Move over, corporate travel spend ‘golden triangle’ of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. There’s a new business travel player in town – and it’s not located on Australia’s east coast.
New Corporate Traveller data reveals that Adelaide leads the other Australian capitals for the largest increase in corporate travel spend to and within the city, jumping 23 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Growth for Adelaide is ahead of the percentage growth levels in the traditionally dominant business hubs of Sydney and Melbourne as companies look beyond Australia’s east coast for opportunities.
Corporate travel spend in Brisbane rose 10 per cent, Melbourne by nine per cent and Sydney six per cent during the same period.
The total transactional value (TTV) growth in Adelaide reflects a combination of increased booking volumes and a modest year-on-year rise in average domestic airfares, up three per cent.
This corporate travel spend trend was reflected across other destinations in Australia; however, Adelaide recorded the highest growth in total travel spend among the capital cities.
Fuelling this growth are newer, larger aircraft fleets and two major business precinct developments for a resilient business travel market.
Insights into Adelaide’s rise in corporate travel spend
Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley said: “Adelaide’s growth in corporate travel spending is exceptional. The city is also growing as a corporate hospitality hotspot with sporting events attracting record numbers.”
“Regardless of where you go to do business, companies view travel as an investment, not an expense. Business leaders see the value of travelling to these business hubs to connect in person.
“Even in tight economic conditions, with fare increases and amid tighter domestic airline capacity, they haven’t lost sight of the value of face-to-face engagement to sustain and grow business.
“We’re watching domestic travel stabilise after a period of disruption, but the priority remains clear. Business leaders aren’t holding back. They’re investing in travel where it delivers value – and right now, Adelaide is delivering,” he added.
Find out more at corporatetraveller.com.au
