This week’s announcement of successful projects under the Queensland Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund marks an important milestone. QTIC’s sustained, evidence-based advocacy for dedicated tourism infrastructure funding has been central to shaping the policy environment that enabled this investment. Of the 30 successful recipients, 57 per cent are QTIC members and 40 per cent hold Quality Tourism Accreditation. These projects will strengthen regional capacity, enhance nature-based and cultural experiences, and drive long-term economic returns for communities across the state.

Tourism investment must be structured, strategic and sustained. As we move toward Brisbane 2032, QTIC will continue advocating for funding frameworks that balance regional priorities with state-wide transformational projects, ensuring tourism remains recognised as a core economic pillar.

Through our Corporate Partner Network boardroom series, we are also elevating the national conversation around events, investment and productivity. In partnership with Oztix, who generously hosted the lunch, we convened senior leaders to examine the future competitiveness of Queensland’s events sector. Dion Brant of Frontier Touring provided valuable insight into touring economics and the realities of an increasingly contested national market. Securing major tours and events requires policy alignment, infrastructure readiness and commercial confidence. These are strategic levers we must get right in the lead-up to 2032.

At a separate boardroom lunch hosted by our Corporate Partner Bishopp Outdoor Advertising, we welcomed the Honourable Milton Dick MP for a discussion on productivity, investment confidence and decentralised growth. Tourism is a foundational industry for many Queensland regions. Ensuring federal and state policy settings reflect that economic contribution remains a core advocacy priority for QTIC.

On industry capability, Queensland Welcomes You continues to gain traction, with more than 500 registrations recorded since December. Developed by the Queensland Regional Tourism Network in partnership with the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland, the program strengthens frontline experience delivery across all 13 tourism regions. Consistency in service excellence is not a soft initiative. It is a competitiveness strategy.

I am pleased to share that earlier this month, the Board reappointed Elsa D’Alessio as Chair for the next 12 months and appointed Peter Woodward as Deputy Chair.

Elsa, CEO of Aviation Tourism Strategy, brings deep capability across aviation, tourism and transport and a strong understanding of what will shift the dial for Queensland’s visitor economy. Peter, Managing Director of The CaPTA Group, offers extensive operator and business leadership experience, with a clear focus on practical outcomes for tourism businesses across the state.

Together, Elsa and Peter will help guide QTIC’s priorities as we continue to advocate for a stronger, more resilient visitor economy, including workforce, aviation access, investment, and the policy settings that support sustainable growth for operators across Queensland.

I also extend my thanks to Nick Ellis for his outstanding contribution as Deputy Chair last term. Nick’s leadership and counsel have been instrumental in progressing QTIC’s work on behalf of members and industry.

Next week, we look forward to supporting our 26 Queensland finalists at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Perth. Their achievements demonstrate the innovation and professionalism that position Queensland as a national leader in tourism excellence.

Kind regards,

Tash Wheeler