A huge thank you to David James and the team for their generosity and hospitality. Getting our team out across industry in this way is vital – it allows us to see firsthand how policy, workforce and capability settings play out on the ground, and ensures our advocacy is firmly anchored in real operator and visitor experiences. It was a powerful reminder of the spirit that defines our industry.

Those conversations also reinforced a simple truth: every welcome matters. From the first hello at the ferry terminal to a café check-in or tour briefing, each interaction shapes how visitors feel about Queensland, whether they return and what they tell others. Building the confidence and capability of frontline teams is one of the most practical ways we can support operators right now.

That is why I am pleased to share that QTIC is now delivering, on behalf of the Queensland Government, Queensland Welcomes You. From cafés to hotels and tours to attractions, the way we welcome guests shapes their entire experience of Queensland.

Queensland Welcomes You is a free online training program designed to help frontline staff and businesses shine. Each course is tailored to one of Queensland’s 13 tourism regions, giving operators the opportunity to upskill teams and deliver exceptional service at every interaction. Participants can:

• Manage diverse guest needs
• Build cultural awareness
• Deliver warm, confident and consistent service
• Earn certificates of completion that support staff development

Congratulations to the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, who began this program on behalf of the Regional Tourism Network. QTIC is proud to continue and expand this important work for our industry.

We are also delighted to see strong momentum around Pathways to Industry Excellence, introduced last month in partnership with the Queensland Government. This free online program is helping managers, supervisors and emerging leaders strengthen their businesses through practical learning in sustainability, resilience and workforce wellbeing. It is another important step in building skilled, confident teams across Queensland.

As we head into the summer holiday period, one of the most important times of the year for our sector, I want to wish every operator a successful and prosperous season. You have achieved so much this year, and QTIC is here to support you every step of the way.

Thank you for everything you do for Queensland.

Kind regards,

Tash Wheeler