24 June 2026: The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has welcomed several significant investments in the 2026-27 State Budget that will strengthen Queensland’s visitor economy, support regional tourism growth and help maximise the opportunities presented by Brisbane 2032.
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said while the Budget contains limited new direct tourism funding, it delivers substantial investment in the assets, infrastructure and environmental attractions that underpin Queensland’s tourism success.
“The Queensland Budget contains some important wins for tourism, particularly through significant investment in ecotourism, national parks, transport connectivity and the infrastructure that will help Queensland maximise the opportunities presented by Brisbane 2032,” Wheeler said.
“The standout commitment is the investment in protected areas and ecotourism infrastructure, which strengthens Queensland’s position as one of the world’s leading nature-based tourism destinations.”
Among the key tourism-related measures is more than $118 million through the Growing World Class Protected Areas and Ecotourism package, supporting visitor infrastructure and tourism experiences across Queensland’s protected areas.
Wheeler said the investment reflects the growing importance of nature-based tourism and aligns strongly with industry priorities identified through QTIC’s advocacy and budget submissions.
“Queensland’s natural environment is one of our greatest competitive advantages. Investment in protected areas, visitor experiences and ecotourism infrastructure not only protects these assets but helps create jobs, drive regional visitation and support local economies.”
QTIC also welcomed the Budget’s $330.5 million commitment to the Queensland Reef and Catchment Water Quality Program.
“The Great Barrier Reef remains one of Queensland’s most valuable tourism assets and one of the world’s most recognisable natural attractions,” Wheeler said.
“While this funding is not tourism-specific, protecting the Reef is absolutely an investment in tourism and in the long-term sustainability of thousands of jobs and businesses that depend on it.”
The organisation also highlighted the importance of significant transport and connectivity investments, including projects that improve visitor access to key destinations and support long-term growth ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Tourism benefits enormously from investment in transport infrastructure. Whether it’s new rail connections, improved regional access or major projects that enhance visitor movement around South East Queensland, these investments help make destinations more accessible and improve the visitor experience.”
Wheeler said QTIC was pleased to see Queensland maintain support for Tourism and Events Queensland and the broader tourism delivery framework.
“Importantly, Queensland has maintained support for Tourism and Events Queensland and the state’s tourism delivery framework at a time when tourism funding is facing increasing pressure elsewhere in Australia.
“That stability is important. It provides confidence for tourism operators, investors and regional destinations as they plan for future growth.”
Wheeler noted that a number of Budget measures aligned with priorities identified in QTIC’s 2026-27 State Budget Submission, including ecotourism infrastructure, workforce development, regional connectivity, major events infrastructure and Brisbane 2032 legacy investment.
However, she said several critical issues remain priorities for the tourism industry.
“While the Budget strengthens many of the foundations that underpin our visitor economy, there remains more work to do in areas such as workforce, insurance, aviation connectivity and tourism business resilience, and QTIC will continue working with government to advance these priorities.
“Insurance affordability remains one of the most significant challenges facing tourism businesses across Queensland. Workforce attraction and retention, particularly in regional areas, also continues to require targeted support.
“As Queensland works towards the goals of Destination 2045 and prepares for Brisbane 2032, continued investment in tourism capability, connectivity and business resilience will be critical to ensuring every region can share in the opportunities ahead.”
Wheeler said QTIC looked forward to continuing its constructive engagement with the Queensland Government to ensure the visitor economy remains a key driver of jobs, investment and economic growth across the state.
“Tourism supports more than 277,000 jobs across Queensland and contributes more than $43 billion in visitor expenditure annually. Continued collaboration between government and industry will be essential to ensuring Queensland remains Australia’s leading tourism destination.”
Ends.
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