As we step into spring and our peak event season, Queensland Country is buzzing with activity. Our region’s natural beauty is on full display, and there’s no better time to celebrate the fantastic tourism opportunities ahead.
I’d like to start by congratulating the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers team as they celebrate their 75th annual carnival. |
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Alongside this milestone, the Carnival will also be showcased at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay later this month, marking an incredible opportunity for international exposure. I’m excited to announce that I’ll be traveling to Singapore for this event with Trade Ready members, engaging with South-East Asian buyers and wholesalers to introduce our region’s offerings to this key market. This is an exciting time for our members, as we look to expand Queensland Country's presence internationally.
In addition to our upcoming trip, we recently hosted buyers from Singapore as part of a post-tour familiarisation for Experience Queensland. It was a privilege to have key industry players experience the Southern Downs & Granite Belt and Toowoomba, and I’m confident this engagement will lead to even stronger ties and opportunities for our operators.
Last week, I also had the opportunity to attend Tourism and Events Queensland’s Blueprint Year in Review event. Nearly 500 industry professionals gathered to reflect on the progress that we as an industry have made toward the Towards Tourism 2032 strategy. It was a powerful reminder of the strides we’ve taken as a collective and the bold steps still needed to drive the tourism industry forward.
Looking ahead, Tourism Week 2024 is just around the corner from November 13-15 at The Star Brisbane. This is the must-attend event of the year for our industry, combining the DestinationIQ and DestinationQ Forums and the Queensland Tourism Awards Gala. It promises to be an exceptional opportunity to connect, celebrate, and gain fresh insights to help your business thrive.
In exciting news for our operators, we’re thrilled to congratulate the recipients of Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP) funding. Three events in our region—Hell of the West Weekend, Mort & Co King of the Mountain, and the Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival—were awarded funding to support event growth through marketing, strategic planning, and infrastructure. This is a fantastic win for Queensland Country, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these events will have on our tourism sector.
For those of you looking to enhance your digital presence, ATDW has introduced specialised training programs to help you optimise your profile and boost online visibility. These sessions are a valuable resource for tourism professionals, and I encourage you to take advantage of the masterclasses and workshops on offer.
As we move into an exciting period for Queensland Country, I’m thrilled to announce that we will be unveiling our new brand on 29th October 2024. This is a significant milestone for us, and we would love for you to join us at the official reveal event. We invite you to register and be part of this special moment. Further details, including how to register, will appear in this newsletter, so keep an eye out for more information.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making Queensland Country a premier destination. Let’s embrace this vibrant season and continue to showcase the very best our region has to offer. |
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Join Us for the Queensland Country Brand Reveal
We are excited to invite you to the Queensland Country Brand Reveal on Tuesday, 29th October at the stunning Gabbinbar Estate in Toowoomba.
This is a momentous occasion, unveiling our new identity that reflects the heart and soul of Queensland Country. Be the first to experience the transformation that celebrates the people, landscapes, and stories of our region.
Don't miss this exclusive event—register now and be part of our journey into an exciting future! |
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| We're excited to welcome our newest members to the Queensland Country Tourism family:
- Maraboon Tavern
- Bushland Hideaway on the River
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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| Queensland Country Tourism Board EOI |
| Final Call: Join the QCT Board and Help Shape Our Future
Queensland Country Tourism (QCT) is seeking passionate, forward-thinking individuals to join our Board of Directors. With our expanded regional footprint and the launch of the 2024-2026 Destination Management Plan, this is an incredible opportunity to shape the future of tourism in our region. As we gear up for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, your expertise could help drive growth and success across Queensland Country.
Applications close 11 September 2024. Reach out to admin@queenslandcountrytourism.com.au for the Expression of Interest document. |
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| ATE 2025, Australia’s largest business-to-business tourism event, will be hosted in Brisbane from April 27 to May 1, 2025, offering a prime opportunity for trade-ready businesses in Queensland Country. This is your chance to connect with global tourism partners, showcase your products, and expand your reach.
If you're interested in attending or ensuring your business is featured in our Trade Manual, which will be used during ATE 2025, please contact sheree@queenslandcountrytourism.com.au to get involved and prepare for this key event. |
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Join Queensland Country and Krista Hauritz for the Emerald Events Pathway Workshop on 18 September 2024, where local event organisers and businesses can enhance their skills in event planning, growth strategies, and delivering unforgettable experiences. This workshop will also provide valuable insights into securing funding, a key component in building and sustaining successful events. Whether you're looking to improve existing events or develop new ones, this session is designed to give you practical tools to thrive in the competitive events landscape. |
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Join us for the Southern Downs Networking Night in Warwick on Thursday 3 October 2024. This event is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses and tourism operators to connect, share insights, and strengthen industry relationships. Hosted at the Abbey Boutique Hotel, the evening promises engaging conversations and valuable networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss this chance to expand your professional network and collaborate with fellow industry professionals. |
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Elevate your event planning with the Warwick Events Masterclasson 30 October 2024, featuring renowned event strategist Krista Hauritz. This workshop is perfect for event organisers, committee members, and volunteers, offering valuable insights and strategies to future-proof your events. Enjoy a full day of content and networking opportunities over morning tea and lunch.
RSVP by 12:00 PM, Friday, 25 October to secure your spot and take your event to the next level! |
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| Mark your calendars for Tourism Week 2024 from Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 November in Brisbane! It’s the must-do industry event of the year, combining tourism’s premier annual events – the Destination IQ and DestinationQ Forums, and the Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony.
Join us for a week packed with insights on tourism trends, strategies for growth, networking and celebrations of combined successes.
Not based in Brisbane? Take advantage of accommodation deals available now.
Find out more and secure your place at Tourism Week 2024! |
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| Join us for the highly anticipated Adventure Tourism Awards and Youth Tourism Conference on Thursday, 7 November 2024. This event brings together the best of the adventure tourism and youth travel industries from Australia and New Zealand. Celebrate outstanding achievements with a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony, followed by an exciting after-party. The conference will feature expert presentations covering, trends, tech innovations, and sustainable travel initiatives.
Event Details: Date: Thursday, 7 November 2024 Time: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM Location: The Glasshouse, Gold Coast After-party: Dukes Parlour Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect and celebrate! |
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| Toowoomba businesses can take advantage of four free sustainability coaching sessions offered by ecoBiz, an initiative of Business Chamber Queensland, to help reduce energy, water, and waste bills while cutting emissions. Sessions will be held on 17-18 September, and businesses can claim one of the available spots with a sustainability coach by registering online.
This is a great opportunity to learn how to make your business more sustainable and save on operational costs. |
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| Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) is conducting a review of the Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP) to ensure it continues to deliver value to the events industry and the state. Event organisers are invited to share their feedback by completing a short questionnaire. Your insights will help TEQ assess the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and is open until 5:00 PM, Tuesday 17 September 2024.
Have your say by completing the QDEP Event Organisers Survey. |
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| Get ready for the Texas QLD Country Music Festival, happening from 26-28 September 2024! This event will feature a fantastic lineup of live music, food stalls, market vendors, and family-friendly activities, all set in the picturesque rural town of Texas, Queensland. With a mix of local talent and renowned artists, including Travis Collins, it’s the perfect weekend to enjoy great tunes, delicious food, and a fun community atmosphere.
For more details, visit the Texas QLD Music Festival website. |
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| Rubyvale Gem Gallery is renowned for its stunning collection of natural sapphires, expertly handcrafted jewelry, and an authentic gem-fossicking experience in the heart of Queensland’s Sapphire Gemfields. Owned and operated by Peter and Eileen Brown since 1988, the gallery offers visitors the chance to explore a remarkable range of gemstones, learn about the gem-cutting process, and discover the beauty of locally sourced treasures. It’s a must-visit destination for gem enthusiasts and those seeking unique, Australian-made jewellery. |
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