The Queensland capital’s corporate travel sector is going from strength to strength, with data from Tourism Research Australia showing a 20.5 per cent year-on-year surge in domestic business-related travel in the 12 months to June 2024.
The numbers reflect the most robust growth among Australian capital cities, with a record-breaking annual visitor spend of $10.7 billion.
The city has also seen a surge in weekday hotel booking numbers, with STR data revealing average occupancy rates for the 12 months to June 2024 soared to 77 per cent.
Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s general manager of tourism, business and major events, Lorelle Chittick, says year-on-year growth marks a shift in Brisbane’s business travel landscape.
“Brisbane’s global reputation as a place to live, visit and do business continues to strengthen, with business travel reaching its highest levels since COVID-19,” she says.
“The city’s culinary scene is also booming, with a huge choice of venues, including the newly opened Naldham House and renowned Walter’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar, offering private dining and premium corporate hospitality that appeals to business travellers and continues to fuel the city’s growing appeal to corporates.”
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has played a vital role in the growth of business events.
The 2023-2024 financial year saw BCEC deliver its second-best result in the venue’s 30-year history.
“It is great to see these attendance levels continuing to strengthen beyond pre-COVID-19 levels,” says BCEC general manager Kym Guesdon.
Queensland Hotels Association CEO Bernie Hogan believes Brisbane is set to become a national leader for corporate travel.
“In the past, corporate travellers would typically head north or south for a holiday post-conference, but business travellers are now staying longer and experiencing more,” he says.
Hogan adds that sporting events such as NRL Magic Round and business conferences have successfully driven corporate visitor rates, with the “bleisure” travel trend unlocking more opportunities for the city.
“Businesses see the value in personal connections,” he says.
“They know the most important conversations happen on the walk back to the lift after a meeting.
“You can’t get that over Zoom, and with our climate and flourishing hotel and restaurant sector, we’re the natural choice for corporates.”
