As the year draws to a close, I’m delighted to share our final industry newsletter for 2024. With Queensland schools finishing this week, we know it’s a busy period for many of our operators as families head off on their Christmas holidays. We hope this season brings you strong bookings and positive experiences for your business. |
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Tourism Australia Update Exciting changes are happening at Tourism Australia (TA). We are pleased to share that Jenny Lambert OAM, the Hon Michael Lee, Tim Yeend, and Peter Laurance AO have joined the TA Board, alongside serving members Chair Penny Fowler and Deputy Chair Ian Horne. A heartfelt thank you goes to outgoing members, including Chair Michael Issenberg and Deputy Chair Jeff Ellison, for their invaluable leadership during challenging times.
Tourism Research Australia has released the LIVE Dashboard, an interactive tool providing a comprehensive view of the visitor economy. This resource offers insights into: - Greenhouse gas emissions in the visitor economy
- Accessibility comparisons of Australia’s tourism industry
- Visitor numbers relative to local populations
- The economic contribution of tourism
Explore the dashboard on the TRA website to access this valuable data and inform your strategies.
Welcoming New Members
This month, we’re thrilled to welcome over 30 new members to Queensland Country Tourism! Please join me in celebrating our newest members:
55 Million Years Ago, The Shed Stanthorpe, Heritage Winery Cedar Cottage c1864, Sunrise Chalet + Sunset Chalet, Vintners’ Eco Retreat, Avago Brothers, Sparrows Perch, Artworks Granite Belt, Dalby Homestead Motel, Esk Wivenhoe Motor Inn, Galah Cottage, Dooleys Capella, Bluebelles Art Gallery, Goondiwindi Showgrounds, Jamworks Gourmet Foods, Kingaroy Observatory, Kilcoy Hall of History, Kobbers Restaurant, Kilcoy Motel, Leven K Farm, Marnita Farmhouse, Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum, Kokoda Park, Royal Bull’s Head Inn Toowoomba, Texas Rabbit Works, The Condensery , Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, Savina Lane, Stanthorpe Holiday Park, and The Granite Belt Maze.
Welcome to the Queensland Country family—we’re excited to support you in showcasing the best our region has to offer.
As we reflect on another incredible year, I’d like to thank you for your continued support and collaboration. While many of you will remain busy throughout the Christmas period, we hope you find moments to relax and recharge.
Queensland Country Tourism’s office will close for the holidays at 5:00 PM on Friday, 20 December 2024, and reopen at 8:30 AM on Monday, 6 January 2025. We’re looking forward to reconnecting with you in the new year and continuing to grow together in 2025.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a successful new year! |
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Queensland Country Tourism’s “We All Need A Little Country” campaign is set to run from 15 January to 22 April 2025, offering an incredible opportunity for members to showcase their products and experiences. This campaign highlights the unique charm of Queensland Country, encouraging visitors to relax, reconnect, and embrace the simple joys of country living. |
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Bookings are now open for members to participate in this Cooperative Advertising Package, which includes: - Priority positioning on our consumer website for two weeks.
- A paid sponsored post on Facebook and Instagram targeting our 120,000+ followers.
- A feature in one of our consumer EDMs, reaching approximately 50,000 engaged subscribers.
- A “Special Offer” tag on ATDW listings for members creating exclusive offers during the campaign.
Participation is limited to 21 members/products, with spots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss this chance to align your business with Queensland Country Tourism’s dynamic new brand and reach a highly engaged audience.
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Tourism and Events Queensland’s (TEQ)“Too Great to Wait” campaign is coming soon!
Running from 2 February to 30 March 2025, this $2.9 million campaign targets families, couples, and group travelers across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. The campaign highlights the unbeatable value of a Queensland holiday and will feature a variety of media channels, including television, digital platforms, and out-of-home advertising.
How You Can Participate: - Update your ATDW profile with current information, images, and up to three deals that align with the campaign dates.
- Load a great deal on ATDW to be featured on Queensland.com—it's free!
- Spread the word on social media by using the hashtag #thisisqueensland and tagging @queensland.
Don’t miss this chance to showcase your tourism product to a broad audience! |
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Join us for an online session designed to help you maximise the value of the new Queensland Country brand. Whether you're a council partner, tourism operator, or industry professional, this session will provide actionable insights and practical tools to enhance your marketing with the Queensland Country Brand. |
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What You’ll Learn: - Brand Value: Discover how aligning with our rebranding connects you to larger campaigns and extended marketing reach.
- Brand Toolkit: Get a walkthrough of our Online Brand Toolkit, including logos, templates, and promotional assets.
- Marketing Tips: Learn best practices for leveraging the Queensland Country brand in your campaigns.
Event Details: - Date: Thursday, 30 January 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Platform: Online via Teams
- Tickets: Free for Members & Non-Members
- RSVP: Essential by 12:00 PM, Wednesday, 29 January 2025
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Join us on Thursday, 20 February 2025, for Queensland Country Tourism’s first networking event of the year at the stunning Lockyer Valley Art Gallery in Gatton.
Gain exclusive insights from Carmenza Cespedes (TEQ’s Director of Strategy, Value & Growth) on the upcoming Drive Strategy and Richard Clarke (TEQ’s Group Executive Events) on the TEQ Events Strategy 2025. |
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Event Details: - Date: Thursday, 20 February 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Location: Lockyer Valley Art Gallery, Gatton
- Tickets: Members - $25 | Non-Members - $50 (Includes drinks and canapés)
Enjoy networking alongside the Botanica: From Earth to Sea exhibition, celebrating South-East Queensland’s plant diversity through the art of printmaking.
Spots are limited—book your place today! |
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Mark your calendars for the Queensland Country Welcomes You program workshop on Tuesday, 25 February.
- 10:00am – 12:00pm | Dalby Leagues Club, Orpen St, Dalby
- 3.00pm - 5.00pm | Burke and Wills Hotel, 544 Ruthven St, Toowoomba
Following the launch of the online program, we’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to increase your knowledge further with this in-person workshop. Key topics from the online program will be discussed in more detail at the workshops to help you apply the learnings in your guest interactions. |
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We recommend you complete the online program before attending the workshop, if possible, but it is not a requirement.
The workshop is part of the Queensland Welcomes You initiative which offers a suite of online welcome programs tailored for each of Queensland’s tourism regions. The initiative is proudly funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by the Queensland Regional Tourism Network. |
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The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Queensland Tourism Futures Mentoring Program, presented in partnership with the University of Queensland, is now accepting applications for 2025. This exciting initiative supports emerging talent in tourism, hospitality, and events while connecting them with industry leaders for invaluable guidance. |
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Who Should Apply? - Young professionals, students, or career-changers building a future in the industry
- Passionate leaders eager to mentor and give back
- Tourism businesses looking to invest in their team’s growth
Running from March to September 2025, this semi-structured program allows mentees and mentors to create personalised plans to achieve their goals. Don’t miss this chance to develop the next generation of tourism professionals! Applications close 15 January 2025. Apply today to be part of this inspiring program. |
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The ASEAN-Australia Emerging Leaders Program is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohorts. Delivered by Asialink Education, this three-month program is open to early-to-mid-career professionals in Australia, Southeast Asia, and Timor-Leste with a focus on the Digital Economy or Sustainable Agriculture sectors. |
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Each cohort includes virtual sessions (up to five two-hour sessions) and a one-week in-person component in Australia, featuring cultural and social activities, industry networking, and the creation of a return-to-work plan.
Key Dates: - Digital Economy: 5–12 April 2025 (Melbourne)
- Applications close: 8 December 2024
- Sustainable Agriculture: 17–24 May 2025 (Queensland)
- Applications close: 2 January 2025
This program offers a balance of theoretical insights and practical engagement, helping participants expand their knowledge, build connections, and develop strategic leadership capabilities.
For more information, email apply@aseanlla.com Apply today and take the next step in your leadership journey! |
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With the holiday season upon us, it's essential to ensure visitors to our region are equipped with the knowledge to stay safe during their travels. The Queensland Government, in partnership with Get Ready Queensland, has developed a Visitor Safety Tips website to provide vital safety information for tourists, including: |
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- Preparing for natural disasters such as fires, floods, or cyclones
- Staying safe around water and around wildlife
- Accessing medical help when needed
The website includes a printable fact sheet and a range of collateral, including posters, postcards, and social media tiles, which operators can share with visitors. We encourage all tourism operators to share this valuable resource with visitors and include the website and QR code in your guest communications. This proactive step will help ensure a safer holiday experience for everyone. |
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Nestled in the serene landscapes of Gowrie Little Plain, Kiambram Country Cottages offers an eco-friendly farmstay experience just minutes from Toowoomba. Choose from three self-contained studio cabins or a renovated 1910 'Queenslander' homestead, each providing elevated valley views and a tranquil retreat. |
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Guests can immerse themselves in nature by exploring the bush tucker and sunset trails, observing local wildlife, or simply relaxing on their private decks. A country breakfast pantry is included with each stay, featuring seasonal farm vegetables and bush tucker additions. Optional experiences such as breakfast hampers, fire-pit wood, guided bird-watching tours, and degustation dining at Rosalie House Cellar Door Restaurant are also available.
Dedicated to sustainability, Kiambram Country Cottages focuses on land regeneration and cohabitation with local fauna, aiming to restore native bushland and minimise their environmental footprint.
Whether seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a peaceful retreat, Kiambram Country Cottages provides an idyllic setting to relax and rejuvenate. |
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