| - CEO Update
- New QCT Members
- BOQE & ATDW Workshop
- Transformation Events Masterclass
- Queensland Tourism Awards
- Business Basics Grants – Closing Soon
- Business Capability Subsidy – Closing Soon
- Rail Trails and Tourism Conference
- Digital Marketing: Back to Basics workshops
- Ariat Warwick Rodeo and Pryde’s EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft
- Member Spotlight: Jubri's Hideaway
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I’m thrilled to share that Queensland Country Tourism has reached a significant milestone—achieving $1.6 billion in domestic visitor expenditure and welcoming 1.1 million holiday visitors over the past year. This remarkable growth solidifies our region as a premier destination and contributes greatly to Queensland’s broader tourism success, with visitors injecting $95 million daily into the state’s economy. |
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Key Highlights: Year ending June 2024 - $1.6 billion total visitor expenditure—an 8.4% increase
- 9 million visitor nights—up 3.6%
- 1.1 million holiday visitors—up 6.3%
- 336,000 visitors from New South Wales—up 15.6%
- Average spend per visitor increased by 6.1% to $546
These achievements reflect the dedication of our Council partners and tourism operators. From scenic countryside escapes to captivating cultural and historical attractions, Queensland Country truly has something for everyone. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the operators and partners who make our region shine.
Thank you to our Southern Downs operators who welcomed us for our recent Industry Networking Night last Thursday. A special thanks to Stuart Kerr from Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) for joining us to discuss the Digital Adaption Program. If you haven’t applied yet, there’s still time, and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.
In other exciting news, Queensland Country has seen outstanding growth in the international education sector in Toowoomba. In 2023, this sector contributed $134.4 million to the local economy, supported 835 jobs, and generated $156.3 million in export revenue. These figures highlight the growing importance of student tourism to our region.
Finally, I’m excited to invite you to the unveiling of our new brand, Queensland Country, on Tuesday, 29 October at Gabbinbar, Toowoomba. This exclusive event marks a significant transformation for Queensland Country Tourism, and we look forward to celebrating with you and sharing our vision for the future. |
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We're excited to welcome our newest members to the Queensland Country Tourism family:
These businesses are now part of our growing community, and we look forward to supporting their journey in the tourism industry. If you're interested in becoming a member and learning more about the benefits, please reach out to membership@queenslandcountrytourism.com.au or visit our membership page. |
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Get Ready for the Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP), Queensland Country Tourism and Western Downs Regional Council are hosting a free workshop for local tourism operators and businesses. Led by Queensland Country Tourisms, Business Development Manager, Bonnie Zelinski, this session will focus on updating your Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) listing and preparing for the Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP) assessment, with a deadline of 31 December 2024.
The workshop will also cover customer feedback tracking and offer insights on the upcoming BOQEP Industry Consultation Survey.
Event Details: Date: Thursday, 17 October 2024 Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Miles Council Office RSVP: By 15 October 2024 |
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Please join us for a virtual 'long-lunch' as we delve into the new step by step guide for transformational event experiences. The masterclass will bring real-life event experiences and practical actions to implement for your event immediately.
Learn How To: - Develop transformational event experiences that keep them coming back
- Creating a financially sustainable event and securing long-term financial partners
- Collect, analyse and report meaningful data
- Take home the new Step by Step Guide for Transformational Event Experiences tailored for events in Queensland Country
Event Details: Date: Thursday, 24 October 2024 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Location: Online |
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| Last Tickets Remaining for Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Don't miss out on the excitement of the 39th Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony at The Star Brisbane on Friday, 15 November! With only a few tickets left, this is your final chance to join the celebration of Queensland’s finest in tourism, with 31 award categories being revealed. If you've already secured your ticket, we can't wait to see you in Brisbane!
Queensland Tourism Week: 13-15 November While in Brisbane, make the most of Tourism Week by attending Destination IQ on 13 November, and the free-to-attend DestinationQ Forum on 14 November. |
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| The Business Basics Grant Program is now open, offering $7,500 in funding to help Queensland small businesses enhance their core skills and adopt best practices. This round focuses on business improvement through activities like professional business advice, strategic marketing services, and website upgrades.
Eligibility: - Less than 5 employees
- Registered Queensland headquarters
- Active ABN
- Trading for at least 1 year
- Maximum turnover of $300,000 in 2023/24
Applications close on Friday, 11 October 2024, so apply now to take advantage of this opportunity! |
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| There’s still time to apply for the $2 million Tourism Business Capability Subsidy—but hurry, applications close on Friday 18 October 2024!
This subsidy offers eligible Queensland tourism businesses up to $2,000 (excluding GST) to support accreditation and training. With no co-contribution required, this is an excellent opportunity to enhance your business in key areas such as sustainability, accessible tourism, and cultural awareness.
Key Details: - Quick registration process (under 10 minutes)
- Extended course completion deadline until 18 December 2024
- Round 1 recipients are also eligible to apply
- New program partners: Savannah Guides and Tour Guides Australia
Take advantage of this subsidy to grow your business and strengthen Queensland’s tourism industry. Apply now before time runs out! |
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| Join Bicycle Queensland and Somerset Regional Council for the Rail Trails and Tourism Conference on 6-7 November 2024 in Esk. This free two-day event is perfect for anyone interested in the future of rail trails and tourism.
Day one will explore the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, featuring discussions with industry professionals on trail visitation, emerging markets, and business opportunities. Day two, hosted by Bicycle Queensland, will focus on the process of trail development, with participants working together to create a practical ‘Rail Trail Development Toolbox.’
Whether you’re a rail trail advocate or tourism professional, don’t miss this chance to gain insights and connect with key stakeholders.
Event Details: Date: 6-7 November 2024 Location: Somerset Civic Centre Cost: Free |
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Business Navigator Western Downs, in partnership with Western Downs Regional Council, is excited to offer a series of free Digital Marketing: Back to Basics Workshops to help small businesses stay competitive and thrive online!
These in-person workshops will provide practical, hands-on strategies for success, covering key topics such as: - Social media trends for 2025 – from algorithm updates to influencer engagement
- Audience engagement strategies – understand what your customers care about and how to reach them
- Content creation tips – including mastering Instagram Stories, vertical videos, and using Canva to save you hours
- Managing online communities – how to stay connected without working around the clock
- Tools to create consistent, relevant content – stay visible and top-of-mind with your audience
Workshop Locations: Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles, Tara, Jandowae and Wandoan Cost: Free! But spaces are limited.
These workshops are designed specifically for business owners across the Western Downs who want to sharpen their digital marketing skills and grow their online presence in 2025.
💻 Don’t forget to bring: your laptop, iPad, or tablet for hands-on learning. |
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| Get ready for the Ariat Warwick Rodeo and Pryde’s EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft, returning from Monday 21 – Sunday 27 October, 2024. Known as “Australia’s Most Famous Rodeo,” this iconic event brings together the nation’s top rodeo riders and the best bucking broncs and bulls for a week of action-packed competition.
With a rich history immortalised by Australian country music legend Buddy Williams in the 1940s, Warwick has long been synonymous with horsemanship and tradition. Today, the Warwick Rodeo attracts over 30,000 visitors and competitors from across the country, making it one of the biggest events in the region.
Event Highlights: - Campdrafting from 5:00 AM, Monday (Free entry Monday to Wednesday)
- Rodeo from 6:00 PM, Thursday
- Live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights after the Rodeo
Join us for this legendary event and experience the heart of Australian rodeo culture! |
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| Located just 10 minutes from Dalby in the Western Downs, Jubri's Hideaway is a stunning, boutique venue offering a peaceful escape for weddings, corporate functions, retreats, and private events. With on-site accommodation, including a three-bedroom guest house and luxury studio cabins, it’s the perfect blend of seclusion and style. Known for its beautiful grounds and warm hospitality, Jubri’s Hideaway provides the perfect setting for memorable moments in the heart of Queensland Country. |
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