When you’re running a tourism business, there are plenty of places you’d rather put your money than into the power bill.

New rooms, better technology, staff training or simply creating an even better experience for guests. That’s why QTIC has been looking at practical ways to help members take some pressure off their day-to-day costs.

Earlier this year, we teamed up with Watt Utilities to bring QTIC members together and use their combined buying power to seek better energy rates.

And the impact has been significant, with $176,826 in estimated savings for QTIC members, including around $128,000 for Hides Hotel Cairns and more than $11,000 for at Hotel Group.

For Jeff Aquilina, Managing Director at Hotel Group, which operates Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays in Airlie Beach, those savings mean money can go back into the things guests actually see and experience.

“Like many accommodation providers, rising electricity costs have been a constant pressure point,” Jeff said.

“The savings give us breathing room, allowing us to redirect funds into areas that genuinely enhance the guest experience, such as room upgrades, technology improvements, sustainability initiatives and staff development.”

It’s that ability to reinvest that makes finding savings on everyday business costs so valuable. And while one tourism business might have limited bargaining power on its own, bringing operators together can change the conversation with energy retailers.

Rachael Kent, Energy Manager at Watt Utilities, said having a dedicated partner to navigate the market is where the real opportunity lies.

“Energy can be complicated, so our job is to make it easier. We look for savings and better deals behind the scenes, so tourism operators can spend more time focusing on their business and their guests.”

For QTIC, this is what a good member benefit looks like. It’s practical, it tackles a real challenge facing tourism businesses and, most importantly, it puts money back in members’ pockets.

Because when operators can spend a little less keeping the lights on, there’s a little more to invest in their people, their business and the experiences visitors come to Queensland for. Explore the full range of member benefits.