This year we will be delivering more networking opportunities for our members and I look forward to connecting with even more of you as the year progresses. We are also focused in 2024 on refining our membership benefits and ensuring that QTIC membership remains relevant and suits your needs. This week, you will see a member-only survey land in your inbox. I ask that you take a few minutes to share your insights and perspectives to help ensure that QTIC remains responsive to the issues that matter most to you.

This month also saw QTIC, in conjunction with the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), deliver a submission for the next Federal Budget. The submission focuses on funding proposals that support the return of international holidaymakers and the development of interstate leisure routes from major cities to regional tourism towns. We are also calling for a freeze on the Passenger Movement Charge tax at $70 per passenger to secure international airlines and visitors. Chief among our recommendations is a call for $70 million in grants for tourism businesses to develop their product quality and competitiveness, as well as $300 million in funding to enhance visitor facilities in World Heritage Areas such as the Great Barrier Reef. I invite you to read the full Budget Submission and to see the key federal initiatives that we are advocating for on your behalf.

It is fitting that, as we call for more funding from the federal government for businesses to develop product quality, the Queensland Government have just launched a $2 million Tourism Business Capability Subsidy. The initiative offers small to medium-sized businesses up to $2,000 for training in key areas like accessibility, improving quality and developing sustainability. Eligible applicants can choose to undertake training and accreditation activities, which include QTIC’s Quality Tourism Accreditation program. This is a great opportunity for tourism businesses to become accredited with full funding from the state government. 

I am excited to share that, next month, I will be heading off to Darwin to attend the 2023 Australian Tourism Awards, where the QTIC team will be cheering on the 25 Queensland Tourism Awards winners who are representing our great state and flying the maroon flag. I look forward to sharing the results with you in a few weeks’ time.It would be remiss of me to sign off this month’s newsletter without drawing your attention to nominations for the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards opening on Monday 4 March. I encourage you to check your eligibility on the QTIC website and to celebrate the achievements of your business and team by nominating for our state’s highest tourism accolade.

Kind regards,
Brett Fraser
QTIC CEO