Brisbane and the Gold Coast have launched dedicated trade representation in India as part of a joint effort to grow visitation from one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets.
Brisbane Economic Development Agency, Brisbane Airport and Experience Gold Coast have appointed an in-market representative to support trade engagement and convert rising demand from India into travel to South-east Queensland.
India is one of Australia’s top five international visitor markets. In the year ending September 2025, Queensland welcomed 77,000 visitors from India, who spent A$238.9 million (US$158 million). Brisbane recorded 46,000 Indian arrivals during the period, while the Gold Coast welcomed 25,000 visitors, representing year-on-year growth of 35 per cent.
The initiative is designed to support inbound demand across aviation, accommodation and tourism businesses, while encouraging more consistent travel flows into the region.
Brisbane Airport said India remains a priority market, supported by connections via Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Vietjet and Cathay Pacific. Malaysia Airlines has also introduced five weekly services to Brisbane, providing onward connections to 10 major Indian cities.
Horus Development and Consulting, which already represents Brisbane across South-east Asia, will expand its remit to include India. The programme will be led by Ratna Rai, Horus’ account manager for India, and will focus on trade engagement, marketing and public relations activity.
The partnership aims to strengthen South-east Queensland’s profile with the Indian travel trade while supporting existing aviation capacity and longer-term route development.
Brisbane mayor Adrian Schrinner said: “India is one of the fastest-growing travel markets in the world, and we want Brisbane to be top of mind for Indian travellers looking to experience Australia’s lifestyle capital. This partnership is about working together with the Gold Coast to bring more visitors to South-east Queensland, support local jobs and keep Brisbane’s visitor economy strong.”
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff added: “With Malaysia Airlines now also flying to Brisbane five times a week, and offering seamless connection to 10 major Indian cities, Queensland is more accessible to Indian travellers than ever before.”
