Internationally, Brisbane’s reputation has been on the rise, thanks in part to establishments like Agnes, a highly regarded restaurant, and The Calile, which was named one of the top 50 hotels in the world in 2023. These venues have been instrumental in showcasing the city’s growth and appeal on a global scale. Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Brett Ryan expressed his enthusiasm for the city’s increasing recognition, noting that international audiences are starting to take notice of Brisbane’s offerings.
The Calile Hotel, in particular, received high accolades, securing the 12th spot in the World’s 50 Best Hotels list for 2023, making it the only Australian hotel to achieve this honor. This recognition has further elevated Brisbane’s profile as a premier travel destination. The city’s current momentum is described as exciting, with a surge in aviation investments and the reinstatement of direct routes to Brisbane contributing to its growing appeal among tourists.
According to Brisbane Airport’s executive general manager of aviation, Ryan Both, New Zealand has always been a significant market for Queensland, with efforts to make travel to the destination more affordable and convenient for short getaways. The airport is expected to reach close to 100% of its pre-pandemic capacity to New Zealand by the end of the year, indicating a strong resurgence in trans-Tasman travel. With established routes to North America and increasing interest from East Asian countries such as Japan, the focus is now shifting towards expanding connections to south-east Asian destinations like Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Singapore.
The majority of international visitors to Brisbane in recent years hailed from countries like New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, there was a notable increase in tourists from Canada, India, and Thailand, reflecting the city’s growing popularity as a diverse and vibrant travel hub. The efforts to attract visitors from a wide range of international markets demonstrate Brisbane’s commitment to becoming a globally recognized destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Ryan Both emphasized the importance of reestablishing and expanding air travel links with key south-east Asian markets, highlighting the need for increased flights to destinations like Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Singapore. While some regions have been slower to recover in terms of air travel demand post-pandemic, Brisbane Airport is focused on rebuilding these connections to further enhance its global connectivity. By strengthening ties with south-east Asian countries, Brisbane aims to solidify its position as a premier aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Overall, Brisbane’s burgeoning reputation as a top travel destination is being boosted by world-class establishments like Agnes and The Calile, as well as strategic efforts to enhance aviation connectivity with key international markets. With a diverse range of visitors from various countries and a focus on expanding links to south-east Asia, Brisbane is poised to solidify its status as a global hotspot for tourists and business travelers alike. The city’s increasing recognition and appeal on the international stage bode well for its continued growth and success in the travel industry.
