I have also spent much of this month on the road, travelling across Australia and Queensland. In Hobart, I had the opportunity to join leaders from other states and territories to discuss shared tourism priorities, national opportunities and the collective challenges shaping our visitor economy. Back home, I visited operators across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast. Myself and other QTIC team members also joined AGMs and award ceremonies across several regions. These conversations on the ground are invaluable and a powerful reminder of the passion and resilience that drives our industry every day.

This week we gathered for the QTIC AGM, where we reflected on the progress captured in our 2024–25 Annual Review. It has been a year of meaningful outcomes driven by the commitment of our members, operators and partners. Together, we helped secured more than $9.25 billion for major industry projects, delivered iconic events like the Queensland Tourism Awards, were pleased to see more than 80 percent of our recommendations reflected in the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 Plan, and provided over 1,000 QTIC members with free access to Queensland Data Dashboard, powered by Localis. These are achievements our entire industry should be proud of.

We also welcomed new leadership to the QTIC Board. I am pleased to share that Chris Mills, CEO of Sunshine Coast Airport, has been appointed as a Director, bringing more than 35 years of experience across aviation, tourism, events and infrastructure. His track record in delivering significant growth and connectivity will be a major asset for Queensland as we prepare for a decade of global opportunity. We also congratulate Peter Woodward, Chair of the CaPTA Group, on his re-election. Peter’s deep industry knowledge spanning tourism operations, transport, technology and regional development continues to strengthen the voice and capability of operators across the state. To our Chair Elsa D’Alessio and our Board of Directors, thank you for your contributions and steadfast support of the visitor economy across Queensland. I would also like to thank outgoing Director Stuart Field, Managing Director of Oztix. Stuart brought invaluable knowledge and insight of the events sector to our Board. Together, we will turn opportunity into outcomes for operators, communities and visitors across this extraordinary state.

Tourism Week 2025 was another highlight this month, culminating in the milestone 40th year of the Queensland Tourism Awards. The businesses recognised this year exemplify excellence built over months of reflection, benchmarking and improvement. Every entrant invests in their people, their experiences and their communities, and that long-term commitment is what shapes Queensland’s global reputation. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. I encourage operators of every size and region to consider nominating next year; the process itself is transformative.

Finally, I am pleased to share that QTIC has launched Pathways to Industry Excellence, a new free online learning program delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government. Each of the six courses offers practical, industry-led capability building to support sustainability, resilience and workforce wellbeing. I encourage managers, supervisors and emerging leaders to get involved and make the most of this opportunity.

As we look ahead, I am excited by the momentum across our industry and grateful for the collaboration that underpins everything we achieve together.

Kind regards,

Tash Wheeler