Record Visitation to the Gold Coast as International Recovery Surges

The Gold Coast has welcomed a record 14.7 million visitors in the year ending March 2026, according to new data from Tourism Research Australia¹. 

The positive results have once again cemented the Gold Coast as the number one domestic holiday market in Queensland, and third largest in the country. 

The latest data points to a promising recovery of the Gold Coast’s international visitation, with major growth in key markets including China, the UK, and Canada resulting in an international expenditure of more than $1.5 billion.

The Chinese market continues to rebound strongly with 82,000 visitors in the year ending March 2026, a growth of 55% year-on-year. New Zealand remains the Gold Coast’s largest international market - and growing - with a record 223,000 Kiwis visiting our city in the last 12 months. 

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the results demonstrated the city’s growing reputation as a global destination. 

“People are voting with their feet and choosing the Gold Coast in record numbers. Whether they're coming from interstate or overseas, visitors are discovering what locals have known for years – this is one of the best places in the world,” Mayor Tom Tate said.

“The Gold Coast has never had more to offer, from major events and new attractions to world-class dining and accommodation. These results show the world is taking notice.” 

In the year ending March 2026, the Gold Coast delivered a total of $8.7 billion in international and domestic visitor expenditure.  

The Gold Coast welcomed a record 8.8 million domestic day trip visitors in the year ending March 2026. 

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said internationally it’s a very positive story for the Gold Coast. 

“More international visitors are choosing the Gold Coast, they're staying longer and spending more while they're here, delivering significant benefits for local businesses and our broader visitor economy,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said. 

“It's particularly encouraging to see continued growth from New Zealand, our largest international visitor market. Over the past 12 months we've welcomed new direct services from Auckland, Hamilton and Dunedin, while this month’s return of Qantas international flights between Auckland and the Gold Coast provides even more choice and capacity for travellers.”

“Domestically, we are seeing the impacts of the economic downturn influence travel decisions with visitors choosing day trips instead of overnight stays and spending less while they are away. That’s why it is so important that we work with our industry to remind Australians why they should choose the Gold Coast and explore all that our region has to offer.”

The data comes as the Federal Government extends the fuel excise relief until August 2026, giving Australians more confidence as they plan winter travel and providing additional support for Gold Coast tourism operators. 

INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

• •  678,000 international visitors, up 7% on year ending March 2025
• •  $1.5065 billion international visitor expenditure, up +22% on year ending March 2025
• •  9.9 million international visitor nights, up 13% on year ending March 2025
• •  Record 223,000 NZ visitors 
• •  82,000 Chinese visitors, up 55% on year ending March 2025
• •  66,000 UK visitors, up 10% on year ending March 2025 
• •  16,000 Canadian visitors, up 20% on year ending March 2025

DOMESTIC HIGHLIGHTS

• •  14 million total domestic visitors 
• •  Record 8.8 million domestic day trip visitors
• •  Largest holiday market in QLD, third-largest holiday market in Australia
• •  2.9 million domestic overnight visitors from QLD
• •  2.2 million domestic overnight visitors from interstate
• •  330,000 domestic business visitors 

¹ Tourism Research Australia adopted a new domestic tourism data methodology in January 2025. As a result, 2026 domestic visitation and expenditure figures are not directly comparable with previous years.