The Queensland Government has announced a $47.75 million Tourism and Hospitality Sector COVID-19 Lockdown Support Package to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns in Queensland and other states.
The package is providing a range of rebates, fee and payroll tax relief measures to provide immediate support for tourism and hospitality businesses impacted by the recent COVID-19 lockdowns.
The $47.75 million package includes:
Payroll tax deferral
Eligible tourism and hospitality businesses that lodge payroll tax returns monthly can apply to defer paying their payroll tax liability due in August 2021 for 6 months. Find out more.
12-month state land rent deferral for tourism operators
Rent deferral is available for eligible tourism operators on state land for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. More information coming soon.
Fee waiver and refunds for commercial tourism daily passenger fees
Tourism businesses that operate in a national park, conservation park, recreation area or state forest, including whale watching operations, may have fees waived or refunded between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022. More information coming soon.
12-month fee waiver or refund of inbound tour operator fees
This support is available to inbound tour operators for fee renewals up until 30 June 2022. Find out more.
Liquor licensing fees waived for 2021-22
Tourism and hospitality businesses can have their licensing fees for 2021–22 waived or refunded if they were licensed under the Liquor Act or Wine Industry Acts as at 30 June 2021. Find out more.
2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants expanded to include large tourism and hospitality businesses statewide
Large tourism and hospitality businesses statewide are now included in the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants of $5,000. Find out more.
COVID-19 Marine Tourism Rebate – Round 2 – 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022
Reimbursement of the berthing fees for marine tourism vessel operator at privately-owned or privately-operated marinas in regional Queensland. The Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS) is administering the COVID-19 Marine Tourism Rebate – Round 2. More information will be available soon on our website here. Please email your details to tourism@dtis.qld.gov.au if you would like to register to receive an update when applications open for this Rebate.
Businesses under financial stress are also encouraged to contact one of the Queensland Government funded Tourism Business Financial Counsellors or COVID-19 Small Business Counsellors who can assist with identifying potential sources of funding and business support.
More information
Queensland tourism and hospitality businesses can visit the Business Queensland website here to access all of the assistance on offer under the Tourism and Hospitality Sector COVID-19 Lockdown Support Package, as well as the $5,000 COVID-19 Business Support Grants and broader Queensland Government support.
If you are a tourism business and have any questions about COVID Safe planning or applying the Public Health Directions to your business, you can contact the COVID-19 Tourism Response Team by emailing tourismresponse@dtis.
A full list of COVID-19 restrictions is available on the Queensland Health website here.
More information and updates for tourism operators are available on the Tourism and Events Queensland website.