Your Tourism Voice: QTIC calls for $50 million support package

The past fortnight has reinforced just how quickly conditions are shifting for our industry, and the scale of pressure many of you are managing on the ground.

In response, QTIC has launched a coordinated advocacy campaign alongside Regional Tourism Organisations and industry partners, ensuring a unified voice to government at a critical time. We are hearing directly from operators experiencing revenue declines of up to 30%, with modelling indicating the potential for $943 million in lost economic activity and more than 7,000 jobs at risk across Queensland.

This is why we are calling for a targeted $50 million support package focused on immediate relief measures including cashflow assistance, ATO deferrals, wage support and payroll tax relief. Our priority is clear: to keep businesses operating, protect jobs and maintain confidence in Queensland’s visitor economy.

At the same time, we know that access to timely, credible data is essential in navigating uncertainty. In partnership with Localis, RTOs and industry associations, QTIC has launched a new Tourism Intelligence Dashboard for members, bringing together critical insights to support informed decision-making at a business level.

To support the broader industry, we have also released a public Fuel Intelligence view, which provides visibility on fuel availability across Australia at a local government area level, including where service stations are experiencing outages. This is designed to support both industry and consumer confidence during a period of heightened concern.

We are currently exploring opportunities for operators to embed the fuel availability data directly into consumer-facing websites to provide real-time transparency for travellers. If you would like to express interest in accessing this functionality, please contact [email protected].

To ensure our advocacy continues to be grounded in real-time industry intelligence, I encourage you to complete the fortnightly Queensland Industry Pulse Survey. Your input directly strengthens our case with government and ensures we are representing the full picture of what is happening across the state.

Amid these challenges, it was also important to pause and recognise the people who have helped shape our industry. At QTIC’s 25-year Silver Jubilee celebration, we were proud to welcome five new Life Members – Ken Chapman, Shane O’Reilly, David Hudson, and Pip and Charles Woodward – each honoured for their enduring contributions to Queensland tourism. Their leadership, alongside that of our existing Life Members, is a powerful reminder of the strength, collaboration and long-term vision that underpins our industry.

This week also provided an important opportunity to connect with industry at a local level, with the QTIC Board meeting in Logan. With thanks to Logan City Council for hosting, Board members undertook site visits to some exceptional tourism experiences, including Kingston Butter Factory, Distillery Road Market and Beenleigh Rum Distillery. Thank you also to Fun Over 50 Holidays for facilitating the program and showcasing the strength and diversity of the region’s tourism offering.

While the current environment is challenging, please know that QTIC is actively advocating on your behalf and working across all levels of government to deliver meaningful outcomes. If you need support, guidance or simply want to share what you are seeing, I encourage you to reach out.

You have QTIC in your corner, backing you every step of the way.

Kind regards,

Tash Wheeler

QTIC CEO

Programs proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland.