Queensland Tourism Boom Signals Strong Recovery and Future Growth

Queensland’s tourism industry has reached a significant milestone, with new figures confirming record-breaking international visitation and spending in the year ending December 2025. According to Tourism Research Australia, the state welcomed 2.4 million international visitors—an increase of 9.8 per cent—who contributed a record $7.5 billion to the economy.

More notably, 1.4 million of those visitors travelled for holidays, spending $3.6 billion, a sharp rise of nearly 30 per cent. These figures underscore the continued global appeal of Queensland as a leisure destination, particularly as international travel continues to stabilise following years of disruption.

New Zealand remained Queensland’s largest international market, with more than 508,000 visitors contributing close to $1 billion in spending. Other key markets included China, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States, alongside emerging strength from Taiwan and France, all of which recorded substantial visitor expenditure.

Major events played a role in driving these numbers. High-profile fixtures such as the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour and the Ashes Test in Brisbane helped boost visitation, particularly from the UK. Meanwhile, Brisbane and the Gold Coast led the state in international visitor spending, while Tropical North Queensland stood out as the strongest regional performer, attracting 622,000 visitors and generating more than $1.2 billion.

Domestic tourism also remained a cornerstone of the state’s visitor economy, with total expenditure reaching $36.9 billion. Growth in this segment, supported by strong day-trip activity, continues to provide stability alongside the international market.

The Queensland Government has pointed to these results as evidence that its long-term tourism strategy, Destination 2045, is beginning to deliver outcomes. Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the figures reflect growing global recognition of the state’s appeal.

“Queensland’s reputation as a premier holiday destination is resonating globally,” he said.

“Destination 2045 charts a path for Queensland to lead global tourism with unforgettable experiences, stronger economies, and better connections for visitors.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strength of the state’s tourism offering.

“Growth in holiday visitation and spend shows Queensland continues to resonate with travellers seeking that holiday feeling,” he said.

While the figures are encouraging, they also highlight the importance of sustained investment, careful planning and industry confidence to maintain momentum. Tourism remains a key economic driver for Queensland, supporting businesses, jobs and regional communities.

As the state looks ahead, the challenge will be to balance growth with sustainability, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are widely shared while preserving the natural and cultural assets that make Queensland a destination of choice.

Captions

Photo source: Shutterstock

‍