- The Crisafulli Government is delivering new and improved tourism opportunities in the regions through the second round of the $20 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
- The fund offers grants of up to $300,000 to support regional tourism projects showcasing Queensland's best experiences, such as new attractions, upgrades to facilities, glamping and eco-tourism.
- After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering new opportunities for Queensland's tourism industry through Destination 2045.
The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland's tourism future, with applications now open for the second round of the $20 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
Following strong demand in the first round, the fund will provide grants of up to $300,000 to help tourism operators and regional communities deliver new experiences, upgrade infrastructure and attract more visitors.
As a key part of Destination 2045, the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund will back regional ideas - from nature-based tourism and farm-gate experiences to new attractions and infrastructure upgrades - creating jobs, growing local economies and encouraging visitors to explore more of Queensland.
This vision stands in stark contrast to the former Labor Government's decade of decline, including its secret plan to cut tourism funding by 95 per cent - a decision that would have stalled new experiences and undermined confidence for tourism operators across Queensland.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was backing Queensland's regions and helping unlock the next generation of tourism investment to cement Queensland's reputation as the home of the holiday.
"Queensland is the best place in the world to live, work and visit, and our regions are home to some of the most incredible tourism experiences anywhere in the country," Minister Powell said.
"The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund is about backing Queenslanders with the support they need to turn great ideas into new attractions, better experiences and more opportunities for local communities.
"We want visitors to stay longer, explore further and experience everything Queensland has to offer - from our iconic destinations to the incredible regional communities that make our state unique.
"By investing in tourism infrastructure and experiences, we are backing local businesses, creating jobs and strengthening the regional economies that are the backbone of Queensland.
"The 95 per cent cut to tourism that was planned under Labor would have shut the door on new tourism experiences, regional investment and Queensland's future growth."
Muddy Duck Tourist Park owner Louise Seccombe said the $142,935 support they received from the first round of the fund had assisted greatly in upgrading the Longreach tourist park.
"We're incredibly grateful for the support of the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund," Ms Seccombe said.
"The grant has allowed us to expand the park with 48 additional sites, helping us meet growing visitor demand.
"It has also given us the confidence, as a small business in Outback Queensland, to continue investing in our business and the future of regional tourism."
Founder of Kingfisher Birding David Lyons said the $88,154 awarded through the first round of the fund allowed the Kuranda-based business to establish a specialised multi-day birding expedition within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, with the expedition service now fully operational.
"This investment has enabled us to create a high-value tourism experience centred on the Wet Tropics' endemic bird species, found nowhere else on Earth," Mr Lyons said.
"The funding was transformational, allowing us to develop a world-class birding expedition in the Wet Tropics and bring it to the international market in just six months."
The first round of the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund backed tourism operators across regional Queensland to expand, improve visitor experiences and deliver new infrastructure, with the second round continuing the Crisafulli Government's commitment to regional growth and investment.
Applications close Wednesday 9 September 2026 with more information available here .
