The latest Tourism Research Australia data for the year ending December 2025 showed that 1.3 million international visitors stayed 27.3 million nights in Brisbane, including 614,000 international holiday visitors (up 6.3%) who stayed a record 8.1 million holiday visitor nights, up 13.8%.

Brisbane accounted for more than a third (36%) of Queensland’s domestic visitor spending, reaching $13.4 billion, with 9.6 million overnight visitors staying 27 million nights. Across Queensland, nearly half of all day trips (49%) were to Brisbane, with day trip expenditure reaching $4.5 billion.

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 reflect 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,” Cr Schrinner 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.”

Brisbane’s growth is being fuelled by its position as Australia’s fastest growing experience economy, with new and evolving experiences encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore more.

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, ensuring there is always a compelling reason to visit.

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, with holiday visitation up 28.3% and holiday nights more than doubling (up 109.9%).

Japan visitation hit record highs, up 17.3% year-on-year, while there was also a surge in visitor nights with New Zealand, Canadian and French travellers staying longer.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan said BEDA would continue to build on strong demand through strategic destination marketing and the targeted attraction and acquisition of events.

“These extraordinary results reflect the strength of Brisbane’s visitor economy and the impact of sustained investment in industry, events and global destination marketing,” Mr Ryan said.

“Major events continue to play a critical role in driving visitation, filling hotels and showcasing Brisbane on the global stage, while our Brisbane Favours the Bold campaign is driving demand and converting that strong interest into bookings - particularly in the domestic market which accounts for nearly 80 per cent of our visitor spend.

“With potential headwinds in international travel, we’re focused on maintaining momentum by strengthening domestic demand while continuing to grow our international pipeline through targeted international engagement and sustained investment in key regional markets.”

Brisbane’s Domestic Tourism Statistics (DoTS) results – Year ending December 2025

1. Total visitor expenditure (includes day trips and overnight): $13.4 billion, 36% of visitor spend in Queensland
2. Domestic overnight expenditure (OVE) – $8.9 billion, 32% of OVE in Queensland
3. Day trip expenditure – $4.5 billion, 49% of visitor day trip spend in Queensland
4. Domestic visitors – 9.6 million visitors, 37% of visitors to Queensland
5. Domestic visitor nights – 27 million nights, 29% of total visitor nights in Queensland
6. Holiday visitors – 3.2 million visitors
7. Holiday visitor nights – 8.3m
8. Business visitors – 1.3 million visitors, 42% of business visitors to Queensland
9. Business visitor spend – $1.8 billion million, 51% of business visitors spend in Queensland

Brisbane’s International Visitor Survey results – Year ending December 2025

1. Total International expenditure – $3.6 billion, up 14.8% YoY – RECORD
2. Total visitors – 1.3 million visitors, up 4.2% YoY
3. Visitor nights – 27.3 million nights, down 2.8% YoY
4. Holiday visitors – 614,000, up 6.3%
5. Holiday visitor nights – 8.1 million nights, up 13.8% YoY - RECORD
6. Business visitors – 124,000 visitors, down 10.7% YoY

Top source markets

1. New Zealand – 247,000, down 1% YoY
2. Visitor nights – 2.7m up 50.9% - RECORD
3. United Kingdom – 155,000, up 9.6% YoY
4. Holiday visitors – 97,000, up 28.3%
5. Holiday nights – 967,000, up 109.9%
6. China – 128,000, up 16.4% YoY
7. United States of America – 109,000, down 2.8% YoY
8. Japan – 54,000, up 17.3% YoY – RECORD
9. Visitor nights – 2.4 million, up 8.1% - RECORD