Travel infrastructure a key behind ever-growing construction industry

Aircraft maneuvering between excavators and bulldozers

New data from Flight Centre’s in house market division has revealed travel is a critical foundation for the construction industry.

Recent figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that the seasonally adjusted estimate for the value of total engineering construction work done rose by two per cent in the December 2022 quarter to $25,158.8 million. The trend estimate also grew by 2.8 per cent.

Melissa Elf, Flight Centre Corporate Managing Director ANZ, said large infrastructure projects were thriving across Australia – with travel still seen as a critical facet for construction companies.

“The Federal Government is making significant investments in land transport infrastructure across Australia through its Infrastructure Investment Program and these projects, worth billions of dollars combined, offer significant opportunities for the construction industry,” Elf said.

“You just have to look at the pipeline of work, from the $5 billion committed to the Bruce Highway in Queensland between 2022-23 to 2031-32 to delivery priority upgrades along the route, to significant investment in the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport.

“Australian infrastructure is going through incredible change and major construction and engineering projects can’t be won or managed as ‘sight unseen,’ which is where travel is so incredibly vital to companies – from the original tender process – right the way through to the handover of the keys.

“A jump of nearly 30 per cent versus pre-COVID is no small feat and that tells us that despite bumps in the road for the homebuilding sector, major infrastructure projects and major sporting events coming up like the Victorian Commonwealth Games in 2026 and Brisbane 2032 are driving the need for the industry to travel across the country.

“The other point to note is that Australia is still in the midst of a labour shortage, and construction isn’t immune to those challenges – it’s now more important than ever to do all you can to both retain your staff and hire new employees – travel also plays a crucial role in this.

“Whether it be attending meetings, events, or conferences – or taking apprentices onto site visits – none of these things would be possible without stepping foot on an aircraft. For many, the need to travel is a necessity, it isn’t discretionary – this seems to be the case for the construction industry.”

Latest News

  • Cruise

Silversea sets sail on its 2025 World Cruise

Experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, Silversea, has set sail on its 2025 World Cruise, Controtempo, taking guests to 59 destinations over 136 days. The cruise set sail from Tokyo on 13 January and arrives in New York on 29 May 2025. Guests will experience many of the most iconic cities and off-the-beaten-path gems in […]

  • Hotels

Dusit International announces two new hotels in the Philippines

Thailand hotel and property development company Dusit International has strengthened its presence in the Philippines with two new hotels in Mindanao, set to open in late 2029. The company, represented in the Philippines by Dusit Thani Philippines Inc., has signed hotel management agreements with IDC Prime. IDC Prime is a wholly owned subsidiary of Italpinas […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Elite Havens adds luxury new villa to its portfolio

Elite Havens, a premier luxury villa rental and management provider, has added a new villa to its existing portfolio of over 250 villas now available for rent in Phuket, Thailand. The Surin Seaview Villa is a three-storey hillside retreat nestled on the hills of Phuket’s beautiful west coast and offers breathtaking views of the Andaman […]

  • Destinations
  • Events

Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia

As the Lunar New Year approaches, various destinations around Asia have announced the different celebrations they have lined up. Fire show, live band, instrumentalists, and bartenders flair show The Anam Group’s two beachfront resorts in Cam Ranh and Mui Ne will celebrate the most significant time in the Vietnamese calendar, Tet, with a broad spectrum […]

  • Conferences

The Australian Tourism Exchange heads to Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 April

The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 April to 1 May 2025. Tourism Australia requires all sellers attending the event to submit a front panel graphic with one image representing their business for marketing purposes at ATE25, while Destination NSW requires sellers to submit a […]

  • Appointments
  • News

New acting CEO of Destination NSW appointed

Karen Jones has commenced her role as Acting CEO of Destination NSW, taking the reins for an interim period of approximately six months. During this time, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport will recruit for a permanent CEO. Jones brings over 27 years of leadership experience in state and local government. Most […]

  • Aviation
  • News

Qantas rejects claims about QFF availability

Persistence pays when attempting to claim Frequent Flyer Classic Reward seats on popular routes, Qantas says. Reports claims that there was no availability on popular routes such as Sydney-London and Paris in 2025 following last year’s introduction of Classic Plus. Steve Hui of iflyflat.com.au said in a media report that frequent flyers are unable to […]

  • Attractions
  • News

Inspirational Australians lead events across NSW as Australia Day Ambassadors

Innovators, educators, musicians, healthcare professionals, elite athletes and environmental advocates are among 80 inspirational Australians who will take part in events across NSW as Australia Day Ambassadors on 26 January 2025. These outstanding citizens and local heroes are handpicked each year by the Australia Day Council of NSW for their exceptional contributions to the community […]

  • Cruise

Royal Caribbean’s latest summer getaway deals with up to 60 per cent off

Royal Caribbean has announced its latest itineraries for short summer getaways aboard Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas with various savings. Prices for these cruises start from $659 per person for a balcony stateroom. Travellers can enjoy up to 60 per cent off second guests, with up to $850 in instant savings and kids’ sailings from […]