Published Wednesday, 10 September, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew Powell

100 days of delivering Destination 2045

  • Crisafulli Government delivers $100 million to mark 100 days since the launch of Destination 2045: Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future.
  • Funding shared across two new tourism funds to create new and enhanced tourism experiences across Queensland.
  • $20 million dedicated for regional tourism infrastructure.
  • Rapid action from Crisafulli Government welcome relief for Queenslanders after decade of decline under Labor. 

The Crisafulli Government is marking 100 days of delivery for Destination 2045 with a $100 million investment to cement Queensland as a truly iconic global destination. 

The Crisafulli Government’s visionary tourism roadmap, Destination 2045, is delivering to supercharge Queensland’s tourism industry by creating world-class attractions through investment and partnerships. 

The $100 million investment will be divided into two new tourism funds, that attract holidaymakers, support jobs, and create unforgettable visitor experiences. 

The $80 million Tourism Icons Fund will create tourism experiences that encourage longer stays, higher spend, and allow visitors to see more of the State. 

Regional Queensland will benefit from the $20 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund to develop and enhance tourism infrastructure and attractions outside south-east Queensland.  

Queensland’s tourism industry suffered during a decade of failure under the former Labor Government, who axed millions in funding that would have slashed programs and services across the State. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering in its first 10 months, with Destination 2045 setting the stage for Queensland to become a global leader in tourism and Australia’s home of events. 

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said Destination 2045 was living up to its promise to deliver for Queensland’s tourism future.  

“Queensland is the home of the holiday and by taking our tourism offerings to the next level we will ensure there is more to see and do for holiday makers,” Minister Powell said.  

“This investment is made possible by our Government’s $1 billion commitment to Queensland tourism, in clear contrast to Labor’s plan to cut more than $150 million from the tourism division by 2028-29 and almost $100 million from TEQ in 2027-28 compared with 2024-25. 

“In just 100 days we’ve kicked off the $75 million Connecting Queensland Fund to expand aviation, taken action to get Wangetti Trail back on track, kicked off a major international attraction campaign – and we’re just getting started.” 

Queensland Tourism Industry Council Natassia Wheeler said the investment was a welcome boost.  

“This package is a vote of confidence in Queensland’s tourism industry. For some time, QTIC has called for funding guidelines that not only drive new development but also support operators to reinvest and enhance what they already offer,” Ms Wheeler said. 

“This commitment answers that call, equipping businesses with the tools, funding and support to strengthen their operations and deliver the experiences that will define our state on the global stage.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Fiona Crawford 0417700363 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Tourism Icons Investment Fund 

  • Grants of up to $5 million per project are available, with applicants co-investing at least 50 per cent of each project’s eligible costs.  

  • Expressions of interest for the Tourism Icons Investment Fund open today (10 September) and close on 8 October. 

Key facts - Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund: 

  • Grants of up to $300,000 per project will be available across four rounds, with no mandatory co-investment required – making the fund accessible to smaller operators and communities yet to benefit from tourism’s offerings.  

  • Applications for the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund open on 1 October and close on 12 November.