On Wednesday 29 October, at the 20-year celebration on Lady Elliot Island, Peter Gash put it plainly: “Tourism saved Lady Elliot Island.” Guided by custodianship and local leadership, visitors have funded care for reef and island, shared knowledge, and built a model where protection and prosperity stand together. Congratulations to Peter and Julie Gash, and to Amy and Chloe, on two decades of custodianship at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. What you have achieved—restoration powered by visitors, genuine care on Country and world-class interpretation—shows Queensland at its best. It is our nature-positive blueprint in action.

Last Friday night, Tourism Tropical North Queensland marked 50 years and celebrated this year’s Industry Excellence Award winners. Congratulations to all winners and legends recognised. TTNQ’s legacy is not only longevity, it is the ongoing lift in product quality, partnerships and destination stewardship across the North.

It was fantastic to join the inaugural Explore Logan Tourism Forum alongside TEQ’s Craig Davidson and Jessica Ireland from Your Tourism Matters. Congratulations to Logan City Council’s Robyn Rae and the team on a strong launch that gives operators a clear way to connect, align and act. Strong turnout, clear priorities, and a shared commitment to get things done.

Thank you to Craig and the TEQ team for the invitation to join the Board visit to the Capricorn Region this week. From Pumpkin Island and Great Keppel Island Hideaway to Capricorn Caves and many more industry, the region is delivering authentic, high-quality experiences with real momentum. It is always valuable to see the product and hear directly from operators about what is working and where support is needed.

In two weeks we bring the industry together in the Brisbane region for Queensland Tourism Week: Destination IQ, DestinationQ and the Queensland Tourism Awards. This is where we align, share what’s working, and set our focus for the year ahead.

If you’re travelling to Brisbane, take advantage of exclusive Qantas flight savings and special accommodation deals across the city.

Travel and stay offers:

• Flights: Qantas delegate discount on return fares to Brisbane – save when you book via the Qantas link on the Tourism Week website.
• Accommodation: Special delegate rates available at Sofitel Brisbane Central and Ibis Brisbane – book through the delegate hotel link to access limited Tourism Week rates.

Whether you’re flying in for the forums or extending your stay to explore Brisbane’s riverfront, islands or hinterland, these offers make it easy to be part of the action.

Seats, fares and rooms are limited, so secure yours early.

If we want to move faster on the things that matter, we need to hunt as a pack—and being in the room is part of it.