Brisbane Aims to Become Australia's Events Capital

Strategic Insights -

Brisbane is set to become a hub for larger events and business tourism, as the Queensland government continues to develop its plan to grow the state's tourism industry. A new 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park is part of this plan, which also includes attracting events that bring in thousands of delegates and jobs for locals. The government aims to be the events capital of Australia, with a focus on sports, culture, music, and business events.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Queensland government has announced Destination 2045: Queensland's Tourism Future, aiming to grow the state's tourism industry over the next 20 years.
  • Brisbane will focus on attracting bigger events, more business tourism, and new product development, with a goal to become the events capital of Australia.
  • A new 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park will be built to host larger stadium events, with the private market expected to deliver the project, possibly in time for the 2032 Olympics.
  • Despite previous plans to replace Boondall's ageing entertainment centre, the Brisbane Arena, the government remains confident that an indoor arena will be delivered.
  • Brisbane Economic Development Agency is partnering with Tourism and Events Queensland to leverage new opportunities and bring operators together to develop new products and attractions.
  • Investment in supportive infrastructure, such as hotels, is still needed to meet accommodation demands for events.

Statistics:

  • 45 new ecotourism projects are expected to be introduced as part of Destination 2045.
  • 5000 delegates are expected to attend business events, booking out hotels and causing certainty around employment in the industry.
  • The British Irish Lions rugby match is expected to attract 35,000 tourists in July 2023.
  • 63,000-seat stadium will be built at Victoria Park.
  • 20 years is the timeframe for achieving Destination 2045.

Sources:

Quoted from:

  • Destination 2045: Queensland's Tourism Future – Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell
  • Brisbane Economic Development Agency – Chief Executive Anthony Ryan

Reported in:

  • The Australian, Monday, [no date]
  • The Brisbane Times, Thursday, [no date]
  • Queensland Tourism Industry Council, [no date]