$3 million program to help Queensland’s tourism industry stay competitive

The Queensland Government is investing $3 million to help give the local tourism industry a competitive boost.

The industry-focused Business Capability Program is intended to give operators the chance to access training and upskilling opportunities to help them improve their business operations, take advantage of new commercial opportunities and deliver quality visitor experiences. 

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said the Program is a welcome and worthwhile initiative, commenting “tourism is a tough, very competitive and global market, and it is only by continuously honing our skills that we can improve our competitiveness and further strengthen the Queensland tourism industry’s reputation.

“We appreciate that the government understands the importance of supporting not just the marketing of tourism in Queensland, but also the importance of building the quality businesses and services our industry needs to remain competitive.”

With the 2018/19 Business Capability Program’s priorities to include programs based around digital and trade development, Gschwind added “the programs will allow us to better support the tourism industry and will give the opportunity for staff, business owners and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry to hone some particular and in-demand skills.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Business Capability Program would help sharpen the modern tools companies needed to successfully attract business.

Minister Jones advised “the majority of tourism businesses are small businesses. We know how tough it is to provide quality training for staff when you run a small business.

“A strong digital presence is crucial when it comes to growing most tourism businesses. That’s why we’re investing in a program that will provide more training for tourism operators in areas like digital capacity and trade development.

“Online marketing and booking systems are significant enablers for tourism operators and just one of the examples that will be included in the program.

“We need to help these companies be more competitive, adaptive and resilient so visitors can enjoy a consistently high standard across the state.”

The Business Capability Program is funded by the Queensland Department of Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and has been developed in consultation with QTIC, Tourism and Events Queensland and the Regional Tourism Organisations.

Gschwind concluded “a successful tourism destination depends on the constructive partnership between industry and government, and the working relationship that exists between the government and QTIC continues to deliver many benefits to the industry.”

For more information about the Digital Ready and Trade Ready streams of the Business Capability Program go to www.qtic.com.au/programs