Campaigns growing Queensland jobs and visitor economies

• More than $2.1m for 18 Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) initiatives.
• Part of Palaszczuk Government’s election commitment to RTOs.
• RTO-designed initiatives to strengthen local visitor economies and support good Queensland tourism and hospitality jobs. 

The Palaszczuk Government is backing RTOs with more than $2.1 million across Queensland to strengthen local visitor economies and build good tourism industry jobs.

Working closely with Tourism and Events Queensland, RTOs will roll out 18 initiatives from tourism marketing campaigns to capability-building programs.

The funding is part of a $15 million Palaszczuk Government election commitment to Queensland’s network of Regional Tourism Organisations.

Funded RTO initiatives include:

• Runway to Regional Australia – Visit Sunshine Coast

• Drive North Queensland – led by Tourism Tropical North Queensland

• Selling North Queensland’s Secret – Townsville Enterprise

• The Outback Queensland Pub Guide – Outback Queensland Tourism Association

• Best of Brisbane – Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA)

• Engage India – Tourism Whitsundays and BEDA

• Cheeky Midweeky – Destination Gold Coast

• Accessible Tourism Program – BEDA

• Southern Queensland Events Pathway – Southern Queensland Country Tourism

• Best Ways to Play – Destination Gold Coast

• SEQ Food Trails – Southern Queensland Country Tourism

• Drive Queensland – Gladstone Area Promotion and Development

• Dig the Tropics – Capricorn Enterprise and Outback Queensland Tourism Assoc

• Mackay Region Cruise Ship Strategy – Mackay Isaac Tourism

• Marine Mecca – Fraser Coast Tourism and Events

• Agritourism Development – Outback Queensland Tourism Association

• Brisbane Welcomes You – BEDA

• IMEX Frankfurt – led by BEDA

More RTO initiatives will be assessed in coming months with a pipeline of Palaszczuk Government funding to support visitor economy growth and resilience. 

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said:

“We know the State’s Regional Tourism Organisations know their patch, their slice of Queensland’s great lifestyle and visitor experiences, better than anyone else.

“This $2.1 million is the next installment in the Palaszczuk Government’s multi-million-dollar election commitment to funding certainty for Queensland’s network of local tourism experts.

“It’s about supporting RTOs to highlight destination strengths and aspirations to inspire new and returning domestic and overseas visitors and secure good Queensland jobs.

“RTO initiatives and TEQ’s Five-point Plan Blueprint, put Queensland on track to reach the Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap’s target to build a $44 billion-a-year visitor economy.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said:  

“The dispersal of visitors across the state is an important part of what we do at TEQ, and these projects will help achieve that by showing off the very best of our regions.

“Whether it is the perfect family road trip, experiencing our world-class wildlife and nature, feasting on our renowned food and fine, or taking that well-deserved break at one of our iconic beaches, there really is something for everyone in Queensland.

“The long-term outcomes of these projects will help support the visitor economy now and put in place initiatives that deliver benefits for years to come.”

Media: 0427 475 089.