Brisbane Economic Development Agency

🚀 A powerhouse room of female entrepreneurs came together last week at the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant Celebration Evening, officially launching the 2025 program. With past and present recipients in attendance, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner congratulated the outstanding businesses in the 2025 cohort, as they begin their 12-month development journey with the Brisbane Business Hub. Since 2021, this grant has delivered over $1 million in funding to 211 female-owned businesses, driving growth, impact, and supporting over 440 jobs. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us, including our presenting partner Commonwealth Bank, as we continue to champion Brisbane’s thriving Women in Business community. Women-led businesses make up over one-third of Brisbane’s business owners, fuelling our economy with creativity, innovation, and bold ideas. If you’re an entrepreneur or emerging business leader looking for support, check out the Brisbane Business Hub: businessinbrisbane.com.au. #BrisbaneBusiness #WomenInBusiness #Networking

This week, Brisbane Economic Development Agency hosted the Brisbane Concierge Destination Update at Riverlife Brisbane connecting over 30 local hotel concierges and Visitor Information Centre staff and volunteers with 15 of the region’s leading tourism experiences.   As part of #TeamBrisbane’s City Welcome Collaboration, this event supports BEDA’s goal to enhance guest experiences - encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore more, and make the most of Brisbane!  As the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) for the Brisbane region, this biannual event provides an update to our network of Brisbane hotel concierges, partners, and volunteers who are our destination ambassadors and frontline guides across Brisbane’s thriving $11.3 billion visitor economy. Get in touch to find out more about the Brisbane Concierge Program: https://lnkd.in/gQ4VjATu     #VisitBrisbane #Tourism #Visitoreconomy Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT)

🏅 Brisbane has taken a major step forward on the road to 2032 🏅 The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venue plan has been unveiled - a game-changing milestone that delivers certainty and sets the foundation for a legacy that will define our city for generations. With new and upgraded venues now locked in, Brisbane is preparing to welcome the world - attracting more global events, supercharging our visitor and night-time economies, and creating long-term jobs across tourism, construction, hospitality and beyond. Key highlights include: 🏟 A new 63,000-seat stadium to be built at Victoria Park 🏊 A 25,000-seat National Aquatic Centre at the Centenary Pool in the Victoria Park precinct to host swimming, diving and more 🎾 Expanded Queensland Tennis Centre – new 3,000-seat show court arena and 12 match courts 🏋️ Upgraded Chandler Sporting Precinct – transformed into a dedicated Para-sport facility 🛶 A new whitewater centre at Redlands to host paddle events 🏡 Revitalised RNA Showgrounds – upgraded 20,000-seat Main Arena + Athletes' Village to be repurposed as permanent housing post-Games The decision to build a world-class Brisbane Arena in Woolloongabba delivered by the private sector is a win-win for the city. Brisbane is already one of Australia’s fastest-growing capitals, with the economy projected to grow 68% to $275 billion by 2041. Our city is at the centre of South East Queensland, a region set to be home to six million people by 2041. The Games are about more than sport – they’re creating a legacy that will shape Brisbane’s future for decades to come. #Brisbane2032 #OlympicVenues #EconomicGrowth Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games The Courier-Mail Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning

Brisbane’s surging holiday appeal and packed calendar of premier major and business events are behind record-breaking visitor spend in the city, outpacing national and state trends with total visitor nights. The latest Tourism Research Australia data for the year ending December 2024, showed that overall visitor spending climbed to a record $11.3 billion, fueled by an unprecedented 53.7 million nights in the city. Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s Brisbane Favours the Bold campaign has also helped drive record numbers of interstate visitors to experience our world-class events, holiday attractions and vibrant lifestyle precincts. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, Brisbane is delivering unforgettable moments. What’s your favourite thing about Brisbane? Drop a comment below! 👉 Get Brisbane's full results: https://lnkd.in/gH-7_GVG    #Brisbane #Tourism #VisitorEconomy #VisitBrisbane #BusinessEvents 

Kickstart your business's low-carbon journey today! Reducing your business’s carbon emissions is not just good for the planet, but it can also save you money on your operational costs. Join BEDA’s new Carbon Kickstart program aimed at Brisbane’s visitor economy for free and low-cost options to measure your emissions and take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future. How Carbon Kickstart helps your business: ✅ Carbon measurement tools: Easy-to-use tools to track and measure your emissions.  ✅ Emission reduction plans: Build strategies that enhance your bids and give you a competitive edge.  ✅ Expert support: Access low-carbon training, free coaching, and expert mentorship. As the Regional Tourism Organisation, Brisbane Economic Development Agency is proud to champion the Brisbane region. Ranked in the GDS-Index Top 40 global sustainable cities and Top 5 in Asia-Pacific, Brisbane is making waves as a must-see eco-friendly destination for visitors. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gfT72mr3 Read more about Brisbane’s bold strides in sustainability: https://lnkd.in/gp-UDzHJ #Tourism #Brisbane #sustainability #visitBrisbane

Australia's largest multi-discipline cycling event, the Brisbane Cycling Festival, kicks off today! 🚴♀️ BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan joined Olympic BMX medalist & 2025 BCF ambassador Natalya Diehm to celebrate the festival’s launch.  This year’s city-wide program features a thrilling mix of international-standard events including the AusCycling Track National Championships, the Tour de Brisbane—featuring a brand-new start at Queen’s Wharf and a scenic finish across Victoria Bridge— and the Oceania Championships. Plus, don’t miss the Optus Active Lifestyle Expo, now at South Bank Parklands, capping off the epic final weekend. Beyond the excitement, the festival brings millions in economic benefits, filling Brisbane’s hotels, restaurants, and lifestyle precincts over 24 action-packed days.  Brisbane Economic Development Agency is proud to support this event with NXsports, AusCycling and Tourism and Events Queensland.    Find out more about the festival, running from Friday 21 March – Sunday 13 April 2025: https://lnkd.in/grtNHifZ #BrisbaneCyclingFestival #Brisbanesport #MajorEvents #VisitBrisbane #TourdeBrisbane 

Yesterday, Brisbane Economic Development Agency brought together our valued industry partners at The Westin Brisbane at our first Industry Forum event of 2025. Attendees gained valuable insights from one of Australia’s top AI implementation experts, delved into the essence of Brisbane’s brand and explored our latest tourism campaign designed to attract visitors and support our visitor economy. They also discovered #TeamBrisbane’s City Welcome Collaboration, focused on how we can create a truly world-class welcome and visitor experience. Because in Brisbane, every touchpoint matters—from first impressions to lasting connections. Special thanks to our keynote speaker Dawid Naude, CEO & Co-Founder of Pathfindr and industry panelist Andrew Stephenson, Director – Marketing, Comms and Digital Systems at Suncorp Stadium, for their invaluable insights. Thank you to our AV partner Microhire and event styling by A Noble Event for making it a great success. Be part of Brisbane’s momentum: https://lnkd.in/gBbqZQ8W #visitoreconomy #Brisbane #businessevents #eventprofs #Tourism #IndustryCollaboration  

Brisbane is in the spotlight! #TeamBrisbane is on a mission to showcase the city to key international markets, strengthen relationships and unlock new opportunities for our $11 billion visitor economy. Here are some highlights from the recent trade and industry events the Brisbane Economic Development Agency team has been part of – and what’s coming up later this month. 🌍 Tourism Australia's Destination Australia Conference - This week BEDA joined tourism industry leaders in Sydney to explore the future growth of the sector, where Brisbane tourism operator Kiff & Culture participated in the Agritourism panel. 🌍 Tourism and Events Queensland’s (TEQ) Queensland is Calling Greater China Roadshow - 66 meetings and training for 500+ travel sellers, airline partners, agents and media in Hangzhou and Shenzhen. 🌍 Australian Tourism Export Council’s Queensland Showcase - 35 new tourism experiences pitched to top tour operators and 60+ businesses strengthened national connections in Sydney. 🌍 Distribution Development Weekend with TEQ - BEDA & Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) held strategic meetings with 13 product partners in New Zealand to boost Brisbane’s presence. 🌍 Business Events Australia (BEA) North America Roadshow - 24 meetings at the SMU Tradeshow (Northstar Meetings Group) in New York and meeting 70+ corporate and incentive clients in Toronto, Minneapolis, St Louis and Dallas. 🌍 Next up, BEA's Greater China Showcase is taking place in Xiamen from 31 March – 2 April, where BEDA will exhibit and meet with 40+ key incentive clients and agents. Learn more about what we do at Choose Brisbane: https://lnkd.in/gUh8pkPf

✈️ Bold New Tourism Campaign To Drive Visitor Recovery ✨ Brisbane Economic Development Agency launched a new region-wide campaign today to support Brisbane’s visitor economy and help our industry bounce back from the $68 million economic impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Brisbane’s tourism, hospitality and events industry was hit with lost bookings, disruptions and cancellations across the region, but as always, Brisbane’s bold and collaborative spirit is driving recovery. This morning BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan was joined by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Tourism Minister Andrew Powell MP GAICD and Howard Smith Wharves CEO Luke Fraser to announce the campaign, together with some of the iconic businesses featured, including Riverlife Brisbane, Emporium Hotels, Central Restaurant and Brisbane Broncos legends Corey Oates and Petero Civoniceva representing NRL Magic Round Brisbane. Supported by the Queensland Government through the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and Tourism and Events Queensland, the campaign is designed to drive visitation across the Brisbane region, including Moreton Bay, Redlands Coast, Scenic Rim, Ipswich and Logan. Targeting travellers from Australia and New Zealand, it showcases Brisbane’s vibrant food, culture, and adventure scene, from Beer Yoga at Felons Brewing Co. to the buzz of Hong Kong-inspired Central, and features local icons including comedian Christian Hull, Djawun Tours’ Jason Murphy, and Central chef Benny Lam. BEDA is also working alongside partners Virgin Australia, Expedia Group, and Tripadvisor to drive real results for local businesses and accelerate our industry’s recovery.     Brisbane is open for business – and there’s never been a better time to visit! 🌆🍽️🍺    👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/g66a6VRX   #BrisbaneFavoursTheBold #BrisbaneTourism #VisitorEconomy #SupportLocal #TourismRecovery #MajorEvents Queensland Tourism Industry Council Content Lion Bigfish dentsu QLD Brisbane City Council Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) National Rugby League

📣 New support announced for Brisbane’s visitor economy ✈️   Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan joined Tourism Minister Andrew Powell MP GAICD and Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Ollie Philpot over the weekend to announce support for Brisbane and Queensland, to reignite the visitor economy and help local businesses bounce back following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.   As part of the campaign, all three major Australian airlines will also launch airfare deals to destinations right around the state over the next four weeks. BEDA is moving quickly to bring visitors back in even greater numbers across the Brisbane region, including Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands, Scenic Rim and Logan, after the disruption and financial impact caused by this severe weather event.   BEDA have more exciting news to announce soon, so stay tuned!   Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Brisbane Airport Corporation Virgin Australia Qantas Jetstar Airways #Brisbane #TourismRecovery #EconomicSupport #Queensland #VisitorEconomy