Post Covid payday of $30bn for Queensland tourism

Brisbane, the Gold Coast and six other Queensland destinations all enjoyed record-breaking years for tourism in 2022, a sign the tourism market is back to full swing.

Queensland laid out the welcome mat for 26.5 million cashed up visitors in 2022 who spent a record $30 billion in a sign the state’s tourism market is back to full swing.

Brisbane, and eight other destinations including the Gold and Sunshine coasts, the outback and far north all enjoyed record-breaking years, the latest Tourism Research Australia data has revealed.

The Sunshine State had the highest amount of domestic overnight visitor expenditure in the country for the sixth straight year.

The River City led the charge with a $6.5bn boom with a 22.3 per cent surge compared to 2019, the last year not rocked by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Be it for the historic return of The Ekka, for rock gods Guns n Roses and Kiss, or the NRL’s blockbuster Magic Round, the cash happy punters came to Brisbane, and spent big.

“Queensland tourism operators are working hard and achieving record results,” Tourism Minister Sterling Hinchliffe said.

Minister for Tourism Stirling Hinchcliffe. Picture Lachie Millard

“We’re seeing destinations across the state breaking records for overnight visitors

spending to deliver the sixth consecutive record.

“It’s terrific to see Southern Queensland Country, the Gold Coast and the Southern

Great Barrier Reef staying longer and enjoying even more of Queensland’s great

lifestyle and holiday experiences.”

Queensland’s international visitor market chipped in with 916,000 visitors and $2.3bn despite the industry still recovering from the pandemic.

The data showed Brisbane had a record breaking year for domestic holiday nights on the back of array of luxury five-star hotels.

Each visitor to the River City was estimated to have spent $880 with more than 2.5 million coming from New South Wales and Victoria alone.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the boom reflected Brisbane’s growing appeal as world-leading leisure and business destination.

“Whether you’re in Brisbane for a holiday, business trip, a blockbuster sporting event, show or staycation, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from across the city,” Cr Schrinner said.

Vanessa Larkins and Tyra Eldridge poolside with QT Gold Coast’s cocktail king Brock Ashmore. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“More hotels means more visitors, which will be vital in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, and beyond.

“Hotels play a pivotal part in supporting the visitor economy, providing a place for travellers and business delegates to stay while supporting local businesses and local jobs.”

Brisbane Economic Development Agency chief executive Anthony Ryan said the River City’s hotel offerings had scaled to new heights.

“Brisbane’s hotel scene has exploded in recent years, particularly with a line-up of new luxury hotels opening across the city,” Mr Ryan said.

“Our hotels have become destinations in their own right, leaning into our city’s unique personality and outdoor lifestyle to create the ultimate subtropical getaway with a booming rooftop bar and pool scene.”

SPEND PER REGION

Brisbane: $6.5bn

Gold Coast: $5.1bn

Tropical North Queensland: $4.4bn

Sunshine Coast: $4.3bn

Southern Great Barrier Reef: $1.6bn

Southern Queensland Country: $1.1bn

Townsville: $1.1bn

Fraser Coast: $658m

Mackay: $654m