Brisbane 2025 in review
What a year it’s been for Brisbane and BEDA! In 2025, our city captured global attention with blockbuster events, world-class conferences, bold destination campaigns, and programs driving business growth and investment. This work has all contributed to a record economy, record visitor numbers, and a string of international accolades.
At the heart of it has been partnership, collaboration and innovation. Working hand-in-hand with partners, industry and government, BEDA has amplified Brisbane’s prospects on the world stage and helped fast-track the city’s economic growth as we build momentum toward Brisbane 2032.
Here’s a look back at the highlights.
This year BEDA… Added $1.4B to Brisbane’s economy (2024-25)
BEDA’s investment attraction and business growth programs surpassed $1 billion, while Brisbane’s calendar of blockbuster events, conferences and strategic global marketing injected hundreds of millions into the visitor economy which hit record highs.
Showcased Brisbane to the world
Visit Brisbane continued to drive strong engagement in 2025, with 1.86 million website users generating 4.23 million page views and social channels growing to over 652,000 followers, up 8.8% for the year. The city’s profile was further elevated through acclaimed marketing campaigns, including ‘Brisbane Favours the Bold’ and ‘Alive with Opportunity’, while earned media coverage reach over 23.8 million people domestically.
Brisbane also hosted the largest-ever Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE 25) with 700 buyers from 30 countries, 1,600 sellers, and 68 media delegates. BEDA attended tourism trade shows across North America, Europe and Asia, connecting with 1,465 global trade representatives.
Supported world-class major events
Brisbane’s blockbuster major events calendar delivered extraordinary impact this year, with BEDA and key partners including Tourism and Events Queensland, supporting 36 events worth $315 million, including Bluey’s World Brisbane, NRL Magic Round, the British and Irish Lions Tour, and MELT Festival. The BEDA team, together with partners also securing 26 future events worth a projected $295 million.
Hosted experts and delegates from around the world
Brisbane continued to shine as a premier business events destination in 2025, with BEDA, in collaboration with key partners including the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre supporting 65 conferences and incentives in 2025 worth $125 million in economic activity for the city. Highlights included the Brisbane Truck Show, EvokeAg, and the International Conference for Conservation Biology. The BEDA team also secured 107 future conferences and incentives, worth a projected $142.5 million.
Supported local tourism to develop world-class experiences
BEDA delivered helped develop world-class inclusive tourism experiences and support operators through five targeted training and industry development programs supporting 250 participants and 80 businesses.
Brought vibrancy and visitors to the heart of the city
BEDA helped bring the city centre to life, delivering 928 events and 2,036 performances to create vibrancy and attract locals and visitors to the city. Our Dine BNE City program in June featured over 100 exclusive offers and events across 60+ top restaurants and bars, while our festive Christmas in Brisbane program kicked off on 1 December with new decorations and experiences, as well as old favourites like Tiny Doors and Lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Propelled Brisbane's investment prospects on the world stage
Investment projects and initiatives delivered $1.1 billion in economic impact in FY25, including BEDA's flagship MedTech Global Accelerator and Future Food Global Accelerator initiatives.
BEDA also launched the 2025 State of the City Report alongside hundreds of industry peers, highlighting a $201 billion economy, record $13.7 billion visitor spend, $100.1 billion infrastructure pipeline and Australia’s fastest-growing health and experience economies.
The team also led seven global business missions, including JP Morgan Health Week in San Francisco, to attract international investment to the city.
Engaged 12,000+ businesses through the Brisbane Business Hub
The Brisbane Business Hub engaged and supported over 12,000 businesses , delivering 182 capability-building workshops and 1:1 mentoring sessions, with 2,625 workshop attendees. The year also saw the appointment of Brisbane’s inaugural Women in Business Champion, driving growth, connection, and impact across the city’s business community.
Recognised and awarded local talent, entrepreneurship and innovation
BEDA shone a spotlight on local talent, entrepreneurship, and innovation in 2025, with over $250,000 in Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grants awarded to more than 50 women-owned businesses. Twelve businesses were recognised in the 20th annual Lord Mayor’s Business Awards for excellence in innovation, sustainability, education, and global success, while six business and research pioneers received a Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant to help attract new business events to the city.
Championed sustainability
BEDA continued to champion sustainability, with Brisbane ranking #16 in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index and earning EarthCheck Silver Certification for BEDA and the city. The year also saw the launch of BEDA’s Carbon Kickstart initiative, supporting local businesses to increase their sustainability efforts and cut emissions.
From sporting glory to world-class dining: Brisbane’s 2025 accolades
- Brisbane debuts in Time Out’s Top 50 Best Cities 2025
- Bluey’s World named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2025
- Supernormal named a top new global restaurant by Condé Nast Traveller’s coveted 2025 Hot List
- Seven Brisbane restaurants in AFR’s Top 50 Fine Dining and Wine List
- Brisbane named Australia’s top sporting city, ranking 20th in the world
- Brisbane named Best Business Event Destination – Rest of World in C&IT Awards 2025
- The Calile listed in World’s 50 Best Hotels for the third year
- Brisbane named one of the world’s friendliest cities and the friendliest in Australia in Time Out Group plc’s 2025 global survey
- Brisbane named in Travel + Leisure’s Best Places to Go in 2026
The best part? We’re just getting started – here’s to an even bolder Brisbane in 2026.
