| - CEO Update
- 12 Weeks to Flood Ready - Webinar
- Proposed Working Holiday Maker Visa Restrictions Lifted
- Clean Energy Council - Careers for Net Zero Roadshow, Toowoomba
- Tourism Australia's July Industry Webinar
- Have Your Say: Recruitment Review Survey
- Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races
- Member Spotlight: Arbour Boutique Apartments
- Upcoming QCT Events
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I am thrilled to share that regional tourism is set to receive a substantial boost with an $80 million injection from the Queensland Government’s Building Bush Tourism Fund. This initiative supports new bush tourism infrastructure, aiming to grow regional visitation and create nearly 230 ongoing jobs. Among the 57 projects receiving $10 million in grants, 17 are within the Queensland Country region, representing 29% of the total funded projects. |
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This funding aligns perfectly with the release of our new Destination Management Plan (DMP), which we launched last week. The DMP is a strategic blueprint designed to guide the sustainable growth and management of the visitor economy in Queensland Country up to 2032 and beyond. If you haven't seen it yet, please view a copy here and integrate the information and strategies into your own tourism business.
The Queensland Country Tourism (QCT) Board extends its deepest gratitude to Director Chris Parsons, who will be stepping down after seven years of remarkable contributions. Chris has played a pivotal role in QCT's success, significantly benefiting the tourism industry and our stakeholders. His commitment, enthusiasm, and genuine love for this region have been invaluable to our board's mission and vision. Thank you, Chris, for your dedication and service! We will soon be calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for suitably qualified individuals to join our skills-based board. Stay tuned for more information, which will be shared prior to the 2024 Annual General Meeting in November.
I would also like to highlight some insightful data released by Tourism Research Australia. The report discusses demand-side and supply-side trends, revealing that Queensland hosted 27 million visitors who spent $34.1 billion in the year ending March 2024. This includes a new high of $6.1 billion in international overnight visitor expenditure, showcasing a full recovery compared to 2019 levels. Notably, New Zealand and USA visitors generated record expenditures, while the UK and Japan saw increased spending.
As we approach a busy winter period, Queensland remains a top choice for Australians planning a holiday. Research by Tourism and Events Queensland indicates that 21% of Australians intend to visit Queensland between June and August. This surge in interest, particularly from New South Wales and Victoria, is expected to drive regional tourism, with a strong preference for drive trips.
Our industry also anticipates a seasonal influx of international visitors, drawn by Queensland's unique winter experiences. The recent launch of Tourism and Events Queensland's 'Queensland is Bluey’s world for real life' campaign, inspired by the popular children's show, aims to attract families with over 700 deals available on Queensland.com.
Lastly, we are excited to share an upcoming travel writer famil going through the Southern Downs later this month. Lara Picone, a writer for Australian Traveller, will be spending three nights in the region covering the ultimate winter experience. We are fortunate to have majority of the experiences gifted by our generous operators. If you are interested in offering your experience for a famil please let our team know.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our tourism community. Let’s embrace these opportunities to further strengthen and grow our industry. |
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Queensland Country Tourism invites you to join our upcoming live webinar as part of the 12 Weeks to Flood Ready Program, supported by the Queensland Government's Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works. This initiative is designed to strengthen business resilience against floods through a structured approach to disaster management.
Event Details: - When: Tuesday, 23 July 2024
- Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Where: Online Webinar
- RSVP: Essential by 5:00 PM, Monday, 22 July
During this session, we'll discuss and review the key insights from Weeks 1-5 on flood preparedness and prevention, presented by EarthCheck. This is an excellent opportunity to bring any questions or share your experiences.
Even if you haven't participated in the program so far, you're welcome to join in at any time. |
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| Proposed Working Holiday Maker Visa Restrictions Lifted |
| Following extensive advocacy efforts by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the Federal Government has ruled out capping the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa to 12 months, as originally proposed in the 2023 Migration Review. This decision addresses significant concerns from businesses and the tourism industry. ATIC and QTIC highlighted the importance of long-stay backpackers to tourism businesses and regions. This commitment marks a significant win for our advocacy efforts, allowing continued promotion of tourism jobs and destinations to long-stay WHMs. |
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| UniSQ is hosting the Clean Energy Council’s Careers for Net Zero Roadshow at the Toowoomba campus on 6 August 2024. To promote the event, an information session will be held on 3 July 2024, at the Toowoomba City Library. This session will provide insights into the Roadshow and opportunities for local industry involvement.
Event Details: - Information Session: 3 July 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Location: Seminar Rooms, Community Rooms, Toowoomba City Library, 155 Herries Street, Toowoomba
Spaces are limited. Register today to learn more about this exciting event and how it can benefit your business and community. |
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| Tourism Australia’s July Industry Webinar will take place on Friday 12 July at 11am AEST. This month along with our regular update from Tourism Australia’s Managing Director Phillipa Harrison, Chris Saines CNZM, Director, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) will join the session to discuss cultural tourism. Additionally, as we celebrate NAIDOC Week across the country, Cameron Costello a proud Quandamooka man from Moreton Bay, Brisbane / Meanjin, and a passionate advocate of Indigenous Culture, Arts and Tourism will talk about his love of culture and Country, being Blak, Loud and Proud, and how industry can make a positive impact in Indigenous communities and beyond.
- Date: Friday, July 12, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM (GMT+10:00) Eastern Australia Time - Sydney
- Duration: 60 minutes
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| Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) invites you to participate in a 15-minute Recruitment Methods Review Survey to help improve the recruitment process for tourism businesses. Your confidential feedback will assess the effectiveness of current hiring methods and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. Insights gathered will inform QTIC’s recommendations to the Queensland Government, which has appointed QTIC to review recruitment solutions.
With the survey closing on Monday, 8 July, your input is crucial in shaping future industry hiring practices. |
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| Friday 2 - 4 August
Join us for the Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races from August 2-4, 2024, in Queensland's Western Downs. Experience the thrill of professional camel races, along with a vibrant mix of cultural performances, food stalls, and family-friendly activities. This bi-annual event is a unique celebration of the region's diversity, attracting visitors from across Australia. With headline entertainment, camping options, and a welcoming community spirit, it's an unforgettable weekend. For more details and to buy tickets, visit Tara Festival.
Don't miss out on Australia's biggest camel party! |
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| Discover the epitome of luxury and comfort at Arbour Boutique Apartments in Toowoomba. Offering generously appointed one, two, and three-bedroom self-contained apartments, Arbour combines modern convenience with old-world charm. Each apartment features exquisite finishes, including chevron timber floors, polished stone, and custom furnishings, creating a serene retreat. Ideally located next to Toowoomba’s medical precinct and close to key attractions, Arbour Boutique Apartments provide an elegant and convenient stay for visitors.
For more information and bookings, visit Arbour Boutique Apartments. |
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