Brisbane has posted record international visitor spending of AUD$3.6bn in 2025 – up 14.8% Y-o-Y. There was also a record 8.1m international holiday visitor nights – up 13.8%. Record visitor numbers from Japan, in particular, boosted the figures.
The Brisbane visitor economy last year surged to $17bn as this international spending hit a record high in 2025.
The latest Tourism Research Australia data for the year ending December 2025 showed that 1.3m international visitors stayed 27.3m nights in Brisbane, including 614,000 international holiday visitors.
Across Queensland, nearly half of all day trips (49%) were to Brisbane.
Internationally, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and China had the most visitors to the city, while in Australia travellers from New South Wales and Victoria topped the list.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the results reflected the city’s rising appeal among both domestic and international travellers. “Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital continues to soar as more people discover our incredible tourism experiences, major events and vibrant precincts,” he said.
“Brisbane offers an unbeatable mix of culture, outdoor adventure and world-class events. These strong results put Brisbane in a great position as we navigate uncertain global conditions ahead.
“We will continue driving visitation to support local jobs and the businesses that create more to see and do in our city,” he added.
Brisbane’s growth is being fuelled by its position as Australia’s fastest growing experience economy.
Recent additions such as Brisbane Oyster Tours on Moreton Bay, the expansion of QPAC through the new Glasshouse Theatre, and a wave of new restaurants, bars and cultural offerings are helping to redefine the city’s tourism offering.
This momentum is being further amplified by a year-round calendar of sporting and cultural major events, with upcoming highlights including NRL Magic Round, Brisbane Festival and continued preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2027.
UK visitation surged to 155,000 visitors in 2025, up 9.6% year-on-year, driven by major events including the British & Irish Lions Tour and The Ashes.
