New Stage and Screen data shows flight bookings for the Australian retail industry rose by 41 per cent from January to September 2024 compared to last year. For travel advisors, it means in-person connections are paying off and it’s worth nurturing your fellow brick-and-mortar store leads.

While Australia’s overall retail growth is sluggish at just 0.1 per cent in September 2024, the retail travel sector is showing a significant rise due to an increased physical footprint across the country.

Retail stores require more face-to-face meetings and events than other sectors to remain competitive – a strategic advantage despite the growth in online shopping.

Stage and Screen General Manager Adam Moon said: “With consumer confidence on the rise, it’s crucial for retailers to stay ahead of emerging trends.”

“Additionally, retailers know they need to be on the ground at their stores – whether it’s for store walkthroughs, merchandising refreshes, training teams and customer events – while also representing their brand at key trade shows and building relationships with suppliers. There are multiple boxes retailers often have to tick when travelling.”

The travel management company’s analysis of Flight Centre bookings also revealed business trips for the retail industry averaged five days in 2024, suggesting businesses strategically organise travel to maximise a return on investment.

Sydney is the sector’s most popular travel destination, followed by Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra – all central hubs for retail industry activity and networking.

Moon added: “Retailers are also saying ‘yes’ to taking part in more trade shows and conferences, locally and overseas, with a recent survey showing this was the reason for 54 per cent of Australian and New Zealand business travel.”

Overseas, New Zealand was the top destination this year, followed by China, Hong Kong, the UK, Singapore, the US and Thailand. 

Stage and Screen also anticipates a meteroric rise in Australian sports, TV, film and music travel sectors in the next decade.

For more info, head to stageandscreen.travel