As we approach World Tourism Day on Wednesday September 27th, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the essence of our industry.
This is a day to appreciate the remarkable experiences, the cultural connections, and memories that travel creates. It's an occasion to acknowledge that tourism is not just about destinations; it's about the people who make those destinations unforgettable. |
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This year has been declared the Year of Accessible Tourism, we're committed to ensuring that every traveller, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy our stunning region. We aim to lead the way in making our industry more inclusive and accessible, as we believe that travel should be an experience for everyone.
Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of progress and a thriving tourism industry. It's heartening to see Tourism Australia's involvement in the Shift 20 Initiative, a collective effort to increase the representation of Australian's with disabilities in advertising. We look forward to being able to share more visual content from the library they are building in our own marketing as it becomes available.
I'm delighted to announce that we are welcoming Central Queensland Highlands to our region. Their addition strengthens our collective and diversifies our offerings. We extend a warm welcome to them, and we look forward to collaborating for the betterment of our region.
In the spirit of celebrating excellence within our community, I am thrilled to congratulate Ballandean Estate Wines for their outstanding achievement. They have been recognized with the prestigious Tripadvisor® 2023 Travellers’ Choice® Award. This accolade is a testament to their unwavering commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences to visitors.
Ballandean Estate Wines have been pivotal in shaping the Queensland wine industry, and their innovation, dedication, and warm hospitality continue to shine through. Congratulations to the entire team!
We also congratulate Mike Bourke from Jester Hill Wines on being awarded Queensland Wine Maker of the year at the Queensland Wine Awards held last week.
Our industry's growth depends on nurturing young talents who will become the leaders of tomorrow. The Young Tourism Leaders Program has been instrumental in inspiring and educating young individuals about the exciting careers our industry offers. Our own Sheree Gilles has been an active program participant since 2022, encouraging the next generation as they consider a career in tourism. I urge all of you to nominate potential young leaders for the 2024 program, helping them grow their careers and contribute to our industry's vitality.
While essential repairs are underway at Cunninghams Gap, I want to share our message and hope that you will join me in reassuring travellers that these temporary delays are manageable. The scenic beauty of our region makes every minute of waiting worthwhile. So, encourage your visitors to consider this an opportunity to soak in the mesmerizing landscapes, pick up a coffee for the trip as they pass through Warwick, and engage their kids with our Country Drive Bingo games.
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Did you know? You can access monthly customer insights and other data about your business for no charge through Tourism and Events Queenslands Best of Queensland Experiences program industry portal. What's in it for you? - Track customer reviews and social engagement.
- Access comparative performance tracking.
These insights aren't just useful for the next Best of Queensland Experiences Program assessment; they also provide you with real-time feedback from your customers and help identify areas for business improvement. |
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The latest monthly data reports are now available through our member portal. These reports are an invaluable resource that empowers your business by providing essential insights to refine your strategies and enhance your marketing efforts.
Log in to our member portal today and unlock the potential of data-driven decision-making.
Stay informed, stay competitive. |
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Join us online on October 4, 2023, for a FREE Inclusive Recruitment Webinar. Discover the untapped potential of candidates with disabilities in the Tourism Industry. Learn to create inclusive interview processes, debunk common myths, and explore the business benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Facilitated by individuals with lived experiences of disability, this interactive session promotes open conversations and reduces stigma. Hosted by Get Skilled Access, founded by Dylan Alcott, Australian of the Year 2022.
Register now to unlock your workforce's potential! |
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October 9th | The Queensland Hotel, Marshall St, Goondiwindi Join us for a night of networking and knowledge-sharing at the Goondiwindi Networking Event on October 9th. Hosted by Southern Queensland Country Tourism (SQCT) in collaboration with the Goondiwindi Regional Council, this event promises to be an evening of valuable insights and industry connections. |
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Don't miss this opportunity to stay updated on industry developments, forge meaningful connections, and savor delightful bites. We look forward to welcoming you at The Queensland Hotel in Goondiwindi for an evening of growth and camaraderie.
This is a catered event and registrations are essential, follow the link to reserve your seat. |
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LAST CHANCE | October 27-29 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Join us at the upcoming Good Food & Wine Show and seize the opportunity to showcase your business alongside Southern Queensland Country Tourism. We're excited to be a part of this culinary extravaganza once again, and we want you to join us in putting your offerings in the spotlight for buyers, distributors, and discerning consumers from Brisbane, our region's most valuable market. |
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The Good Food & Wine Show is a haven for food and wine enthusiasts, offering you a chance to stand out among numerous stalls, connect with winemakers and distillers, and share your unique stories. Last year, 20,000 people attended the show, and early ticket sales for 2023 indicate an even larger turnout this year. As Southern Queensland Country's largest market, SQCT has secured 20 stand spaces under our Savour SQC – Tasting Trails banner, specifically for agritourism businesses. However, there are only a few stands left for you to maximize your presence in this crucial market. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of the culinary excitement. Reach out to deb@sqct.com.au to express your interest and secure your spot. Let's come together and showcase the finest of Southern Queensland Country! |
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28 September – 2 October Get ready for the return of the Big Skies Festival in 2023! Join us at Jimbour House in the Western Downs, just 20 minutes from Dalby, where legendary Australian artists will light up the stage. |
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This festival isn't just about music; it's a two-day extravaganza featuring regional bus tours, delicious long lunches and sunset dinners, happy hour gatherings in the hangar, and cozy campfire moments in the camp kitchen. Explore the historic Jimbour House with daily tours for a touch of opulence.
Gin enthusiasts can enjoy masterclasses, and foodies won't want to miss the Jacaranda Long Lunch. Don't forget to browse the Big Skies Festival Markets for unique treasures.
Tickets are still available for this unmissable event, so get in quick! |
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Embark on a journey with Native Oz Bushfoods, an Aboriginal family-owned business in North-Eastern NSW. Explore their 40-acre property, home to over 450 native bushfood trees and an educational garden with 40 different edible natives. Join their tour for a smoking ceremony, guided insights, and a delicious bushfood-inspired morning tea. Experience the taste of Australia's rich heritage – book your tour today! |
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