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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
KARRYON UNPACKS: For advisors and industry partners, QTIC’s call for a Qld tourism support package highlights the importance of monitoring supplier stability, regional product availability and shifting booking behaviours.
