Statistics released today by FCM, Flight Centre’s corporate travel division, show the gateway between Australia and Asia has soared for big business in the previous quarter when compared to 2022.

FCM Travel Global COO, Melissa Elf, said meetings, events and conferences have come back strong in the last three months and that’s reflected in increased booking numbers.

“Businesses are valuing face-to-face now more than ever as the euphoria of Zoom and Teams fades away in favour of in-person occasions,” Ms Elf said

“Travel between Australia and the countries within Asia has always been critical for trade and we’re now seeing that demand for big business to head Down Under really ramp [up].

“The other trend we’re seeing is corporate travellers extending their long-haul stay to take advantage of holiday destinations.”

The figures showed that bookings between July 1 and September 30 this year versus the same time last year increased by 83 per cent in travel between China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

“It’s no coincidence that the growth in booking numbers coincides with airline capacity coming back and more seats being offered as the likes of Singapore Airlines swap out smaller aircraft for A380s into the capital cities of Sydney and Melbourne,” Ms Elf said.