3 ASX travel shares to buy while Omicron scares everyone

Eventually Australians will fly again, so here is a trio of stocks to consider buying during the current dip

| More on:

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

Buying up ASX travel shares amid the initial COVID-19 panic in March 2020 served those investors pretty well.

So with the same mindset, one could repeat and rinse during the current Omicron-induced ASX dip.

Shaw and Partners portfolio manager James Gerrish, writing in his newsletter Market Matters (MM), certainly thinks so.

"MM believes it's time to start considering the out of favour travel and tourism stocks," he said. 

"Don't forget how quickly things have changed through 2021!"

Here are 3 ASX shares Gerrish suggested considering:

Concept image of a plane flying above a graph and stacks of coins.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX travel shares are on sale right now

In order of preference, Gerrish likes the look of Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD), Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

"But it depends on price and risk appetite, with the last 2 likely to have more upside potential," he said.

"That is, less capital required for the same result."

All 3 are undoubtedly selling at a discount at the moment.

Over the past month, Corporate Travel shares have lost around 15%, Webjet has sunk 18%, and Flight Centre dived almost 15%.

Corporate Travel shares on Thursday morning were going for $21.32. Gerrish would pounce if it dipped below the $20 mark.

Webjet has been discounted close to 24% since it hit a 52-week high early last month.

"Omicron [is] clearly causing acceleration towards the downside," said Gerrish.

"We like Webjet under $5 but I would leave some ammunition to average under $4.50 if the virus outlook deteriorates further."

Flight Centre shares lost another 1.78% on Thursday morning to trade at $17.11. Its 52-week high of $25.28 in October now seems like a distant memory.

"As we saw from the 85% rally from its August low, the stock's good value into current weakness when we can finally start packing our bags," said Gerrish.

"I have planned a quick trip up to Hamilton mid next year but I didn't consider anything overseas. I imagine many people are the same … looking at how little accommodation is left domestically."

He added that the Flight Centre share price could drop another 10% to 20%, but it would eventually rise again.

"I do believe it will be well above $20 at some stage in 2022," Gerrish said.

"The risk-reward is becoming appealing."

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of Corporate Travel Management Limited. 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 Corporate Travel Management Limited, 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

A cute young girl wears a straw hat and has a backpack strapped on her back as she holds a globe in her hand with a cheeky smile on her face.
Travel Shares

Qantas shares have dumped 7% in 3 days. Should I buy?

Is the recent Qantas share price weakness a buying opportunity?

Read more »

A corporate-looking woman looks at her mobile phone as she pulls along her suitcase in another hand while walking through an airport terminal with high glass panelled walls.
Travel Shares

Why is the Flight Centre share price lagging the ASX 200 on Monday?

Flight Centre has raised more funds than it planned.

Read more »

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

'Still has legs': Not too late to buy these 2 stellar ASX 200 shares, says expert

One sector is showing remarkable resilience against all the economic doom and gloom. And it will keep making money in…

Read more »

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

When will Flight Centre shares resume paying dividends?

Is there going to be a Flight Centre dividend in 2023?

Read more »

a young girl wearing a set of airplane wings stands on a tarmac with hands in the air and an excited look on her face as though she is about to take off.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price could surge to $10: JPMorgan

Top broker tips a 30% increase in the Qantas share price within 12 months.

Read more »

a man wearing an old-fashioned aviation leather head covering and goggles and with a cardboard plane shape around his waist runs along the ground against a barren, desert background.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price flying higher despite new labour disruptions

The Qantas share price won’t be receiving any tailwinds from the company’s refuelling crews on Wednesday.

Read more »

Travel Shares

Should I buy Flight Centre shares at $19?

Can this ASX travel share keep flying higher?

Read more »

A pilot stands in an empty passenger cabin smiling with his arms crossed looking excited
Travel Shares

Own Qantas shares? Here's how the ASX 200 airline plans to grow

Qantas shares are in focus this morning as the ASX 200 airline announces some big 10-year growth plans.

Read more »