News & Announcements

Almost five months after Labour’s election victory in May, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered the Australian Government’s first budget last week. The breakdown of the budget reminds us of the critical importance of advocacy within our industry. As one of the last sectors to recover from the effects of the global pandemic, it is more important than ever for tourism to receive the funding and support it merits. While families and healthcare were the big winners of the Albanese Government’s Budget, tourism will also see an injection of investment in critical sectors. 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as the new Chair of QTIC. I am honoured to be part of such an instrumental organisation and look forward to working with the Board of Directors, Brett Fraser, and the QTIC team in leading Queensland’s tourism industry into a new era of growth.

As we come to the close of July, Queensland is grappling with a resurgence in COVID-19 numbers. Although we are seeing promising signs of recovery and regrowth, the next few months will be challenging for our tourism sector. From small family-operated businesses to tourism’s biggest names, the lingering effects of this pandemic are indiscriminate and affect us all.

Many within our state’s tourism industry are mentally and financially exhausted. If you find yourself grappling with and overwhelmed by the impacts of this pandemic, please know that you can always reach out to myself and the QTIC team. Our helpful team members can guide you towards resources and assure you of measures that are being taken to safeguard our industry.
 

June has been a significant period for our tourism industry. Most notably, the month saw the release of the State Budget and we welcomed a much-needed $262.5 million investment from the Queensland Government for Protected Areas. You can read a breakdown of key budget measures relating to tourism and what it means for our industry in QTIC’s budget summary.

As we come to the end of May and I conclude my first month with QTIC as the new CEO, I would like to thank all those I have had the opportunity to engage with for their support. I feel genuinely privileged to take on this role at such a critical time for our industry.

I have been encouraged by the spirit and innovation of our state’s tourism and hospitality operators. From small regional businesses to performers and artists, I’ve witnessed your drive and commitment and am buoyed by the fact that you are the driving force behind our amazing industry.