$15 million QLD ‘future tourism’ grant applications now open

The first round of a new $15 million Palaszczuk Government investment in Growing Future Tourism experiences and infrastructure opened yesterday, 2 August.

Growing Future Tourism is designed to support tourism operators to develop visitor experiences in the new priority areas for growth highlighted by the industry-led Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap.

The first $8 million round includes grants of between $1 million and $4 million with applicants co-funding at least 50 per cent of eligible project costs.

Potential examples of projects supported by the Growing Future Tourism initiative are:

• Marine tourism terminals, pontoons and jetties
• Tourism or resort accommodation
• Online, digital, virtual and augmented reality technology capable of enhancing a tourism experience or destination
• Dinosaur paleo tourism infrastructure and experiences
• First Nations tourism
• Ecotourism and sustainability
• Nature-based tourism
• Agritourism

The Growing Future Tourism program is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $20 million Budget commitment to supporting key initiatives of the industry’s Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap.

A second $7 million round of Growing Future Tourism will be rolled out in early 2024.

“Queensland’s world-class tourism industry’s recovery from the wrecking ball of the pandemic is widely recognised as Australia’s best and quickest,” minister for tourism, innovation and sport, QLD Government, The Honourable Stirling Hinchcliffe, said.

“We know new tourism experiences and infrastructure mean more visitors sharing our great lifestyle and backing good Queensland jobs.

“Growing Future Tourism is an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting operators to building back a better, nation-leading visitor economy.

“This program puts funding behind new and enhanced visitor experiences and infrastructure identified by the industry’s Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap to drive domestic and international growth.

“Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are an exceptional 20-year opportunity for destination Queensland to shine on tourism’s international stage.”