Queensland Tourism Industry Council update

It has been a wild and distressing ride for our industry over the last two years and it is perhaps too early to declare the crisis over, but not too early to recalibrate our outlook to a more optimistic setting.

If I needed any more inspiration to reach that conclusion, it was on March 18 at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held at the Novotel Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast. The joy of coming together again, in person, as a national industry was palpable in the room. More than 700 guests from all states and territories (welcome back WA!) celebrated the state and territory award winners, as the national gold, silver and bronze winners in 25 categories were announced. Every single entrant in the awards is a shining example of the extraordinary determination and commitment of operators in persisting against overwhelming odds during the multiple challenges of the last few years. A common theme during the acceptance speeches was the loyalty and support of operators and their staff . It goes right to the heart of what our industry is about and what makes us so strong. We are, of course, especially impressed with the Queensland national award recipients:

QLD Gold Winners

Adventure Tourism: Red Cat Adventures

Daniel Gschwind,

Chief Executive, Queensland Tourism Industry Council

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries: Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience (Hall of Fame) Hosted Accommodation: Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat 4 to 4.5 Star Accommodation: Empire Apartment Hotel Major Festivals & Events: Beef Australia Limited

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism: Spirits of the Red Sand

QLD Silver Winners

Major Tourist Att ractions: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Business Event Venues: Empire Apartment Hotel Major Tour & Transport Operators: Red Cat Adventures Caravan & Holiday Parks: Julia Creek Caravan Park

Self-Contained Accommodation: Pinnacles Resort

QLD Bronze Winners

5 Star Accommodation: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, Empire Apartment Hotel

Festivals & Events: Isaac Regional Council - Economy and Prosperity Department Tourism Retail & Hire Services: Pelican Boat Hire

Visitor Information Services: Longreach Visitor Information Centre

Congratulations to all award entrants, state and national, we can all be proud of their achievements. Meanwhile, QTIC continues to advocate and work with state and federal governments to direct necessary and targeted support measures to our tourism and hospitality sector to accelerate the recovery. We recognise the partnerships and investments that governments have off ered our industry during the most desperate times, including recent additional programs from the state government and the Commonwealth.

Nevertheless, the entire community will benefi t from an ongoing government investment in our industry’s recovery and QTIC will continue to make that case at every opportunity. This, of course, includes the federal election. In partnership with the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), QTIC has set our election priorities, based on what our industry has identifi ed as the key opportunities for the future. Tourism is and must be a bipartisan priority and we hope the next government will recognise the enormous potential that this sector off ers economically, environmentally, and socially. Finally, I take this opportunity to introduce my successor in this role as Chief Executive of QTIC. Brett Fraser, Brett is highly credentialled and well-placed to guide QTIC into a new era, building on the partnerships we have in the industry and with stakeholders in government and other sectors. We have a highly professional QTIC board and team in place that will work with Brett to continue to deliver value to our members and the industry. Personally, it has been an absolute privilege to lead QTIC over the last 21 years and work with so many inspiring and inspired people in an industry that will always be part of me.