The COVID-19 lockdowns across the country continue to have an enormous impact on our tourism and events industry. We are working across the Queensland Government and with our industry partners to to support Queensland’s tourism industry, and share some good news along the way.
Applications for the $10,000, $15,000 and $30,000 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants are now open to support eligible businesses across Queensland affected by the recent July-August 2021 COVID-19 lockdowns. Applications are also open for the new $47.75 million Tourism and Hospitality Sector COVID-19 Lockdown Support Package, which provides a range of rebates, fee and payroll tax relief measures to provide immediate support for tourism and hospitality businesses. Find out more and how to apply below.
In good news for Queensland’s tourism and events industry, the Ekka Show Holiday for three major South-East Queensland council regions will be moved to Friday, 29 October 2021. The decision to move the public holiday will create a new three-day long weekend, expected to bring a $130 million boost in overnight visitor expenditure by providing a chance for 1.8 million residents to get out and explore Queensland.
The Work in Paradise Queensland Tourism and Hospitality Jobs website is live and showcasing hundreds of jobs that need to be filled in Queensland’s most beautiful destinations. This is the second phase of the Queensland Government’s $7.5 million Work in Paradise program, connecting jobseekers with available opportunities in regional Queensland and helping employers to find the talent they need to do what the Queensland tourism and events industry does best – create amazing experiences!
In very exciting news, the International Olympic Committee Members voted Brisbane as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games! This announcement alone has provided invaluable exposure to our city, region and state, with the advertising value expected to be more than $170 million. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Brisbane and for Queensland’s tourism industry, and we look forward to sharing updates with you on how we will help leverage the Games to benefit all Queenslanders.
The Tourism Industry Reference Panel released their discussion paper in May and the regional industry workshops will soon be wrapping up. The panel has been working through the responses and insights to help identify the actions government and industry can take through a new Action Plan for Tourism Recovery. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram
For the latest updates on business and travel restrictions and resources for tourism businesses, visit Tourism and Events Queensland. If you’re not sure how the changes in restrictions impact your business or if you have questions about COVID-Safe planning, you can contact the COVID-19 Tourism Response Team for advice by emailing tourismresponse@dtis.
Grants available for tourism businesses in need
Applications for the $10,000, $15,000 and $30,000 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants are now open to support eligible businesses across Queensland affected by the recent lockdowns. All eligible businesses who apply for a grant during the three-month application period will receive funding.
The joint $600 million Queensland and Australian Government support package for Queensland businesses now includes support for non-employing sole traders and expands on the recently announced support for eligible small and medium businesses, and large tourism and hospitality businesses.
Applications close 16 November 2021.
Tiered payments based on payroll size are also available for eligible businesses across Queensland, including a $1,000 grant available to non-employing sole traders (this can include a non-employing business operating through a company, partnership or trust structure). Applications close 30 November 2021.