Trivago says Omicron fears have dampened the holiday travel spirit

• Trivago told Reuters that hotel bookings have fallen since the discovery of the omicron coronavirus variant

• Cancellations had risen as high as 35% since November

Online hotel search website, Trivago, said that concerns over the Omicron coronavirus variant and the latest travel restrictions have led to a spike in hotel booking cancellations globally.

Reuters reported that cancellations had risen as high as 35% since November and holiday travel planning was down 10%. 

The growth in holiday planning activity has recorded a slump with the figure being recorded as 4% after the discovery of the omicron variant.

Meanwhile, travelers are sticking to domestic holiday destinations with Las Vegas and New York topping the list for U.S. travelers, mentioned the Reuters report.

"Much like 2020, domestic travel is the preferred option as consumers look to reunite with friends and family," Trivago said.

The new B.1.1.529 variant, named Omicron by the World Health Organization (WHO), was first identified in South Africa and is rapidly spreading throughout the world. It has set foot in the U.S., India, UK, Israel, and many other EU nations. 

Also Read: Dissecting the latest coronavirus variant threat — Omicron

Last-minute cancellations in business travel are being recorded all over the world. 

Last week, U.S. investment bank Jefferies Financial Group canceled client parties and virtually all but essential travel after nearly 40 new COVID-19 cases were reported at the firm, reported Reuters.

The International Broadcasting Convention last week called off its in-person event in Amsterdam that was scheduled for December 3 to 6.

Related news: Forbidding flight to flee from the Omicron fear

CNBC reported that London Bullion Market Association canceled its annual black-tie dinner for precious metals traders and others in the industry that was scheduled for December 1.

Also Read: Unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to dampen economic recovery, WTO chief tells CNBC

Inputs from Reuters

Picture Credits: MoneyControl