Mining boom drives a 29% surge in regional business travel in 2023

Corporate Traveller's data from January to September 2023 highlights the extent of this surge, with some regional routes exceeding 60 per cent. What is even more interesting is that nine of the top ten regional travel routes in 2023 are within the state of Queensland.

The surge in travel to these destinations is linked to the growth of the mining industry, especially in Queensland and Western Australia. There are currently over 350 operational mines in Australia[1], with a considerable number of them located in these states. Additionally, the approval of new mines and expansions for critical minerals further contributes to this regional travel growth.

Queensland has become a prominent hub for regional business travel. It offers a diverse range of economic activities, including a thriving mining sector and a flourishing tourism industry. The state's mining industry alone creates 50,000 jobs, and it is the world's largest supplier of silver[2]. Queensland's robust agriculture sector, home to sugar cane, cotton, and tropical fruit production, also adds to its appeal as a business travel destination.

The state also experiences high population growth, with a 2.2 per cent increase in the 12 months leading up to September 2022, compared to the national average of 1.6 per cent. This growing population fuels economic growth and job opportunities, making it an attractive destination for business travellers.

Among the top-growing routes, the Brisbane-Mackay route takes the lead with a 69 per cent increase, followed closely by Mackay-Brisbane at 64 per cent. Mackay's emergence as a business destination is attributed to its thriving mining service sector, despite the absence of mining operations in the region itself.

Other growth routes include Perth to Karratha, with a 62 per cent surge, and the Gold Coast-Sydney route, which saw a 41 per cent increase. The Gold Coast's rising population, especially after the pandemic, creates an ideal environment for business growth and job opportunities.

In 2022, the Perth to Brisbane route was ranked ninth, but it did not make the top ten in 2023. Conversely, the Kalgoorlie to Perth route, which experienced a six per cent decline in business travel compared to 2022, was one of the most popular routes in 2023.

As Tom Walley emphasises, the shift towards regional travel in Queensland reflects the mining industry's exponential growth, driven by Australia's commitment to renewable energy sources and the demand for critical minerals. With substantial investments in the industry, job opportunities will abound, and business travel to mining regions is expected to flourish. Business travellers are adapting to changing circumstances and seizing opportunities in regions with robust economic activities, and this growth trend shows no signs of slowing down.