International visitors spent a record $3.3bn in Brisbane in the year to September 2025, according to figures from Tourism Research Australia. The statistics suggest healthy growth in the city’s visitor economy.
Brisbane welcomed 1.3m international visitors during the period, representing growth of 4.8% year on year. Those visitors stayed a combined 26.5m nights, while international holiday travel rose strongly and business travel continued to recover, supporting hotels, venues and the wider events economy.
International holiday visitors increased by 11.6% to 602,000; international business visitors rose 11.2% to 140,000.
In terms of source markets, visitor growth was recorded across several key locations: Japan rose 12.4% (to a record level) China grew by 10% The United States increased by 7.7% Singapore was up 10.6% UK holiday visitors rose 25.5% to 88,000
Brisbane also led Queensland’s domestic visitor economy between January and September 2025. The city accounted for more than a third of Queensland’s domestic spend, as well as capturing 50% of the state’s day-trip expenditure.
Major sporting events supported demand, including the British and Irish Lions Tour, State of Origin and NRL Magic Round.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said: “A record $3.3bn 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.”
Brisbane Economic Development Agency chief executive Anthony 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.” He added that the momentum is supporting future event attraction and investment.