The tourism industry has welcomed today’s announcements by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk about the next stage of eased COVID-19 restrictions for the state.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has been advocating strongly for an easing of restrictions on the basis of strong evidence that the spread of the virus was being very successfully managed and ‘the curve’ having been flattened.
Continue reading...
The last few days have been somewhat confusing, if not a distressing rollercoaster for many in our industry. We did have the announcement on Tuesday, by the Premier, of the small business grants program and the specific tourism infrastructure grants. Along with some other Queensland Government initiatives, QTIC has enthusiastically welcomed those support measures and we will continue to engage with the government on how to craft a strong recovery for tourism.
Far less reassuring were the statements from both the Premier and the Chief Health Officer about the prospect of keeping Queensland’s borders closed until September or beyond. This was a blow to the industry, previously very much encouraged by the Premier’s release of the Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions. That roadmap with the three stages was exactly what QTIC had been calling for and it gave the industry something to prepare for. Particularly Stage 3 which foreshadowed: Subject to further planning and review, interstate and further intrastate travel will be permitted and a maximum of 100 people.
There are a number of existing programs available that offer online workshops and courses to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have compiled a list for you below of programs which cover topics such as: managing cash flow, business planning and development, social media, being domestic tourism ready, government support available, COVID-19 best practices and more.
Supplier
Program
Business Queensland
Mentoring for Growth
TAFE Queensland
Micro- credentials
Financial Resilience Webinars
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
On Demand Webinar Series
Sunshine Coast Council
Professional Advice Support Program
Tourism Tropical North Queensland
COVID-19 Immediate Response Action Plan for Tourism Businesses
Townsville Enterprise
Business Assist Hub Webinars
Australian Tourism Export Council
Build Back Better/ Road to Recovery series
Queensland Tourism Industry Council
QTIC Micro-Credentials
TIBCDP Year 1 Resources
Tourism Australia
TA Webinar Series
Tourism and Events Queensland
Webinar Series
Queensland Hotels Association
QHA Online
Trade and Investment Queensland, Study Queensland
Launch U Trade Accelerator Program
The tourism industry has welcomed the announcement by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for the first stage of the state’s economic reset, Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs. The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has been advocating strongly for further support for the tourism industry and has said today’s announcement will bring welcome relief for tourism operators under dire circumstances. QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said, “The tourism industry must be and will be a vital component of Queensland’s economic recovery. The $50 million tourism package announced to support tourism businesses, as well as the $100 million grant program made available for small businesses will inject some hope”. The Economic Recovery Strategy focusses on supporting jobs. With the tourism industry employing more than 230, 000 Queenslanders and contributing $27 billion to Queensland’s economy, it is essential that businesses get the necessary backing to bounce back from COVID-19. “We are pleased that the government has recognised in its $50 million tourism package that animal attractions, zoos and theme parks need special support. With restrictions of customer numbers unlikely to allow them to open any time soon these essential tourism experiences need to be kept going. “The other part of the available funding will allow operators to put new tourism experiences in place to take advantage of the expected surge in domestic tourism, as restrictions are lifted.” Mr Gschwind continued, “The Queensland Government's financial support is essential for now but the only viable, long-term strategy is for businesses to be able to get back to business and generate income for communities and safeguard jobs. “The first step will be entering the domestic market with consumers eager to make up for lost holidays, including the 5 million Australians who would normally holiday overseas. Now is the time to encourage people to explore the many different experiences and destinations that Queensland has to offer. “We look forward to continuing to work with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for Tourism Kate Jones to deliver the outcomes our industry needs and ready the industry to provide COVID-safe environments for both customers and staff”. $100 million in small business grants and training to combat COVID-19 Queensland tourism boost to Unite and Recover from COVID-19 Comprehensive strategy to unite and recover for Queensland jobs
The tourism industry welcomed today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and the Queensland Premier, mapping out the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said this clarity is what the industry had desperately sought from governments.
Very slowly the gloomy, relentless disaster media coverage seems to be interspersed with signs of hope. Over the last few days, tourism has emerged a topic associated with the process of recovery both in national and state government statements. As vital as all the immediate government support measures are for each tourism operator, and QTIC fought very hard for that support, the only thing that will sustain the industry in the long-run is a return to business.
We are working closely with government to encourage and facilitate a timely re-opening of tourism and hospitality. We are in daily contact with the Tourism Minister, Kate Jones and also the Premier’s Office to identify the most important steps to bring about the best possible outcome for the community that depends so much on tourism.
The Indigenous Working Group responsible for guiding the implementation of the First Nations Tourism Plan is maintaining the momentum to create a stronger Indigenous tourism future. Cameron Costello, QTIC Deputy Chair and CEO of QYAC, chairs this group and is keen to progress this much-anticipated work even during the COVID-19 crisis.
“It is now even more important than before to build a better path for Indigenous aspirations in tourism to be made a reality. Queensland has an enormous opportunity to tap into the skills, knowledge and culture of Indigenous Queenslanders,” Mr Costello said.
“This crisis will bring more focus on what we have to offer locally, on what is important to our visitors and what brings us together as people.”
“The Plan developed by Indigenous stakeholders over the last year is the prompt for real action and real progress.”
