September has been a big month for Queensland tourism and it has reinforced why our industry needs to be heard in the decisions that shape its future.

Earlier this month, we took our first QTIC industry delegation to Canberra. Members participated because they wanted to put their experiences directly to federal decision-makers. Together, we raised the workforce and visa settings, insurance costs, housing and investment Queensland tourism needs as we prepare for 2032. Hearing directly from operators gave those discussions a practical grounding in what is happening in businesses and regional communities right now.

Working Holiday Makers were a major focus, and the Australian Government’s subsequent changes to second and third-year visas have made that advocacy more urgent. QTIC estimates Queensland could lose around 10,300 regional backpackers under the changes. These young travellers help businesses fill seasonal roles, but they also travel through our regions and spend with local operators.

We are working with members, the Australian Tourism Industry Council and other affected industries to press for a better outcome. The Comms. People are helping us bring operators’ stories into the media, while Bishopp Outdoor Advertising is supporting billboards across Queensland and in Canberra.

Both have been generous supporters of QTIC and our industry. Media coverage helps explain what is at stake, while billboards put the message in front of people as they go about their day. Together, they help us reach beyond government and build public understanding of why this decision affects regional businesses and communities.

If you can add your voice, please do. Sign and share the petition, and use the operator action guide to tell your Federal MP what these changes could mean for your business and region.

Congratulations to Stanthorpe and Airlie Beach on winning Gold at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards, and to Toogoolawah on its Silver. I also want to thank representatives from all three towns, along with Queensland’s Top Tour Guide, Jeb Connelly of Gems Tag A Long Tours, for joining us in Canberra and representing Queensland on the national stage. These results reflect the work of whole communities, from the operators creating memorable experiences to the people welcoming visitors every day.

This week we announced the finalists for the 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards. Becoming a finalist is an achievement in itself, myself and the QTIC team look forward to celebrating the people behind these businesses during Tourism Week on the Gold Coast, 4–6 November. Day one, DestinationIQ and day two, DestinationQ will give us time to tackle the opportunities and challenges ahead before we come together for the Awards.

If you are looking for practical ways to build capability in your business, thanks to the Queensland Government, our free AI in Action: Tourism courses are now available to help owners and teams use AI and strengthen their cyber security skills. We are also recruiting a Tourism Trainers Program Coordinator to help improve training pathways for our industry. Please share the opportunity with someone who would be a great fit.

Thank you for continuing to share your experiences with us and for everything you do for Queensland tourism.

If you missed a webinar or industry update this month, you can log in to your QTIC member portal to catch up on available recordings, updates and member resources when it suits you.