Although our tourism sector is facing several major hurdles, I want to assure our members and wider industry that action is being taken. QTIC is continuing to advocate to and work with government on addressing these critical challenges. QTIC's workforce development programs are in full swing with members of the QTIC team delivering programs on the ground with operators across the state.
Coupled with these challenges, Queensland’s regions are keenly awaiting the much-needed return of international visitors. The drive to capture the global market has ramped up with TEQ and the RTO's rolling out critical international destination marketing campaigns.
Earlier this month we celebrated the announcement of another new international flight. Hundreds of new direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane will take off after a landmark arrangement was secured with United Airlines. As the ink dries on this latest deal, we can celebrate the securing of 18 new international air routes over the course of the last year. This is a great coup for our state and demonstrates the importance of the $200m AAIF war chest and the value the international market sees in Queensland.
While it is fantastic to see the tangible impact of QTIC's advocacy efforts, it is imperative that businesses have the staff to meet growing consumer demand. To support our tourism operators across the state, QTIC has teamed up with the Queensland Government to provide industry businesses with access to free online tourism courses. The short courses are designed to plug industry-specific skills gaps and train staff in as little as 40 minutes. Personally, I am very excited about the program as employees can upskill themselves while time-poor operators can remain focused on running the business. If you are contending with a skill shortage, I encourage you to learn more about the free courses and register your business.
As our industry braces itself against a headwind of workforce challenges and softening markets, I want to assure you that our tourism sector remains united in addressing these global concerns. Every day, action is being taken to attract international guests, bolster our tourism workforce and assist operators with cost-of-living concerns. We stand with you.
Kind regards,
Brett Fraser
QTIC CEO
