Why is the Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price taking off 5% today?

Here's what might be driving Webjet shares higher on Tuesday

| More on:
Five retirees do a conga line dance on the beach celebrating the special dividend announced by Grange Resources 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

The Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price is surging higher today despite no news having been released by the company.

However, the global market seemingly recovered overnight, potentially due to reduced fears surrounding the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

At the time of writing, the Webjet share price is $5.47, 5.29% higher than its previous close.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also in the green today. It is currently up 1.14%.

Let's take a look at what's going on with the travel company and its peers on Tuesday.

What's boosting the Webjet share price?

The Webjet share price is taking off, as are plenty of other ASX travel stocks. The upwards trajectory might have been spurred my movements in US markets overnight.

Many NASDAQ-listed travel stocks bounced back on Monday following a disastrous end to last week.

While much of Australia slept, the Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ: EXPE) share price recorded a 4% gain. The Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ: ABNB) share price also surged 3.5% while the Booking Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: BKNG) share price increased 1.2%.

Back home, plenty of other ASX 200 travel shares are also in the green.

That's despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison putting on hold the plan to welcome student, humanitarian, working holiday, and family visa holders, as well as travellers from Japan and South Korea, back into the country.

Those affected were meant to start flying into Australia tomorrow, but the reopening has been 'paused' until 15 December. The extra time will allow officials to gather more information on the Omicron variant.

Additionally, travel from 8 African countries has been halted amid the emergence of the variant.

Australian citizens, residents, and their immediate families can still return from the 8 nations. Though, they must spend 14 days in hotel quarantine on arrival.  

However, in an interview with Today's Sylvia Jeffreys, Morrison said symptoms of the variant seem to be less severe than those of other COVID-19 mutations.

The knowledge that Omicron might not be as large a threat as previously anticipated might have helped calm the market on Tuesday.

Right now, the Webjet share price gain is similar to that of fellow travel agent Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT). Flight Centre's shares are up 5.18% at the time of writing. The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price is also in the green, sporting a 2.65% gain.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Booking Holdings, 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 Bruce Jackson.

More on Travel Shares

airline crew stands on tarmac under aircraft
Travel Shares

Qantas shares lower on $120m profit hit

The airline operator is being made to pay for decisions it took during the pandemic.

Read more »

Man waiting for his flight and looking at his phone.
Travel Shares

One ASX 200 stock down 50% since July this fund just bought

The fund managers saw value in the ASX 200 stock following a 50% share price plunge.

Read more »

A smiling boy holds a toy plane aloft while a girl watches on from a car near an airport runway.
Travel Shares

Would Warren Buffett buy Qantas shares in December 2024?

Is this airline stock an appealing investment today?

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Travel Shares

Buying Qantas shares? You'll need to know this

Qantas shares have been soaring higher in 2024.

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price hits turbulence as engineers down tools

Qantas’ engineers are displeased with the results of pay negotiations.

Read more »

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

Will the Qantas share price take off again in 2025?

The Flying Kangaroo has smashed the market this year. Could it do the same in 2025?

Read more »

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

Why the soaring Qantas share price could be 'difficult to sustain'

The Qantas share price has been a stellar performer in 2024, up 68.7% since 2 January.

Read more »

A woman looks up at a plane flying in the sky with arms outstretched as the Flight Centre share price surges
Travel Shares

Why the Qantas share price can keep flying to new highs

Qantas shares' new record highs are forecast to be broken in 2025 by this top broker.

Read more »