Earlier this month QTIC hosted its second Boardroom Lunch for the year. We brought together operators from across the tourism, hospitality, and event sectors to meet with David Crisafulli, Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Tourism. The lunch provided an important opportunity for us to share our key concerns and needs for both short-term and long-term success. We discussed the urgent need for initiatives aimed at building a skilled workforce, stressed the impacts of the housing crisis on tourism operators, and the importance of injecting additional funds into product development and destination marketing to support the return of international visitors. I thank the Leader of the Opposition for meeting with our operators and for confirming the opposition’s commitment to the tourism industry.
While discussions with government on topics like workforce are important, it is also critical that we take actionable steps. I am thrilled to share that this month saw QTIC launch a new Tourism Careers website. Aimed at high school students, career changers and mature-aged Queenslanders, the website showcases the extensive range of jobs that are available within tourism and shares day-in-the-life-of videos from industry professionals. While careers such as chef, flight attendant and concierge spring to mind when job seekers think of our industry, we are expanding the conversation and driving attention to the vast array of exciting tourism jobs on offer.
This significant piece of work was developed in partnership with the Department of Tourism and Sport. I must thank the hardworking team at the Department for working with QTIC to deliver this important industry asset.
This month also saw the QTIC staff and Board of Directors on the Sunshine Coast where we hosted our annual World Environment Day Breakfast and spent two days meeting with operators from across the region. More than 120 operators came together in region to connect and assert the importance of the environment to our tourism brand. It was affirming to see our industry collectively commit to ensuring that tourism serves to both enhance and regenerate our natural environment.
Our industry is working hard to ensure tourism’s long-term success. The wide range of activities and programs we are delivering reminds me of how much we can achieve when we work together.
Kind regards,
Brett Fraser
QTIC CEO
