The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has welcomed the 2025-26 State Budget as a significant investment in Queensland’s visitor economy.
The budget, released yesterday, backs key priorities outlined in the Destination 2045 strategy and reaffirms the industry’s role in supporting the state’s economic strength.
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the more than $1 billion allocated over four years shows a strong recognition of tourism’s contribution – not just through jobs and economic output, but as a driver of cultural, environmental and community outcomes.
“This year’s State Budget brings investment to several areas that industry has consistently identified as critical – workforce capability, regional access, product development and experience-led growth.”
Central to the Budget is a $446 million commitment to launch Destination 2045 – Queensland’s long-term tourism strategy. This includes $200 million for product development and aviation attraction, $146 million to support Tourism and Events Queensland, and $100 million to secure global events that contribute to the state’s visibility and appeal.
“The vision for 2045 has now been matched with funding that allows us to move forward. While more work lies ahead, this marks a positive step toward building a more inclusive and resilient tourism sector.”
The investment into aviation attraction includes a strategic focus on improving Queensland’s domestic connectivity and securing targeted interstate and intrastate air routes – critical for regional dispersal and sustained visitor growth.
The Budget also includes measures aligned with QTIC’s long-standing advocacy for targeted workforce support, with more than $200 million allocated to expand training pathways, extend free apprenticeships, and develop new tourism and hospitality training facilities in Caloundra, Moreton Bay, Rockhampton and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The budget includes $4.7 billion for the Olympic and Paralympic Games over four years.
This includes $3.8 billion for venues, including the 63,000-seat Victoria Park stadium, the Sunshine Coast stadium and indoor sport centres in Moreton Bay and Logan.
Of the 4.7 billion, $950 million will go towards building athlete villages in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Rockhampton, as well as upgrades to the RNA Showgrounds.
The state government has vowed to keep the budget for venues within a $7.1 billion funding envelope, which includes Commonwealth contributions.
Additional commitments
- a$43.5 million to enhance eco-tourism and nature-based experiences
- a funding uplift for Regional Tourism Organisations, alongside work to co-design a long-term, sustainable model
- major investments in road and rail infrastructure aimed at improving access to visitor destinations ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The sector benefits from consistent engagement between government and industry, and we acknowledge the progress reflected in this Budget. Continued dialogue will be essential to ensure delivery meets the diverse needs of Queensland’s tourism operators,” Wheeler said.
“With strong collaboration and ongoing investment, tourism can continue to be a cornerstone of Queensland’s economy and community life – delivering benefits across every region.”
