Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) has reported delivering its biggest year ever, driving a record A$1.4bn (US$910,000) in economic activity for the city in 2024–25. Brisbane’s calendar of blockbuster events, conferences and strategic global marketing has injected hundreds of millions into the visitor economy which hit record highs for visitors (9.4m), visitor nights (53.7m) and visitor spending ($11.3bn).
Key achievements in 2024-25: Supported hundreds of major events including Bluey’s World, NRL Magic Round and the once-in-18-years Australian Tourism Exchange, which saw thousands of global travel media, buyers and industry leaders hosted in the city.
BEDA’s Global MedTech Accelerator and Future Food Initiative supported Brisbane companies to generate over A$650m in economic activity. BEDA-backed initiatives and events supported more than 11,700 local jobs and created more than 600 new positions for the city’s fast-growing workforce.
The agency’s Brisbane Favours the Bold campaign delivered more than $80m in economic activity, reached 30m people, and helped drive a 37% surge across Visit Brisbane social channels.
Supported vital recovery efforts after Cyclone Alfred to restore visitation and help businesses recover from disruptions that cost them more than $68m. Delivered 182 capability building workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions for local businesses at the Brisbane Business Hub.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said: “BEDA’s outstanding results are a direct reflection of the city’s bold, united vision to attract investment, grow jobs and showcase Australia’s lifestyle capital to the world. “From hosting world-class events that create more to see and do, to attracting visitors through dynamic tourism opportunities, BEDA is helping Brisbane stand tall as a global economic force.”
BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan (pictured) added: “Our impact is the result of incredible collaboration across city leaders, businesses and industry. “The roll out of our State of the City Report delivered dividends by galvanising investors, government and industry around a shared strategy and message to unlock Brisbane’s $275bn future. “This year we’ve seen local businesses scale globally, international investors choose Brisbane, and our visitor economy smash records – all through collaboration and ambition.”
BEDA chairman Paul Spiro also noted that close collaboration with key government and industry partners, including Brisbane Airport Corporation, Tourism & Events Queensland and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, meant that BEDA had continued “to deliver transformative outcomes that cement Brisbane’s reputation as a global powerhouse for business, tourism, events and innovation”.
