The Gold Coast visitor economy has reached a new milestone, with recent data confirming our city welcomed 14.4 million visitors in the year ending December 2025. Figures released by Experience Gold Coast, based on new data from Tourism Research Australia, show this activity has driven total visitor spending to $8.9 billion, reinforcing the Gold Coast’s position as Queensland’s leading domestic holiday destination and the third largest in Australia.

Domestic visitation continues to be the backbone of this success, with 13.7 million Australian visitors contributing more than $7 billion. At the same time, international tourism is showing strong momentum, with 682,000 overseas visitors spending a record $1.5 billion, an increase of 26 per cent on the previous year. Importantly, international visitors are staying longer, generating more value across the local economy. In 2025, they accounted for a record 10.3 million visitor nights, with average stays increasing to 15 nights.

These trends demonstrate the continued appeal of the Gold Coast as a global destination, supported by investment in events, new tourism experiences and a growing reputation for quality across hospitality and lifestyle offerings.

Looking ahead, this strong foundation positions our city well as we prepare for the opportunities associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As a co-host city, the Gold Coast will play an important role in delivering Games-related infrastructure, venues and services. Through its 2032 Legacy Strategy, the City of Gold Coast has identified a clear focus on leveraging the Games to create long-term economic, social and environmental benefits, including ensuring local businesses are well placed to participate.

City of Gold Coast will be a key buyer in this space, responsible for procurement that supports city operations, infrastructure delivery and Games planning both in the lead up to and during the event. This includes a wide range of goods and services across industries such as construction, maintenance, tourism, transport and professional services.

This local procurement activity sits within a broader ecosystem of delivery partners. The Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee will manage event-specific procurement, covering areas such as event delivery, technology, accommodation and branding. The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority will oversee major venue projects, including planning, design and construction, while the Queensland Government will lead procurement associated with transport, athlete villages and wider infrastructure investment.

Collectively, this represents a significant pipeline of opportunity for local businesses of all sizes.

A strong emphasis is also being placed on inclusive and sustainable procurement. This includes encouraging partnerships with First Nations businesses, supporting local suppliers and prioritising businesses that can demonstrate strong environmental practices and accessible design.

For the southern Gold Coast business community, this provides important context as planning continues, with a clear message emerging through Council-led initiatives that now is the time for businesses to position themselves for Games-related opportunities. The scale of the Games means opportunities will extend well beyond the event itself, contributing to long-term growth and investment across our region.

The continued strength of our visitor economy, combined with the forward planning underway for 2032, highlights the Gold Coast’s ability to evolve, attract global attention and deliver lasting benefits for local businesses and the community.

Learn more about how your local businesses can prepare for opportunities associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including procurement pathways and becoming tender-ready here

Read the full media release here