The latest Tourism Research Australia results for the year ending June 2026 show international visitors spent a record $4.2 billion in Brisbane, up 41.4 per cent year-on-year, while international visitor nights climbed 29.2 per cent to a record 33.8 million. International holiday visitors also stayed a record 10 million nights, up 32.7 per cent.

Japan was a standout growth market, with visitation increasing 33.7 per cent to a record 60,000 and visitor nights rising 22 per cent to a record 2.7 million. Chinese visitation also grew strongly, up 26.2 per cent to 145,000 visitors.

Brisbane's domestic market remained a major contributor, generating a further $13.8 billion in visitor spending, including $8.8 billion in overnight expenditure and $5 billion from day trips.

Brisbane welcomed 9.7 million domestic visitors who stayed 27.3 million nights, with Brisbane ranked third among Australian tourism regions for domestic overnight visitors, total overnight visitor expenditure and holiday overnight visitor expenditure.

Business travel was another strength, with Brisbane accounting for more than half of Queensland’s domestic business visitor expenditure. Around 1.1 million business visitors spent $1.4 billion in the region.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the results showed Brisbane’s lifestyle, experiences and events were translating into real economic benefits for the city.

“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and more visitors are discovering what locals already know, this is a must-visit destination," Cr Schrinner said.

“From our riverfront lifestyle and world-class dining to major events and experiences, we’re giving people more reasons to visit and stay longer.

“A record $4.2 billion international visitor spend is a massive vote of confidence in Brisbane and a big boost for local businesses and jobs.

“We’ll keep backing the events, experiences and precincts that bring people here, strengthen our economy and make Brisbane an even better place to live, work and relax.”

Major events were a significant driver of visitor demand throughout the year, attracting high-value visitors, filling hotel rooms and driving spend across Brisbane’s hospitality, retail and tourism sectors.

The British & Irish Lions Tour generated $71.4 million in economic activity and 133,061 visitor nights, while the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo delivered $48.3 million and 150,842 visitor nights.

Bluey’s World Brisbane welcomed more than 220,000 attendees and contributed $82.5 million in economic activity during its first reporting period.

Major events also supported growth from key markets with UK visitation increasing 7.9 per cent year-on-year after major drawcards including the British and Irish Lions Tour and Ashes cricket.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan said Brisbane’s visitor economy was benefiting from strong growth across both international and domestic markets.

“Major and business events are playing a huge role in Brisbane’s growth, generating more than $495 million in economic activity and more than 1.2 million visitor nights last financial year,” Mr Ryan said.

“While international spending and visitor nights have set new records, domestic visitation remains a powerhouse for our visitor economy, with both markets supported by increasing connectivity, destination campaigns and trade marketing that keep Brisbane front of mind and converts interest into bookings.

“Our focus is on continuing that momentum to attract more visitors and giving them more reasons to stay longer and spend more, ensuring that growth flows through to Brisbane’s hotels, restaurants, tourism operators and local businesses.”

Brisbane’s Domestic Tourism Statistics (DoTS) results – Year ending June 2026

• Total visitor expenditure: $13.8 billion, representing 36.8 per cent of Queensland visitor spend
• Overnight visitor expenditure: $8.8 billion
• Day-trip expenditure: $5 billion, representing 48.4 per cent of Queensland day-trip spend
• Overnight visitors: 9.7 million
• Visitor nights: 27.3 million
• Holiday visitors: 3.6 million
• Holiday visitor spend: $4 billion
• Business visitors: 1 million
• Business visitor spend: $1.4 billion, representing 51.1 per cent of Queensland business visitor spend

Brisbane’s International Visitor Survey (IVS) results – Year ending June 2026

• Total international visitor expenditure: $4.2 billion, up 41.4 per cent - RECORD
• Visitors: 1.3 million, up 4.6 per cent
• Visitor nights: 33.8 million, up 29.2 per cent YoY - RECORD
• Spend per visitor: $3,137, up 35.1 per cent YoY
• Spend per night: $124, up 9.5 per cent YoY
• Holiday visitors: 608,000, up 2.4 per cent YoY
• Holiday visitor nights: 10 million, up 32.7 per cent YoY - RECORD

Top international source markets

• New Zealand: 236,000 visitors; 2.8 million visitor nights (RECORD), up 50.9 per cent
• United Kingdom: 148,000 visitors, up 7.9 per cent
• China: 145,000 visitors, up 26.2 per cent
• United States: 104,000 visitors, down 6.4%
• Japan: a record 60,000 visitors, up 33.7 per cent; 2.7 million visitor nights (RECORD), up 22 per cent