Published Yesterday at 10:00 AM

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

Delivering Destination 2045: Crisafulli Government backs 30 regional tourism experiences

  • The Crisafulli Government is investing more than $7.6 million for 30 regional tourism experiences - keeping Queensland the Home of the Holiday.
  • Projects funded through the first round of $20 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, a key pillar of Destination 2045.
  • The investment stands in stark contrast to Labor’s secret plan to gut tourism funding.
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland’s future, after a decade of decline under Labor.   

The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of taking Queensland’s tourism industry to the next level, investing more than $7.6 million to deliver 30 new and upgraded regional tourism experiences across the state. 

The first round of the Crisafulli Government’s $20 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) - a key pillar of Destination 2045 - will unlock new attractions, expand existing operators and drive visitors deeper into regional Queensland. 

The grants back eco-tourism, agritourism, new attractions and upgraded regional infrastructure with the projects spanning from the Gulf of Carpentaria to Ballandean, across outback and western Queensland and into the state’s coastal and hinterland regions, and include: 

  • Stargazing, Agnes Water and 1770
  • Glamping at the Betoota Hotel
  • Artesian bath suites in Charleville
  • Multi-day birding adventures in Kuranda
  • VR flight experiences in Mareeba
  • New dinosaur experiences in Richmond
  • Farm-to-still wine tasting in Yeppoon 

Destination 2045 is the Crisafulli Government’s long-term plan to ensure Queensland remains the Home of the Holiday - locking in new events, backing regional operators and creating a pipeline of experiences that will power our economy well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

This vision is in stark contrast to the decade of decline under the former Labor Government who had a secret plan to slash tourism funding - a move that would have left Queensland without new tourism products, without major events growth, and without the confidence our operators need to invest. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the RTIF backed tourism operators and was delivering more to see and do across regional Queensland. 

“Looking ahead to the 2032 Games, we have a once-in-a-generation chance to elevate our tourism offering so visitors stay longer and we create a legacy that lasts for generations,” Minister Powell said.  

“Queensland is the Home of the Holiday, and the Crisafulli Government’s multi-million-dollar investment in our regional operators will deliver more tourism offerings in more locations. 

“Our regional tourism industry is booming, so we fast-tracked funding and boosted the first round of grants from $5 million to more than $7.6 million. 

“Cash in the hands of operators sooner means more jobs, more opportunities and more money flowing back into our regional communities.

“While Labor was preparing to gut tourism funding behind closed doors, we are investing in the experiences that drive jobs, attract visitors and strengthen regional communities.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Tash Wheeler said the investment would help regional operators grow and innovate, ensuring Queensland remains Australia’s leading tourism destination. 

"QTIC has consistently called for targeted, regionally focused infrastructure investment in our State Budget submissions, and today’s announcement reflects the importance of backing those priorities,” she said. 

“We have been clear that accelerating tourism product and experience development is critical to delivering on Destination 2045 and maximising the legacy of Brisbane 2032. Strong demand for programs like the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund demonstrates that industry is investment-ready and eager to grow. 

“Continued funding certainty and streamlined delivery will ensure these projects move quickly from concept to completion, driving regional jobs, strengthening local economies and enhancing Queensland’s global competitiveness.” 

Details of the successful round 1 recipients available here.  

Applications for the RTIF’s next round will open later this year, with further details available here.   

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth McCosker 0406 331 114