The Queensland capital has been recognised as one of 10 global cities viewed as a ‘Trending Destination’ in 2025. According to data from global American Express Card Member travel bookings and Amex Travel’s worldwide network of travel consultants, Brisbane is one of three cities in the Southern Hemisphere to appear on the list.
The 2025 Trending Destinations list comprises:
Commenting on the results, Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel said: “We want our Card Members to experience all that travel has to offer. Through our global travel expertise, guides like our annual Trending Destinations list and our lodging programs like The Hotel Collection, we help our Card Members plan all types of trips and inspire them to explore new places.
“This year, we’ve added more than 300 new properties in top destinations to The Hotel Collection, so Card Members have even more options for where to stay when they get there.”
A study conducted by American Express found that 72% of Millennial and Gen Z travellers are more likely to book hotels that offer credit card rewards and 70% are interested in a credit card with a collection of hotel benefits across the world.
Aware that value is a priority for travellers, especially among Millennials and Gen Z travellers, American Express Travel added new benefits and expanded The Hotel Collection to include more properties in destinations our Card Members are visiting. The lodging program has increased its footprint by 40% this year to include over 1,000 hotels and expanded to 50 new destinations.
The collection includes upscale hotels located near city centres, popular tourist attractions, great restaurants and active nightlife. Additionally, when Gold and Platinum Card® Members book two or more nights at these hotels through Amex Travel, they are eligible to receive a room upgrade upon arrival, early check-in, and late check-out (all subject to availability). These benefits are in addition to a complimentary credit valued at US$100 to use towards eligible charges, which may include food and beverage, spa, or other on-property charges (eligible charges vary by property).
Five of this year’s Trending Destinations are home to Hotel Collection properties including:
Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley is in the heart of Brisbane’s fashion, nightlife, and restaurant hub. The hotel is just minutes from the bars and restaurants of Howard Smith Wharves and the boutiques of James Street.
Hotel Barriere Le Grand Hotel Dinard is a beautiful hotel with a prime spot facing St. Malo in Dinard, northeastern Brittany. This elegant hotel dates to the 19th century and is just a 10-minute walk to the beach and promenade.
Avant Mar in Paros, Greece is situated on the shore of Piperi Beach and a short walk from Naoussa, a village and harbor filled with shops and al fresco dining.
ULUM Moab is a luxury, safari-inspired resort that overlooks Looking Glass Arch and offers a secluded stay with views that extend all the way to Canyonlands National Park.
Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho gives guests the best of both worlds with outdoor adventure activities like downhill skiing and hiking trails along with luxury accommodations and signature spa treatments.
When Card Members book these – and any – destinations with Amex Travel, American Express’ massive global footprint and incredible benefits help them make the most of their travel through a network of travel consultants in 23 countries who speak 13 languages, over 1,400 airport lounges in 140 countries, dining reservations that can be made through Resy in 30 countries, and over 2,600 properties in 114 countries through the Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection programs.
