30 July 2026: The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) says the Queensland Government’s Nightlife Economy Action Plan 2026-2032 is a positive first step, but the next phase of reform will require courage over comfort if Queensland is to realise the ambitions of Destination 2045 and create a lasting legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
QTIC urges further reform to strengthen Queensland’s night time economy
QTIC Chief Executive Natassia Wheeler said Queensland had an opportunity to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading visitor destinations by creating the right conditions for tourism businesses to invest in and deliver world-class visitor experiences after dark.
“Visitors don’t compare Queensland with Queensland five years ago. They’re choosing between Queensland and destinations like Singapore, Tokyo, Queenstown, Vancouver and cities across Europe and North America,” Wheeler said.
“If we want visitors to choose Queensland, stay longer, spend more and return, we need to ensure tourism businesses have the confidence and certainty to invest, innovate and create experiences that bring our destinations to life after dark.”
Wheeler said the Action Plan laid some foundations over the next two years, but it must be viewed as the beginning of Queensland’s reform journey, not the end.
“The next phase of reform will require courage over comfort.”
“If Queensland is serious about becoming one of the world’s leading visitor destinations, we need to be prepared to tackle the more complex reforms that unlock investment, modernise regulation and remove barriers that no longer reflect how visitors travel and experience our State.”
Wheeler said Queensland’s trading restrictions on Good Friday and Christmas Day were one example where outdated regulation could be reviewed.
“These are two of the busiest travel periods of the year, yet businesses in many tourism destinations remain restricted in how they can operate.”
“Visitors don’t understand why they can travel across Queensland during peak holiday periods but find limited opportunities to dine, shop or experience our destinations because of outdated trading rules. That’s a missed opportunity for visitors, local communities and tourism businesses alike.”
Wheeler said a thriving after-dark economy was ultimately about destination competitiveness.
“A world-class visitor destination doesn’t switch off at sunset.”
“Every additional hour visitors spend exploring our destinations supports accommodation providers, tour operators, restaurants, retailers, attractions, transport services, arts organisations and countless small businesses. That’s why creating the right operating environment for businesses is so important.”
Brisbane 2032 can accelerate tourism reform across Queensland
While Brisbane 2032 provides a clear catalyst for change, Wheeler said the opportunity extended well beyond the capital city.
“These reforms aren’t just about Brisbane. They’re about ensuring destinations across Queensland continue to evolve and remain globally competitive.”
“Whether someone is dining in Port Douglas, enjoying live music in Airlie Beach, experiencing the Gold Coast, exploring the Sunshine Coast or visiting one of our many regional tourism destinations, visitors increasingly expect vibrant, safe and authentic experiences after dark.”
“Queensland has extraordinary natural assets. Our challenge now is ensuring the policy and regulatory settings encourage businesses to innovate and invest in the experiences that complement those assets and keep visitors engaged into the evening.”
Wheeler said reducing unnecessary red tape, streamlining approvals, activating public spaces and providing greater investment certainty would help tourism businesses deliver on the ambitions of Destination 2045.
“Destination 2045 sets an ambitious vision for Queensland’s visitor economy. Achieving that vision will require ongoing regulatory reform, investment certainty and a business environment that enables operators across the State to innovate, grow and compete on the world stage.”
“There is still important work to do around insurance affordability, transport connectivity, workforce challenges, investment certainty and reducing the cost of doing business. This Action Plan should be viewed as the platform for the next wave of reform.”
Wheeler said Brisbane 2032 presented Queensland with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a legacy that extended far beyond sporting venues.
“The Olympic and Paralympic Games will put Queensland on the global stage, but our legacy won’t be judged by the stadiums we build alone.”
“If the Queensland Government wants to create a lasting legacy across the entire State, this is the opportunity. Legacy is about creating destinations people want to visit, invest in and experience for decades to come.”
“That means continuing to reform outdated regulation, cutting unnecessary red tape and giving tourism businesses the confidence to invest. That’s how we unlock the full potential of Queensland’s visitor economy and deliver on the vision of Destination 2045.”
Ends.
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