Brisbane tourism delivers record $12 billion in economic activity

Brisbane’s tourism industry contributed $12.1 billion to the city’s economy in the year to June 2024, up 12.3% year-on-year.

The latest data from Tourism Research Australia shows that more than 9.4 million visitors spent 53.7 million nights in Brisbane in the year ending December 2024.

Welcoming the findings, Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner stated “having such a strong tourism sector is also propping-up other aspects of our economy by driving job growth in hospitality, food services, retail, events, and transport.”

Brisbane Airport also welcomed a 12.5% surge in passengers in the 2023/24 financial year, rising to 22.6 million.

In the past 12 months, Brisbane has welcomed new direct routes including American Airlines to Dallas-Fort Worth, Delta Air Lines to Los Angeles, Jetstar to Bangkok and Qantas to Manila and Palau. Direct flights to Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines are set to begin from 29th November.

Explaining that the growth in Brisbane’s tourism success is no accident, Brisbane Economic Development Agency Chief Executive, Anthony Ryan commented ït’s the result of outstanding collaboration, bold ambition and a focus on delivering an exceptional visitor experience”.

“BEDA is proudly supercharging the city’s visitor economy by securing incredible major and business events, supporting new and expanding aviation routes and helping local tourism operators to enhance and promote their experiences.

“Hosting thousands of global tourism buyers and media at the Australian Tourism Exchange last month was a defining moment for Brisbane, putting our city on the world stage and creating opportunities that will be felt for decades.”