Why are ASX 200 travel shares having a first-class end to the week?

The overnight performance of US travel stocks may be boosting ASX 200 travel shares today.

a happy passenger sits in her airplane seat with boarding pass in hand smiling widely at the prospect of travelling with ASX 200 travel shares rise today

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • ASX 200 travel stocks are outperforming on Friday
  • They might be in the green due to rising investor sentiment in the Australian travel sector 
  • Additionally, many US-listed travel shares performed well overnight

It's a good day on the market today, with ASX 200 travel shares among those leading the charge into the green.

At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained 0.69%. Nearly all of the index's travel-focused constituents are outperforming.

Let's take a look at what might be driving ASX 200 travel shares higher on Friday.

Why are ASX 200 travel shares taking off today?

The ASX travel sector appears to be ramping up on Friday, with many of its biggest names outperforming the broader market.

Leading the pack is the Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price. It's currently 2.7% higher than its previous close. Meanwhile, Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) is boasting a 1.8% share price improvement. Shares in Corporate Travel Management Limited (ASX: CTD) and Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) have each gained 2.2%.

The gains may reflect improving ASX investor sentiment in the Australian travel industry. After all, major airports in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, and the Gold Coast reported their busiest period since the onset of the pandemic this month. At the same time, the Federal Government has lifted its ban on cruise ships.

Today's gains may also have something to do with the strong overnight performance of international travel stocks. Shares in Booking Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: BKNG) and Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ: ABNB) recorded gains of 2.5% and 4.9% respectively. Airline stocks Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE: DAL), Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE: LUV), American Airlines Group Ltd (NASDAQ: AAL), and Ryanair Holdings Plc (NASDAQ: RYAAY) also gained between 1.5% and 2.5% in Thursday's session overseas.

The year so far…

Overall, 2022 has been a good year for ASX 200 travel shares so far. The Flight Centre share price has gained a whopping 21% since the start of the year. Shares in Qantas, Webjet, and Corporate Travel Management have gained 8%, 11%, and 14% respectively.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Airbnb, Inc. and Booking Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Delta Air Lines. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Booking Holdings, Corporate Travel Management Limited, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Travel Shares

Bored woman waiting for her flight at the airport.
Travel Shares

Why is the Flight Centre share price falling today?

What's going on with this travel agent's shares?

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.
Travel Shares

A 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for Qantas shares?

Can this stock fly higher?

Read more »

Two elderly men laugh together as they take a selfie with a mobile phone with a city scape in the background.
Travel Shares

Act fast if you want to receive the next Flight Centre dividend

It won't be long until this travel agent pays its next dividend.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Travel Shares

Why is the Webjet share price racing to a 52-week high today?

Webjet has been busy talking up its WebBeds business this morning.

Read more »

A businessman points a finger in accusation, indicating a share price or ASX company in trouble
Travel Shares

Qantas shares hit turbulence amid $250,000 fine for 'shameful' conduct

ASX 200 investors are bidding down the Qantas share price on Wednesday.

Read more »

A woman ponders a question as she puts money into a piggy bank with a model plane and suitcase nearby.
Travel Shares

Flight Centre shares plunge 7% despite return of the interim dividend

ASX 200 investors are sending the Flight Centre share price spiralling lower on Wednesday.

Read more »

Happy couple looking at a phone and waiting for their flight at an airport.
Earnings Results

Flight Centre share price on watch amid 565% half-year profit surge

Flight Centre shares could see some sizeable moves today after the ASX 200 travel stock reported on its half-year results.

Read more »

Two elderly men laugh together as they take a selfie with a mobile phone with a city scape in the background.
Travel Shares

Own Flight Centre shares? Here's what you need to know ahead of its results

The travel agent giant is releasing its results on Wednesday next week.

Read more »