I am thrilled to share some outstanding news from the latest Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP) results. We have a lot to be proud of, as a remarkable 152 operators from our region have been recognised for their exceptional service and commitment to excellence. Achieving an average Review Pro Global Review Index (GRI) score of 90.6, our operators, including standout performers like Glen Lough Cabins and Miles Historical Village Museum, have truly set a benchmark in quality and customer satisfaction. |
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This success is a testament to the vibrant and diverse offerings of our region, and we invite you to join us in celebrating these fantastic achievements. For those aspiring to enhance their services or aiming for inclusion in next year's BOQEP, please reach out to Bonnie at bonnie@sqct.com.au for support.
Turning to our recent networking event at The Ballandean Pub, it was heartening to see so many from our community come together, driven by a shared passion for advancing Queensland's tourism. The insights shared by Racheal Klitscher, Stakeholder and Industry Engagement Director from TEQ were particularly enlightening, offering valuable perspectives on the BOQE program and upcoming initiatives.
Looking ahead, we are excited about our next events scheduled for May 30 in the Western Downs, June 12 in Central Highlands and June 25 in Toowoomba, where we plan to launch our Destination Management Plan (All regions will be visited for a networking event in the coming months). These gatherings are crucial for fostering deeper connections and discussing strategic developments that will shape our future. Further details and booking links for both of these events will be shared in the coming days.
Continuing with our engagement in significant industry events, I'm delighted to mention our participation in The PIE Live Asia Pacific 2024. This event connects key players in international education, an industry that is a major motivator for travel, enriching our understanding and outreach in this vibrant sector. If this is a space you are interested in working with more, I would encourage you to consider joining me at The PIE Live.
On another exciting note, the launch of the new business events data dashboard by Tourism Research Australia marks a significant advancement for our sector. This innovative tool provides crucial insights into business events travel and expenditure, helping us better understand market dynamics and plan effectively. In 2023, business events contributed an impressive A$20.9 billion to Australia's economy. This included $2.6 billion from international visitors, $16.9 billion from domestic overnight travel, and $1.4 billion from domestic day trips. Additionally, international visitor numbers were at 71% of pre-COVID figures, showcasing recovery in international visitation for business events. This data not only underscores the economic impact but also aids in strategic planning to enhance our offerings and attract more such events to our region.
Let's leverage this data to drive our strategies and ensure Queensland remains a top destination for business events, thereby boosting our local economy and enhancing our community's profile on the global stage. |
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We are proud to announce a remarkable achievement in the latest Best of Queensland Experiences results. A stunning 152 operators from Queensland Country have been recognised for their excellence in the tourism sector, affirming our region's commitment to delivering top-tier travel experiences. This year, our local operators have outshone expectations with an average Review Pro GRI score of 90.6, a notable increase on last year. Among these, Glen Lough Cabins and Miles Historical Village Museum have achieved perfect scores of 100 points, showcasing the exceptional quality and service they provide to every guest.
These accolades demonstrate the vibrant and diverse offerings of Queensland Country and reinforce our reputation as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists. Join us in celebrating this fantastic success and continue to support and promote our top-performing operators.
If you're aiming to have your business included in the Best of Queensland Experiences for 2025, or if you're looking to improve your current score, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Business Development Manager, Bonnie at bonnie@sqct.com.au . She's here to help you enhance your services and elevate your ratings. Contact Bonnie today to find out how we can assist in boosting your BOQE scores in 2025 and ensuring your spot in next year's list! |
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| Great news for the tourism community! The deadline for nominations for the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards has been extended until Friday, 17 May. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the success of your tourism business or product across an impressive 31 award categories.
Nominating is simple and swift, setting your business on the path to potentially winning an esteemed award. Remember, the submission deadline is 1 August, with the celebratory Gala Ceremony scheduled for 15 November.
Don’t let this opportunity slip by. Take a few minutes to nominate your business and celebrate your achievements with the industry this November! |
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| Celebrate the promising leaders of tomorrow by nominating an outstanding young individual for the Destination Indigenous Queensland Young Achiever Award. This accolade shines a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of young Indigenous leaders within the tourism sector. The winner will be honored at the annual Destination IQ conference, acknowledging their significant impact and fostering further growth in their careers. Don’t miss the opportunity to recognise and inspire the next generation of industry leaders. Learn more and nominate a deserving young leader today. |
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| Embracing sustainability can help your business reach new customers, build staff satisfaction, improve profitability and increase your resilience. Drawing from the new national Sustainable Tourism Toolkit, the Australian Government is hosting a free, four-part series of 1 hour webinars this May. Designed to meet the needs of small-to-medium tourism enterprises, the webinars will provide easy-to-understand advice on implementing sustainability practices, whether your business is new to sustainability or well on the journey. |
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| Embrace the advantages of being a bike-friendly business! In Queensland Country, bike riders are not just cyclists; they are valuable customers who prefer to shop and engage locally. By adapting your business to be more accessible to cyclists—through secure bike parking, easy access, and a welcoming attitude—you can tap into a growing market that values convenience and sustainability.
Join the movement towards a more inclusive and economically vibrant community by making your business bike-friendly. Follow the link below to learn more about how you can transform your business and connect with cycling customers. |
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| Inspiring Agritourism Webinar Series |
| Dive into the world of agritourism with the Tilma Group at their upcoming webinar series! Join them every Tuesday in May at 5:30 PM for enlightening 45-minute sessions with leading agritourism experts from across regional Australia. Whether you're an existing agritourism operator or a farmer exploring this as a diversification pathway, these webinars are crafted to inspire and inform.
The series features a lineup of seasoned professionals including Dan Walker from Camden Park Station, Julie Smidt from Scenic Rim Council, and others, sharing their insights on creating exceptional guest experiences and leveraging agritourism for business growth.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and ask questions live. Register your interest by emailing admin@tilmagroup.com.au to secure your spot! |
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| Friday 7 June - Sunday 9 June
Get ready to empower your community response skills with the Creative Recovery Training at the Empire Theatre from June 7-9. This limited-entry, three-day workshop aims to equip you with trauma-informed practices and creative strategies for disaster recovery, engaging deeply with local cultural narratives and disaster management plans.
Ideal for artists, community leaders, and professionals in health, education, and social services, this program enhances community resilience and planning.
Apply soon as spots are limited and subject to a selection process. Successful applicants will be notified one week prior to the event. |
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| Saturday 18 May - Sunday 19 May
This May, embark on a unique culinary journey with "Graze the Granite Belt," an event that celebrates the best of local wine and gourmet food. With a ticket, enjoy the freedom of a hop-on, hop-off shuttle experience, guiding you through various boutique cellar doors and exquisite local produce stands.
Your Grazing Ticket includes four wine/beer/cider pours and six meal dishes from a curated selection of entrée-sized signature dishes. Conclude your gastronomic adventure with a special brunch at select venues.
Don't miss this chance to savour the flavours of the Granite Belt and mingle with fellow food and wine enthusiasts! |
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| Nestled in the picturesque Lockyer Valley and on the fringes of the Darling Downs, Valhalla Glamping offers a tranquil retreat unlike any other. With boutique glamping sites, situated within a working cattle and commercial flower farm, Valhalla offers a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty. Ideal for those seeking peace or a romantic getaway, each eco-friendly site promises to rejuvenate the spirit amidst stunning landscapes. Experience the charm of country life and the ultimate in relaxation at Valhalla Glamping. |
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