I’m pleased to share that from July, we’re shifting to a fortnightly newsletter model. This change will help ensure you stay better informed, more regularly engaged and ahead of the curve in a fast-moving industry. It’s an exciting step forward in how we communicate with you and share the opportunities, updates and insights that matter most.

Membership renewals for 2025 to 2026 are now rolling out and I encourage you to explore our refreshed membership structure. With clearer options and expanded offerings, including a new category specifically designed for event providers, our updated membership program is built to deliver more value and targeted support across tourism, hospitality and events. Whether you’re renewing or joining for the first time, there’s never been a better time to be part of QTIC and contribute to a thriving, collaborative industry network.

There’s still time to secure your seat at this year’s QTIC NAIDOC Corporate Breakfast, taking place in Meanjin Brisbane. This is more than a breakfast. It is a powerful moment to honour First Nations leadership, celebrate culture and reflect on the path forward together. With John Paul Janke as emcee, a moving keynote from Jeremy Donovan, an engaging panel of Indigenous media voices and a live performance by Zipporah Corser-Anu, this will be a morning to remember and a highlight of our events calendar.

This month, I’ve had the opportunity to advocate on your behalf with key decision-makers in government. My discussions with Tourism Minister Andrew Powell focused on QTIC’s support for the Queensland Tourism and Conservation Alliance as a strategic advisory body to government. We are proud of the role QTIC has played in helping to secure more than 250 million dollars so far in conservation funding and in strengthening the connection between tourism and environmental stewardship.

Finally, congratulations to our 2025 Top Tourism Town winners: Bowen, Airlie Beach and the Town of 1770. A special congratulations to Joel McPherson of Joel’s Journeys, named Queensland’s Top Tour Guide. These inspiring leaders will now go on to represent Queensland at the national awards, and we will be cheering them on.

As always, thank you for being part of the QTIC community. Together, we’re building an industry that is inclusive, sustainable and ready for the future.