I think the concept of Australian travel is going to be a pretty big deal over the foreseeable future. I don't know about you, but right now I can't imagine travelling anywhere else in the world, except for maybe New Zealand. Not Asia, Europe, the United States or the United Kingdom.
In fact, even achieving the reopening of our own state borders is proving to be a thorny issue in Queensland. Not so much in my home state of WA however; we see things a little differently.
So in a world where travel is likely to be largely limited to within our own shores, which shares are likely to benefit?
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Transport for Australian travel
Alliance Aviation Services Ltd (ASX: AQZ) has been one of the real workhorses of the coronavirus pandemic and looks set to emerge on the other side a better positioned company. Alliance saw increased demand for its charter flights during the lockdown period. In addition, the company recorded increases in its fly-in-fly-out flight volumes, something it has nurtured as a core service offering.
Yet, it is Alliance's recent award of flights to the Whitsundays by the Queensland Government that really tells the tale. Alliance Airlines is structured as a nimble organisation with a low cost base. If we do have to live only with domestic tourism for a while, I believe the company will prosper. Conversely, a company like Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) is just too big to survive on local flights alone.
Furthermore, the company has recently completed a successful $91.9 million share placement which will see it well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet.
Car parts and accessories
Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) is the Asia Pacific's leading provider of vehicle parts, accessories, equipment, and services. Some of its well known brands include Autobarn and Midas. It stands to reason that if travel within Australia becomes an increasing trend, many of us will choose to get where we're going by car.
Bapcor has grown its sales by an average of 14.9% every year for 6 years. In addition, the company's share price has grown by an average of ~24% each year over the same period. If the Bapcor share price continues to rise at this rate, it would take just over 3 years to double an initial investment in the company.
Foolish takeaway
I believe the increase in domestic tourism will provide an opportunity for particular companies to shine. The big international tourism operators like Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) and Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) are likely to see some benefit. But I feel it will mostly be those companies that facilitate regional travel which will really enjoy the spoils of a surge in domestic tourism.
