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QTIC seeks $50M tourism support package to stabilise Queensland operators

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is urging urgent government action, calling for a $50M Qld tourism support package to offset rising fuel costs and global disruption impacting Queensland businesses ahead of the 2026 Federal Budget.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is urging urgent government action, calling for a $50M Qld tourism support package to offset rising fuel costs and global disruption impacting Queensland businesses ahead of the 2026 Federal Budget.

Tourism businesses across the state are feeling the impacts of soaring fuel prices and global travel disruption, particularly in regional and remote areas that rely heavily on transport.

Tourism is one of Queensland’s most important economic pillars, generating more than $43 billion in visitor expenditure and supporting over 277,000 jobs.

QTIC said the urgency stems from a combination of rising fuel prices and ongoing global travel disruption, which are increasing operating costs while dampening consumer demand.

Corporate image of QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler – call for Qld Tourism support in 2026
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler.

QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said revenues have declined by 30 per cent or more across the state and is calling for a targeted, Qld tourism support package to stabilise the sector and ensure continuity.

Wheeler said time is running out for many operators as forward bookings soften, particularly in regional and drive markets, warning of potential long-term impacts on Queensland’s delivery of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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The call for Qld tourism support spotlights mounting pressure on regional operators. Image: TEQ

“This is not a discretionary sector – it is economic infrastructure that underpins regional communities across Queensland. Without action, this will move quickly from margin compression to business failure,” she said.

“The Games rely on the strength of the visitor economy. We are at risk of hollowing out the very industry needed to deliver that global experience.”

TEQ CEO Craig Davidson.
TEQ CEO Craig Davidson.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said the organisation continues to monitor the impacts of fuel and aviation disruption across the state’s tourism and events sector.

“Latest feedback indicates that conditions are currently holding steady in South-East Queensland, while some regional areas are experiencing increased uncertainty and substantial impacts to business levels and operating costs,” he said.

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The proposed Qld tourism support package is positioned as critical for short-term stability and also safeguarding Queensland’s long-term visitor economy. Image: TEQ

“We are seeing consumers behaving tentatively, with more travellers delaying decisions and booking closer to travel. While this trend is consistent with other states, the level of impact varies across regions.”

He said TEQ will launch a winter campaign with a strong call-to-action that reaffirms Queensland’s position as the nation’s home of the holiday, while continuing to liaise weekly with state and national tourism and travel industry networks.

QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler (front, centre) and TEQ CEO Craig Davidson (front, right) at the recent QTIC 25th anniversary event in April 2026.
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler (front, centre) and TEQ CEO Craig Davidson (front, right) at the recent QTIC 25th anniversary event in April 2026.