Between leading teams, running operations, and occasionally rolling up their sleeves to wash dishes, make beds, and keep the proverbial fires burning, our finalists have managed to find the time to complete a submission and nominate for Queensland’s highest honour in tourism. For this effort alone, I look forward to joining our industry colleagues and friends in celebrating your achievements.

The Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony will close out Tourism Week 2024, which will be held this November at the newly constructed The Star Brisbane. Throughout the week, QTIC, in partnership with the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland, will host both the Destination IQ and DestinationQ Forums.

More than 1,000 delegates from across the state and beyond will gather in the river city to discuss key priorities and emerging trends. This week is a valuable opportunity to come together under one roof to share ideas and concerns and to work towards a brighter, more prosperous future for tourism. I hope to see many of you there next month.

Looking forward, I extend my congratulations to Queensland’s new state government and the LNP Leader, David Crisafulli, on his election as Premier of Queensland. In the months leading up to the election, we advocated for policy measures aimed at sustaining Queensland’s tourism success. We worked tirelessly to keep critical issues – such as improving infrastructure, investing in sustainable tourism, and addressing the dual housing and insurance crisis – at the forefront for all political leaders.

On behalf of the entire QTIC team, I can say we are eager to work closely with the new government to strengthen Queensland tourism and to work with the LNP to deliver on their pre-election commitments. We look forward to the implementation of transformative initiatives, including the development of a 20-Year Tourism Plan and the establishment of a Tourism Cabinet Committee. We are excited to build on these partnerships to drive sustainable growth for the industry.

Serving as CEO of QTIC over the past two and a half years has been a privilege. I have enjoyed working alongside industry professionals, meeting many of you, and travelling across our beautiful state. From attending an opera under the stars in the Outback to exploring caves on the Capricorn Coast, I’ve cherished every opportunity to discuss with operators the support measures needed for success. As QTIC moves forward, I am confident I leave this organisation in capable hands, with an experienced Board and an exceptional team of dedicated staff.