourism

The results of the Australian Travel Agent Barometer Survey for September-October 2013 have been released.

The results, which were compiled from interviews and calls with 200 travel agents, provide a snapshot of the thinking of travel agents around Australia about issues facing the Australian tourism industry.

Key among the findings of the Survey was the strong level of confidence about the industry’s future – with 80 per cent saying that they believe business is good right now and that any downturns are cyclical.

The study also found that the number of tourism agents has not grown from 4500 for the last 10 years.

66 per cent of agents do not make a profit above AUD $100,000 per annum and their average margins are also quite low – at 1.7 per cent.

The nature of travel purchases is also changing according to the study – the Australian intermediary market is now worth AUD$3 billion per year and has been growing 29 per cent over the past few years.

Lastly, staff retention also seems to be positive – 80 per cent of consultants intend to stay in the industry the next five years.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasian