28 March, 2018

Brisbane tops the nation for visitor spending

The growth in the amount domestic visitors spend in Brisbane is eclipsing that of Australia and Queensland, new figures reveal.

The latest National Visitor Survey from Tourism Australia found that domestic visitor expenditure in Brisbane rose 15.3 per cent to a record $4.1 billion over calendar-year 2017.

The growth of domestic visitor expenditure in Brisbane eclipsed Australia and Queensland, which recorded rises of 5.8 per cent and 4.7 per cent respectively.

The survey results revealed Brisbane’s reputation as a tourism destination continues to grow, with a record number of Australian holidaymakers converging on the city.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the survey results found the number of Australian holidaymakers visiting Brisbane climbed 7.5 per cent to an all-time high of 1.74 million in 2017.

“The survey results show we received a record number of interstate holiday visitors along with a record influx of holidaymakers arriving from within Queensland,” Quirk said.

“We saw some good gains from New South Wales with the total number of holidaymakers climbing 9 per cent to 390,000 and holiday visitors from regional NSW areas growing 21.8 per cent to 229,000.”

“Victorian holidaymakers were steady at 145,000 but there was a rise in the number of holiday visitors from Melbourne, up 6.7 per cent to 124,000.”

“Overall, Brisbane saw a rise of 7.7 per cent in total visitor numbers and this was boosted by an 11.8 per cent increase in the number of business visitors.

“Total domestic expenditure in Brisbane reached an all-time high of $4.1 billion and our visitor spending growth is outstripping that of Queensland and Australia.”

Quirk said domestic holidaymakers were drawn to Brisbane by the city’s lifestyle and a strong calendar of events.

“Brisbane is a great place to visit and relax – it’s a safe, vibrant, green and prosperous city, valued for its friendly and optimistic character and enjoyable subtropical lifestyle,” he said.

“Our strong calendar of events is a major drawcard with the Bledisloe Cup rugby union Test, the Rugby League World Cup finals, the Battle of Brisbane boxing events and major exhibitions, musicals and cultural performances helping to boost our domestic tourism offerings.”

“The latest national results follow on from the recent International Visitor Survey, which found Brisbane attracted a record 1.3 million overseas visitors during 2017 and expenditure reached an all-time high of $2.245 billion.”

Brisbane – National Visitor Survey, year-ending December 2017

Total expenditure $4.1 billion up 15.3% – record high

Total visitors 6.49 million up 7.7%

Holiday visitors 1.74 million up 7.5% – record high

Visiting Friends or Relatives visitors 2.5 million up 2.7%

Business visitors 1.7 million up 11.8%

Brisbane Intrastate (within Qld)

Total visitors 3.65 million up 2.5%

Holiday visitors 1.08 million up 8.9% – record

Brisbane Interstate

Total visitors 2.8 million up 15.3%

Holiday visitors 659,000 up 5.2% – record

Total NSW visitors 1.7 million up 20.4%

Total Vic visitors 641,000 up 8.4%

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Brisbane Business Travel Destination MICE Survey visitor spending