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

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

Are Webjet shares a good buy in April?

ASX experts are united in their views of this travel stock.

Read more »

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

Is the Qantas share price at risk if an expanded Middle East war erupts?

Qantas has already had to reroute some flights in the wake of Iran’s attack on Israel.

Read more »

A smiling woman looks at her phone as she walks with her suitcase inside an airport.
Travel Shares

Why Qantas shares are a buy and could rise 40%

Goldman Sachs thinks this airline operator's shares are undervalued.

Read more »

a young woman looks at here phone as she strides out in an airport dragging her wheelie bag behind her and smiling widely.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price takes off on 'biggest ever expansions' of core loyalty program

ASX 200 investors are bidding up the Qantas share price on Monday.

Read more »

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Travel Shares

Why one fund manager thinks Qantas shares are cheap and 'incredibly underappreciated'

A fundie thinks Qantas stock can fly higher.

Read more »

A father helps his son look through binoculars during a family holiday or day out in the city.
Travel Shares

What's happened to ASX travel shares since COVID ended?

We review share price performances since 21 February 2022 when our international border reopened.

Read more »

Bored woman waiting for her flight at the airport.
Travel Shares

Why is the Flight Centre share price falling today?

What's going on with this travel agent's shares?

Read more »

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

A 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for Qantas shares?

Can this stock fly higher?

Read more »