QTIC is made up of a dedicated team of people who are dedicated to ensuring Queensland’s tourism industry thrives.
Leadership
Chief Executive Officer
Natassia Wheeler is Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the peak body for Queensland’s visitor economy. With over two decades of experience across tourism, events and destination development, she is a respected industry leader and advocate, committed to strengthening Queensland’s tourism sector through collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth.
How I can help:
- Advocate for the growth and sustainability of Queensland’s tourism industry
- Connect you with key stakeholders, government bodies and industry leaders
- Support businesses in navigating opportunities for growth, collaboration and resilience
Head of Finance and Operations
Wendy oversees the financial management of the organisation, providing practical and insightful support in financial awareness to the QTIC team. Wendy facilitates the effective delivery of membership services and contracted milestones while ensuring good governance in systems and processes.
How I can help:
- Provide support with customer invoices, supplier remittances and financial queries
- Provide guidance on financial management, governance and business operations
- Connect you with QTIC programs to strengthen workforce and business resilience
Head of Industry Engagement and Partnerships
As Head of Industry Engagement and Partnerships, Steve is primarily responsible for identifying and developing QTIC’s team of strategic partners to drive growth and achieve strong mutual outcomes.
How I can help:
- Discuss potential partnership, collaboration and sponsorship opportunities
- Provide information on QTIC’s Destination Data Portal
- Connect you with QTIC’s Corporate Partner network
Head of Industry Capability
Amanda Ronan-Hearn leads the Industry Capability Team and oversees the strategic direction and delivery of QTIC’s capability program, ensuring we are driving strong outcomes for industry across the state. Amanda also supports the industry to navigate the landscape of industry capability programs across QTIC, government and other providers.
How I can help:
- Assist businesses with building capability through the Quality Tourism Framework and accreditation programs
- Facilitate engagement opportunities and connect businesses with relevant industry programs
- Partner with businesses to enhance capability and resilience, supporting continuous improvement and professional excellence
Corporate Affairs
Program Manager – Skills Advisory
Kathryn delivers the Industry Skills and Jobs Advisory Program, a Queensland Government initiative. Kathryn engages with employers, small businesses, and industry stakeholders to provide industry advice and intelligence about current and emerging industry direction, regional skills needs and training solutions, job growth, and employment opportunities. Through her role, Kathryn also coordinates the Registered Trade Skills Pathway Program a non-traditional apprenticeship model used to qualify casual cooks working in the tourism industry.
How I can help:
- Advocate for industry needs in training and workforce policy
- Support with SAS processes, funding and training quality issues
- Share insights on VET reforms, skills priorities and emerging workforce trends
Strategy and Industry Skills Coordinator
Janine supports QTIC’s workforce strategy and industry skills initiatives through research, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement. She contributes to workforce policy, government-funded programs, and industry advocacy to support a skilled and sustainable tourism workforce across Queensland.
How I can help:
- Support workforce and industry skills initiatives
- Provide research, policy and stakeholder engagement support
Communications Manager
Cat is responsible for coordinating and delivering strategic campaigns and communication for internal and external stakeholders on behalf of QTIC. Cat also supports the CEO in media engagement and enquiries.
How I can help:
- Support with media and advocacy enquires and engagements
- Promotion of industry initiatives and events with QTIC audiences
Industry Engagement and Partnerships
Senior Event Manager
Toni leads the delivery of some of Queensland’s most prestigious tourism industry events, including the Queensland Tourism Awards and DestinationQ Forum. She also serves as Queensland Program Manager for the Australian Tourism Awards, supporting the state’s representation on the national stage.
How I can help:
- Provide guidance with awards programs such as the Queensland Tourism Awards
- Discuss partnership and sponsorship opportunities with QTIC awards programs and events
Senior Industry Engagement Coordinator
Shae is responsible for the coordination of the Queensland Tourism Awards program, supporting tourism businesses in enhancing their operations and nominating for the state’s most prestigious awards program. Shae also supports the delivery of several annual QTIC events and major industry engagement initiatives.
How I can help:
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Provide guidance on award nominations and submission processes
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Share information on upcoming events, registrations and participation opportunities
Project Officer – First Nations Tourism
Shaniah facilitates the delivery of several key annual QTIC First nations tourism events, including the DestinationIQ Forum. She also implements programs that support the advancement of First Nations tourism and proactively works to improve the operating environment for First Nations tourism businesses.
How I can help:
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Connect industry with First Nations operators
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Provide information on First Nations tourism partnership opportunities
Manager – Memberships
As Memberships Manager, Jodie is responsible for proactively driving QTIC Membership and engages directly with members to ensure that QTIC programs and initiatives are tailored to the needs of industry.
How I can help:
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Guide you through QTIC membership options for maximum value
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Connect you with networks, advisory groups and key stakeholders
Industry Capability
Industry Capability Coordinator
Molly supports Queensland’s tourism, hospitality and events industry through the Gateway to Industry Schools Program, Young Tourism Leaders and Tourism Careers Roadshows. She connects high school students with industry professionals across Queensland, creating opportunities to explore and pursue careers in tourism and hospitality.
How I can help:
- Support Gateway School Members with training, industry connections and hospitality practices
- Connect schools and industry through Gateway, Young Tourism Leaders and Tourism Careers Roadshows
- Discuss Gateway membership and opportunities for Queensland schools to get involved
Industry Capability Coordinator
Beth is responsible for the coordination of the Queensland Welcomes You program, a statewide visitor experience training program designed to build pride, capability and consistency across Queensland’s tourism, hospitality, retail, transport and events sectors.
How I can help:
- Provide information on the Queensland Welcomes You program
- Provide advice and assistance to businesses in the accreditation programs
Industry Capability Coordinator
Jason supports the delivery of capability-building programs, including AI-focused digital micro courses through the Pathways to Industry Excellence program. The initiative is an online learning program designed to build a more sustainable, resilient, and world-leading visitor economy for Queensland.
How I can help:
- Provide information on the Pathways to Industry Excellence program
- Provide advice and assistance to businesses in the accreditation programs
Industry Capability Coordinator
Gemma is responsible for coordinating nationally recognised accreditation programs and working with businesses to build capacity and elevate business standards through the Quality Tourism Framework. Accreditation showcases commitment to great customer service, safe and professional business practices and high quality visitor experiences.
How I can help:
- Provide advice and assistance to businesses wanting to join or are already in accreditation programs
- Provide information on the Queensland Welcomes You program
- Provide information on the Pathways to Industry Excellence program
Office and Administration
Executive Assistant and Office Manager
Aimee is the Executive Assistant and Office Manager at QTIC. She supports the Chief Executive Officer, the Board, its sub-committees and staff, to assist in achieving company goals and objectives as well as the efficient operation of the office.
How I can help:
- Arrange executive level meetings on behalf of the CEO and Board
- Monitor and assist with CEO and Board correspondence
Marketing and Administration Assistant
Emma manages front desk operations, phone inquiries and oversees the scheduling of appointments for various team members and QTIC programs. Emma serves as a critical point of contact between our members, industry and the wider QTIC team, and contributes to the delivery of marketing activities through coordination, communications and campaign support.