There’s plenty happening across Queensland’s tourism and events industry, with some positive developments this fortnight and a few important opportunities for QTIC Members to get involved.

We were pleased to welcome the nearly $290 million investment in the RNA Showgrounds. The Ekka has brought country and city together for 150 years, so securing its future is important, but this investment is bigger than one event. Queensland needs quality, fit-for-purpose event precincts if we want to compete for major events, festivals and experiences that attract visitors and drive spend across our economy. As we head towards 2032, investing in the spaces that allow our events sector to grow and compete will be critical to Queensland’s visitor economy.

The Queensland Government also released its new Nightlife Economy Action Plan. We see this as a positive first step, but there’s more work to do. A thriving after-dark economy isn’t simply about nightlife. It’s about making it easier for businesses to operate, giving visitors more reasons to stay out and explore, and making sure Queensland keeps pace with other leading destinations. We’ll continue pushing for the reforms industry needs.

We’ve also been progressing some important work for Queensland’s events sector. Our new Events Sector Advisory Group was established to give the sector a stronger, coordinated voice on the systemic issues affecting businesses across Queensland. We’ve already taken the first priorities identified by the group directly to senior government, including procurement, workforce and capability, regional events and 2032 readiness. This is exactly what we established the group to do: hear directly from industry, build the case and take those issues to the people who can help shift them.

There are also a few ways to get involved with QTIC right now.

Tourism in the House is coming up on 27 August and tickets are nearly gone. It’s one of those rare opportunities to have tourism and events operators and senior government leaders together in the same place, creating space for genuine conversations about what’s happening across our industry.We’re also making a final call for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism and events leaders to join our new First Nations Advisory Group. The group will bring industry voices directly into our work, helping shape our advocacy and priorities and ensuring lived experience and cultural knowledge are part of the conversation.

Finally, a quick reminder for members applying for funding. You can request a QTIC Letter of Support through your Member Portal. If we can help strengthen your application and back a great idea for Queensland’s tourism and events industry, we want to.