QTIC marked a significant milestone this month, celebrating 25 years of industry leadership and advocacy at its Silver Jubilee event on 14 April. The celebration at Emporium South Bank drew a vibrant crowd of nearly 250 guests, from government ministers to tourism operators and QTIC Life Members, creating a fitting backdrop to reflect on 25 years of shared achievements and the people who have helped shape Queensland’s visitor economy.

The highlight of the day was the induction of five exceptional industry figures into QTIC Life Membership, an honour reserved for those who have made enduring contributions to tourism in Queensland. This year’s inductees were Ken Chapman, Shane O’Reilly, David Hudson, and Pip and Charles Woodward, each recognised for their leadership and commitment to the industry.

Ken Chapman, a founding board member and QTIC’s inaugural member, was acknowledged for his pivotal role in establishing the organisation and guiding its early advocacy efforts. His vision helped cement tourism advocacy as a cornerstone of the industry. Beyond QTIC, his leadership with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and his influence across Tropical North Queensland have left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit operators today.

Shane O’Reilly was also honoured for his decade long tenure as QTIC Chair. During this time, he steered the organisation through challenging periods with steady leadership and a clear focus on industry outcomes. His work extends beyond governance, with significant contributions to sustainability and ecotourism through O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. His passion for environmental stewardship has helped strengthen Queensland’s reputation as a leading nature based destination.

David Hudson was recognised for his outstanding contributions as a First Nations cultural leader. As a founding member of the QTIC Indigenous Champions Network, he has played a crucial role in advancing inclusion within the tourism industry. Throughout his career, David has shared First Nations culture with visitors from around the world, helping to build a more culturally connected and authentic visitor experience across the state.

Pip and Charles Woodward were jointly honoured for their longstanding impact on the industry. As leaders of the CaPTA Group, they have been instrumental in delivering high quality visitor experiences and building strong industry foundations. Both were also founding members of the Indigenous Champions Network, reinforcing their commitment to inclusion and progress. While Charles has sadly passed, the recognition stands as a tribute to their shared legacy and lifelong dedication to Queensland tourism.

The evening also celebrated the contributions of existing Life Members, many of whom were in attendance, including Gary Smith, Ian Kean, John Atkin, founding QTIC CEO Daniel Gschwind, and the late Stephen Gregg, represented by his wife Christine. Each was presented with a commemorative trophy in recognition of their lasting impact on the industry.

As QTIC looks to the future, the Silver Jubilee served not only as a celebration of past achievements, but also as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and collaboration that continue to drive Queensland’s tourism sector forward.