TRAVELLERS who make as few as three trips overseas a year are receptive to the idea of paying for a travel subscription, a new report from global distributor Travelport has shown.
The data, which surveyed a global audience, also indicated that more than one in three consumers would consider buying a travel subscription this year.
Travellers cited subscription benefits such as convenience, cost savings, and exclusive perks, claiming the model presents a compelling alternative to traditional loyalty programs.
Generation Z was found to be most excited about the idea of travel subscriptions when compared to older cohorts.
The report also suggested that OTAs that embrace subscription models may have “an edge” over airline loyalty programs in the leisure travel space.
“Consumers tend to look more favourably on OTA loyalty schemes versus supplier direct schemes run by airlines, and our findings show people are willing to pay more for complex subscription plans as long as they deliver exclusive benefits, early access to deals, and reduced prices,” the report stated.
In Australia, Luxury Escapes has already dabbled with the idea of subscriptions, introducing its LuxPlus model last year (TD 20 Jun 2024), while Qantas also introduced a 28-day subscription model to access its lounges (TD 10 Jul 2024), which customers can access on an ad hoc basis. AB
