Nothing surpasses the power of local knowledge, expertise, and experience. Talking with regional operators and hearing the issues and challenges that keep you awake at night is critical to the health of our industry and enables QTIC to effectively represent operators within the halls of our policymakers as we undertake our critical advocacy activities on behalf of industry.
When connecting with operators and their staff a number of regular threads of conversation emerged.
Firstly, workforce and skilling issues and the growing lack of affordable housing. The days of easily finding staff and sourcing accommodation for our workers seem to have left us for the foreseeable future. Although these challenges are not unique to our industry, nor even to Australia, they are major hurdles to the revitalisation of tourism. QTIC will continue to drive change and improvement through our workforce initiatives and advocacy measures.
Another concern for operators is the hurdles faced when trying to get new tourism products approved and up and running. Despite having some of the best weather and landscapes in the world, our industry is only as good as the products and experiences we offer visitors. It is unacceptable for viable tourism products to be left idling and languishing in the inception stage. QTIC will continue working with all levels of government and with regulators to improve the processes for developing and approving new tourism products.
Over the coming year, I will continue meeting with members and working with you to strengthen our tourism regions and to help unify our industry voice. To everyone I met this month, thank you for giving your valuable time to share your stories and industry concerns with me. The QTIC team and I will work to drive outcomes on your behalf.
To our QTIC Members, soon you will receive your membership renewal invoices. As the peak body for tourism in Queensland and a not-for-profit membership association, we rely on your involvement. Your contributions ensure that our state’s tourism industry has a strong advocacy presence and you directly facilitate the success of Queensland’s visitor economy.
I thank you for placing your trust in us to work on your behalf for the betterment of the industry. I hope you will continue to support our efforts by choosing to renew your membership in the new financial year. With your support, I look forward to building on QTIC’s current initiatives, to strengthen our industry, serve our operators, and ensure your continued success well into the future.
Kind regards,
Brett Fraser
QTIC CEO
