Month of May to deliver tourism windfall for Brisbane

What was once a quiet, dreary month spent preparing for winter’s cold embrace has become a massive money spinner for the Brisbane economy, with the city’s hotels and resorts close to capacity over the coming weeks for multiple major events.

Brisbane’s Magic May of blockbuster events is set to deliver an $80 million windfall to the River City.

What was once a quiet, dreary month spent preparing for Winter’s cold embrace has become a massive money spinner for the Brisbane economy with the city’s hotels and resorts close to capacity over the coming weeks.

The month-long Brisbane Comedy Festival is already in full swing, with women’s State of Origin and Magic Round rugby league, the Star Stradbroke racing carnival and Torian Pro CrossFit Games all still to come over the next four weeks.

Reilly Smith, Emma Coote, Royce Dunne and Christee Hollard are excited for May Madness with Brisbane set to be inundated with major events. Picture Lachie Millard

Magic Round has become a highlight of the Brisbane calendar, with hotels already booked at more than 80 per cent capacity for the nights of May 17-18 for an event which last year brought an estimated 30,000 visitors to the city and added almost $30 million to the local economy.

NRL Magic Round is set to deliver more fireworks for footy fans. Picture: TEQ

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The return of the Torian Pro CrossFit extravaganza is another coup for the city, with 500 elite athletes set to descend on Brisbane from May 24-26 for an event estimated to attract more than 15,000 spectators at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

CrossFit Townsville trainer Emily de Rooy competing at last year’s Torian Pro. Picture: Beny Watson

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Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said it was an exciting time for the city.

“Brisbane will be buzzing in May, with residents and visitors enjoying the incredible calendar of international and homegrown events that make our lifestyle even better,” he said.

“From sport, to art, to comedy, these major events inject millions of dollars into Brisbane’s economy.

“We look forward to seeing fans from near and far travelling to the city and staying in our hotels, dining at our restaurants and enjoying local tourism experiences.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is excited at the buzz around Brisbane this month. Picture: Liam Kidston

Co-Owner of CrossFit Torian Mike Towner said it was exciting to be back in Brisbane this month.

“Brisbane’s vibrancy sets the perfect stage to welcome Oceania’s fittest athletes to Queensland for 3 days of action-packed competition,” he said.

Events are seen as a major tourism drawcard for destinations, especially in months which would not normally see a glut of visitors and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency has worked to secure big ticket attractions over the quieter months.

MAGIC MAY BRISBANE BLOCKBUSTERS

* Brisbane Comedy Festival (26 April – 26 May)

* Brisbane Racing Club The Star Stradbroke Season (4 May – 15 June)

* NRL Women’s State of Origin Game One (16 May)

* NRL Magic Round Brisbane 2024 (17-19 May)

* Torian Pro CrossFit Games (24-26 May)