Flight bookings to the United States have risen, according to new statistics from ForwardKeys, following two announcements that the destination would reopen to vaccinated international visitors in November.
Weekly reservations had surpassed 70% of pre-pandemic levels by mid-October.
On September 20th, the White House announced that tourists from the United Kingdom, Ireland, the 26 Schengen nations, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and Brazil would be allowed to enter the United States without being quarantined if they were fully vaccinated.
Week-on-week reservations from the United Kingdom increased by 83 percent, from Brazil by 71 percent, and from the European Union by 185 percent.
The second announcement came on October 15th, when Kevin Munoz, the US president’s associate press secretary, announced that the date constraints will be lifted on November 8th.
Bookings increased by 15% from the United Kingdom, 26% from the European Union, and 100% from Brazil week-on-week.
ForwardKeys’ head of market intelligence, Juan Gómez, said: “This data yet again demonstrates the enormous pent-up demand for travel.
“Immediately people heard that they would be allowed to visit the USA again; they booked; and a substantial proportion booked to fly as soon as they could.
“It is also interesting to note that bookings climbed higher once a specific date was given. That is not entirely surprising for two reasons. First, the certainty of a specific date inspires confidence.
He added, “Second, those wanting to travel before the end of November could not afford to make a commitment until they knew for sure that they could travel when they wanted to.
“I am optimistic that in the coming weeks, we will see a steep increase in bookings to the USA for the Christmas period.”
– India’s new age travel digital media