The latest Tourism Research Australia data also shows Brisbane welcomed 1.3 million international visitors (up 4.8%) who stayed 26.5 million nights, delivering a powerful boost to the local economy.

International holiday visitors were up 11.6% YoY (602,000), with international business visitors also up 11.2% (140,000). Visitors from Japan were up 12.4%, a new record, alongside strong year-on-year growth from the USA (up 7.7%), China (up 10%), Singapore (up 10.6%) and 88,000 UK holiday visitors (up 25.5%).

Brisbane led Queensland’s domestic visitor economy from January to September 2025, recording $9.9 billion* in domestic visitor spend and 7.1 million domestic visitors,  more than a third of the state’s domestic spend and visitors, and 50 per cent of day-trip expenditure, powered by peak-season travel from southern states and major sporting events including the British and Irish Lions Tour, State of Origin and NRL Magic Round.

Brisbane’s corporate travel sector generated a $1.5 billion economic boost, capturing 51 per cent of Queensland’s domestic business travel spend.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane’s status as Australia’s lifestyle capital was driving record tourism and bigger spending.

“From world-class entertainment precincts to major business and lifestyle events, Brisbane has something for every kind of traveller,” Cr Schrinner said.

“A record $3.3 billion in overseas visitor spending, combined with Brisbane’s strong share of the domestic market, means Brisbane is delivering more jobs, stronger support to businesses and creating a more confident city for the future.

“With another exciting year of major events on the way in 2026, we’re expecting to smash even more tourism records here in Brisbane.”

Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) CEO Anthony Ryan said Brisbane continued to captivate visitors.

“Brisbane’s visitor economy is soaring powered by strong international demand, increasing aviation connectivity and a calendar of events that keeps the city buzzing year-round,” Mr Ryan said.

“Events like the British and Irish Lions and NRL Magic Round draw tens of thousands of visitors who fill our hotels, restaurants and precincts, energising Brisbane’s economy, and providing benefits across the state.

“That momentum is helping us secure more business and major events and attract investment that delivers lasting economic benefits for the city and the state.”

BEDA is the city’s key driver of tourism, events and investment, and the Regional Tourism Organisation for Brisbane and the five surrounding councils including Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Ipswich, Logan and Redlands Coast.

Brisbane’s Domestic Tourism Statistics (DoTS) results – January to September 2025

• Domestic overnight expenditure (OVE) – $6.6 billion, 31.8% of visitor spend in Queensland
• Day trip expenditure – $3.3 billion, 49.8% of visitor day trip spend in Queensland
• Domestic visitors – 7.1 million visitors, 37% of visitors to Queensland
• Domestic visitor nights – 20.1 million nights, 29% of total visitor nights in Queensland
• Holiday visitors – 2.3 million visitors, 28% of holiday visitors to Queensland
• Business visitors – 1.1 million visitors, 41% of business visitors to Queensland
• Business visitor spend – $1.5 billion million, 51% of business visitors spend in Queensland
• Visiting friends and family – 3.1 million visitors, 44% of VFR visitors to Queensland

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

• Total International expenditure – $3.3 billion, up 7.7% YoY – RECORD
• Total visitors – 1.3 million visitors, up 4.8% YoY
• Visitor nights – 26.5 million nights, down 4.9% YoY
• Holiday visitor nights – 7.5 million nights, up 9.8% YoY
• Education visitors – 58,000 visitors, up 7.7% YoY
• Business visitors – 140,000 visitors, up 11.2% YoY

Source markets to Brisbane

• New Zealand – 242,000, down 2.6% YoY
• United Kingdom – 138,000, down 1.1% YoY
• United Kingdom – 88,000 holiday visitors, up 25.5% YoY
• China – 128,000, up 10% YoY
• United States of America – 111,000, up 7.7% YoY
• South Korea, 56,000 up 1.6% YoY
• Japan visitors – 52,000, up 12.4% YoY – RECORD
• Taiwan – 46,000, up 40.8% YoY
• Scandinavia – 21,000, up 21% YoY
• France – 28,000 up 9.9% YoY
• Hong Kong – 29,000, up 166.9% YoY
• Singapore – 30,000, up 10.6% YoY
• India – 46,000, up 0.4% YoY

*TVE – Total Visitor Expenditure (day trips + domestic OVE)