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

Paper aeroplane rising on a graph, symbolising a rising Corporate Travel Management share price.
Travel Shares

Here's the earnings forecast out to 2030 for Flight Centre shares

Is profit going to jump in the coming years?

Read more »

Happy woman trying to close suitcase.
Travel Shares

Why Flight Centre shares could return 22% in just one year

The broker thinks this travel stocks could be cheap at current levels.

Read more »

A family walks along the tarmac towards a plane representing more people travelling as ASX travel shares recover
Opinions

Virgin Australia versus Qantas shares: One I'd buy and one I'd sell

The two aviation heavyweights dominate Australia's domestic market.

Read more »

A group of four young kids run along a beach at sunset with the kid in front holding aloft a toy aeroplane that is zooming through the air.
Travel Shares

Has the Qantas share price flown too close to the sun?

A leading investment expert reveals his outlook for Qantas shares.

Read more »

A young female traveller leans over the balcony of her cruise ship room and holds her arms out enjoying the sea air
Mergers & Acquisitions

Flight Centre share price soaring 9% on big acquisition news

Investors are clearly pleased with Flight Centre’s new acquisition. But why?

Read more »

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

Is the Qantas share price a buy today?

Is this the right time to buy into the airline?

Read more »

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

Own Qantas shares? Here are the dividend dates for 2026

Qantas paid 52.8 cps in dividends in 2025. The experts say investors should prepare for less in 2026.

Read more »

A woman looks nervous and uncertain holding a hand to her chin while looking at a paper cut out of a plane that she's holding in her other hand. representing the falling Air New Zealand share price today
Opinions

Flight Centre shares drop 18% this year: Buy, sell or hold?

Can the travel stock keep flying higher?

Read more »