Australia is set to experience a golden era across its sports and entertainment industries, according to a newly launched report from Stage and Screen, a boutique subsidiary of Flight Centre Travel Group specialising in travel management for the sports, TV, film and entertainment industries. The report outlines key growth drivers in these sectors while unveiling forward-looking analysis and trends tipped to shape the industries in the years to come.
Stage and Screen General Manager Adam Moon says: “From the sporting pitch to the screen we have experienced remarkable growth over the past year, and this is setting the stage for our most extraordinary decade yet.”
Investment surge expected for Australia’s $1.5 billion women’s sports industry
After the historic 2023 Women’s World Cup and record-setting attendance at major sporting events, Australia’s sports sector is on the verge of exponential growth, the report shows. In 2024, the global women’s elite sports industry is projected to reach $1.5 billion, with women’s football capturing 43 per cent of that market, which Stage and Screen expects to drive significant investment.
“Women’s sport is no longer the future. It’s here and it’s massive,” says Adam. “With government backing, including the $15 million investment for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asia Cup, and packed stadiums, we’re witnessing a sporting revolution. Furthermore, the impact of the Brisbane Games in 2032 as an economic driver cannot be overstated, ensuring this momentum continues for the next eight years.”
Australian film industry set to break production records
The Australian film industry saw a record $809 million from foreign productions in 2023. Stage and Screen is forecasting the industry will boom thanks to the Government’s increased Location Offset rebate from 16.5 per cent to 30 per cent, which will bring Hollywood production to our shores.
It comes after the Federal Government’s Producer Offset paved the way for the historic filming of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – which broke records for being the nation’s most expensive film ever made, at $333.2 million.
“Australia is fast becoming an attractive destination for blockbuster productions,” Adam says. “The financial incentives are getting the attention of Hollywood studios, leading to job creation and talent development all expected to contribute to a thriving creative sector.”
Growth in leisure and business travel to continue
Stage and Screen highlights the rebound in Australia’s travel sector, with major airlines carrying 4.9 million domestic passengers in early 2024[1] – almost back to pre-pandemic levels – despite domestic setbacks with Bonza’s collapse and Rex entering administration.
International passenger numbers are also on the rise, with an anticipated 2.7 per cent annual growth in international travel by 2050.[2]
The report outlines how international flights already increased by 13.3 per cent in the past year citing new international routes to New Zealand, India and the Philippines as key factors in driving this resurgence, alongside Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand expected to transform trans-Tasman travel.
“The travel sector is preparing for a sustainable transformation,” Adam explains. “With Qantas targeting 10 per cent SAF fuel use by 2030, we’re entering a new era of green aviation.”
As Australia becomes a hub for global sports, films, and concerts, the role of travel management companies will be more critical than ever.
Stage and Screen manages travel for major organisations including the Wiggles, NRL, Paralympics Australia, Cricket Australia, Swimming Australia and Football Australia. With the increasing complexity of global travel demands, Stage and Screen’s expertise in navigating the logistics challenges ensures that athletes, artists, and support crews all arrive on time and ready to perform.
“By unearthing key trends from the latest market research, we can confidently expect strong growth in our travel, entertainment, film and sports industries. Staying at the forefront of these shifts allows us to anticipate changes and positions us to deliver better travel solutions for these industries. This report is a roadmap that showcases the opportunities that will define the decade ahead for our industries,” says Adam.
