Qld tourism enjoys another record-breaking year

Christmas has come early for Queensland tourism, with new data revealing another record-breaking year for the industry.

The Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s premier tourist destinations. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Christmas has come early for Queensland tourism, with new data revealing another record-breaking year for the industry.

While parts of the state were smashed by wild weather last summer, the overall picture is rosy with a record number of domestic visitors and record spending of $34.7b in the 12 months to September, according to data from Tourism Research Australia to be released on Wednesday.

Brisbane snagged a trifecta of records, setting new benchmarks for visitor numbers, spending and visitor nights, while Queensland Country and the Southern Great Barrier Reef region also performed well, reaching record levels in overnight visitor expenditure.

More than 26m domestic visitors travelled across Queensland in the period which also saw record spending from travellers from New Zealand, Korea and France.

Overall, international travellers injected $6.1b into the state’s economy, helping to offset some of the negative impacts caused by last summer’s devastating weather events in both the far north and far south of the state as well as an increased concern about cost-of-living pressures driving some would-be travellers to stay closer to home or forgo holidays altogether.

Business travellers contributed to the industry’s growth, increasing 19.6 per cent to a record 6.3m.

Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the findings were a solid result for the state.

“Queensland is still making waves and is fast becoming not just the perfect holiday destination but the place you come to do business as well,” he said.

Whitehaven Beach is a jewel of the Whitsundays. Picture: Tourism Australia

“Queensland is unique in that there aren’t many places in the world where you can feel like you are on a holiday while at a work conference, with our laid-back lifestyle, world-class tourism experiences and stunning natural assets.”

Brisbane was one of the state’s major success stories, with record visitor spending of more than $11b and other new records for domestic visitor spending (almost $8b) and domestic visitor numbers (more than eight million).

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane’s booming popularity was driving the city’s incredible economic growth.

“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital, and once people experience our city, they fall in love and keep coming back,” he said.

“We’re one of the most exciting, talked-about cities in the world, and it’s easy to see why.

“Our packed calendar of major events, world-class dining and vibrant lifestyle precincts like Howard Smith Wharves, West Village, Fish Lane and South Bank have made us a must-do destination for local and international visitors alike.”

Tourism and Events Queensland’s Ollie Philpot said cost of living pressure was impacting travellers, but people still want a holiday.

“The latest data shows that while some travel flattened over the last quarter, there were also areas of growth,” he said.

“As well as coming here for a holiday, Queensland is fast growing its reputation as the place to come for business, with a record growth of almost 20 per cent.

“There is solid optimism for the summer holiday period ahead with Queensland the most-desired Aussie holiday destination.”

Originally published as Qld tourism enjoys another record-breaking year