26 May 2025: As fans prepare to pack out Suncorp Stadium for the first State of Origin clash on Wednesday 28 May, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is calling for urgent action to address infrastructure development – a critical issue confronting the State’s tourism future.
With just seven years until the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland is already behind in meeting surging accommodation demand. Currently, South East Queensland offers only 46,000 hotel rooms, compared to Los Angeles’ 120,000 and Paris’ 133,000. Even with committed developments, Queensland’s hotel room inventory is expected to grow to just 51,000 by 2030 – falling significantly short of what’s required to meet rising demand from major events and global visitation.
“Tourism is one of Queensland’s economic pillars and events like State of Origin demonstrate our potential to draw global attention,” said Natassia Wheeler, CEO of QTIC.
“But we cannot ignore the reality – our infrastructure is not keeping pace. We need strategic, accelerated investment to ensure our State remains competitive and resilient. QTIC is committed to working with government and industry to ensure we meet the opportunity ahead of us.”
May 2025 is shaping up to be one of Brisbane’s strongest months on record for major events, injecting an estimated $100 million into the local economy and drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
The 2025 NRL Magic Round, held from 1–4 May, recorded a cumulative ticketed attendance of 149,306 at Suncorp Stadium, and CoStar accommodation data showed average hotel occupancy across the wider Brisbane region at 80% during the event period.
This follows 2024’s Magic Round which delivered $47.8 million in total economic impact, attracted 148,000 attendees and drew over 48,000 interstate visitors.
As of Monday, 19 May, Brisbane hotel occupancy for Wednesday’s State of Origin Game stood at 77% and is expected to grow. Last year, the third match held in Brisbane saw hotels reach 92% occupancy, showing the strong pull of marquee events on Queensland’s accommodation market, according to Wheeler.
“These numbers speak for themselves,” Ms Wheeler said.
“Queensland is attracting more visitors, more often, for longer stays. But our ability to host them is at breaking point. Hotel capacity, transport links, and tourism infrastructure must expand now to match our ambitions for 2032 and beyond.”
Regional Queensland destinations are also set to host Olympic and Paralympic events, with associated upgrades to public spaces, sporting venues, and transport corridors enhancing long-term livability and appeal for visitors.
“Events are gateways to regional dispersal,” she continued. “With investment, those experiences become stronger, and the entire State benefits.”
“The clock is ticking. With coordinated government and industry action, we can rise to the challenge – and ensure Queensland’s tourism sector remains a powerhouse for decades to come.”
Ends.
For more information, images and interviews please contact Heather or Jen at The Comms. People:
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
