Australians and New Zealanders are setting a global benchmark in domestic business travel, with recent data from the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) showing that more than a third of ANZ businesses now send employees on at least one work trip each week.
This figure surpasses other regions, with 37% of ANZ companies engaging in weekly business travel, compared to 23% in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; 21.7% in Asia; and 31.8% in the Americas.
Corporate Traveller, FCTG’s SME division, credits this increase to several key factors shaping post-COVID travel in Australia and New Zealand. Tom Walley, Corporate Traveller’s Global Managing Director, notes that regional infrastructure developments, internal migration trends, and the decentralisation of businesses have fuelled a robust domestic travel environment.
“Since pandemic restrictions eased, Australia has seen significant migration from major cities to regional areas, with professionals moving to popular coastal destinations like Byron Bay and the Sunshine Coast,” Walley explains. “Our relatively small populations haven’t stopped us from leading in domestic travel, a reflection of how deeply personal connections are valued in ANZ business culture.”
Interestingly, the rise of flexible work arrangements has only amplified the need for domestic travel in the ANZ region. With more businesses allowing remote work, regular trips help maintain team cohesion, enabling colleagues to connect in person more often.
Globally, the average for weekly business trips stands at just under 32%, with 42% of companies scheduling monthly trips. In contrast, almost half of ANZ businesses (44%) organise monthly work travel, while only 12% travel once or twice a quarter, and just under 7% travel annually.
Walley adds, “Enhanced regional airports, better transport links, and business-oriented accommodations have made domestic travel more accessible and efficient. Heading into 2025, we anticipate ANZ businesses will continue to leverage domestic travel as a strategic tool for business success, enabling flexible work teams to connect, network, and achieve more meaningful engagement.”
Australians and New Zealanders remain at the forefront of domestic business travel, showcasing the enduring value of in-person interactions in the business landscape.
