Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation

The Honourable Andrew Powell

24 June 2026

MEDIA STATEMENT: Destination 2045 drives record tourism growth

  • Queensland welcomed 2.4 million international visitors in the year ending March 2026, with visitors injecting a record $8.2 billion into the Queensland economy.
  • China returned as Queensland’s leading international source market by visitor expenditure, injecting $1.6 billion into the state’s economy.  
  • Record international visitor expenditure was achieved across five Queensland tourism regions.  
  • Backed by Destination 2045, the Crisafulli Government is delivering on its plan to cement Queensland as the home of the holiday after a decade of decline under Labor. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering on Destination 2045, with international visitors contributing a record $8.2 billion to Queensland’s economy in the past year—17.3 per cent ahead of projections. 

Tourism Research Australia data shows Queensland outpacing the national average, with international visitor expenditure up 35.2 per cent year on year, compared to 20.5 per cent nationally. 

Queensland welcomed 2.4 million international visitors (up 12.7 per cent), including 1.4 million holidaymakers (up 11.0 per cent) who spent a record $3.8 billion (up 32.5 per cent). Education-related travel also reached a record $2.2 billion, up 72.6 per cent. 

China was the top market by expenditure at $1.6 billion (up 90.6 per cent), followed by New Zealand ($986.3 million, up 19.1 per cent) and the United Kingdom ($634.9 million, up 20.8 per cent). Japan ($579.9 million), the United States ($494.8 million), Korea ($398.3 million) and France ($213.3 million) also recorded strong or record results. 

UK holiday visitors spend was supported by an increased focus on Queensland’s mega events pipeline, including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour, and the Ashes Test Series in Brisbane.  

Record international visitor expenditure was achieved across five Queensland tourism regions, with Brisbane hitting a record $4.1 billion in international visitor expenditure, followed by the Gold Coast ($1.5 billion), Tropical North Queensland ($1.3 billion), the Whitsundays ($271.8 million) and the Southern Great Barrier Reef ($143.1 million). 

Queensland achieved $45.5 billion in Total Visitor Expenditure (international and domestic), 4.4 per cent or $1.93 billion above the Destination 2045 projection.  

Domestic tourism continued to underpin Queensland’s visitor economy, contributing $37.3 billion in visitor expenditure and also exceeding Destination 2045 projections by 2 per cent. 

Queensland welcomed 26.1 million domestic overnight visitors during the period, while daytrip expenditure surged to a record $10 billion. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the results highlighted the strength of the Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 plan. 

“We are backing Queensland to be Australia’s home of the holiday—investing in world-class experiences and securing major events to bring more visitors through the door,” Minister Powell said. 

“Queensland is leading the nation, and these results show our tourism industry is growing strongly – supporting jobs, businesses and communities right across the state.” 

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said the strong international demand and results reflected the appeal and resilience of Queensland’s tourism industry. 

“Record international visitor expenditure, supported by steady domestic demand, is underpinning Queensland’s $45.5 billion visitor economy,” Mr Davidson said.  

“We are seeing the benefits of increased aviation connectivity, targeted marketing and continued investment in experiences and events that are converting demand into visitation.”