- Premier David Crisafulli announces $2.4 million investment to save education experience programs to mark Tourism Week.
- Funding commitment sees the Premier deliver on a promise made to Queenslanders in March 2021 to support the education experience.
- 'Bridge to Brisbane' to be expanded to join major events portfolio, alongside ASICS Gold Coast Marathon from next year.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for the sector with new initiatives and funding to set up State's tourism businesses for success through to 2045.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering bold announcements and delivering on key promises to mark Tourism Week, that will set up 65,000 tourism businesses for success through to 2045.
Celebrating Tourism Week at the industry's peak conference - DestinationQ - hundreds of tourism leaders today welcomed new investment as part of the Crisafulli Governments record $1 billion commitment to tourism over the next four years.
Premier David Crisafulli announced today the Crisafulli Government will invest $2.4 million to save education support for Queensland children to travel to some of the world's best classrooms – the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's Outback.
Both the Great Barrier Reef and Outback Education Experience programs were set to end under the former Labor Government during their decade of decline, who had not funded them beyond 2024.
The investment also sees the Premier deliver on a promise he made to Queenslanders in March 2021 as then Shadow Tourism Minister to support and drive the program that sees kids take a life changing trip to the reef.
The reactivated program takes school beyond the classroom, offering financial subsidies to help school children explore the rich history, culture and landscapes of the Queensland Outback and Great Barrier Reef through a diverse range of tourism offerings. Funding for the reef program is locked in, while the subsidy has been increased for the Queensland outback program.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a bold 20-year vision – Destination 2045 - to supercharge the State's industry into a new era of growth, innovation and global leadership.
The Crisafulli Government is also firing the starting gun on a new and expanded Bridge to Brisbane, which will join Events Management Queensland's major event portfolio, alongside the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon from next year.
This positions the event alongside internationally renowned races, helping to cement Queensland as Australia's event capital in the run up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Additionally, the Tourism Business Capability Subsidy will open in February 2026 for tourism businesses to upskill and grow their offerings through training and accreditation, improving visitor experiences throughout Queensland – from online bookings to customer service.
Premier David Crisafulli said delivering for the tourism industry was key to getting Queensland back on track for Destination 2045.
"Queensland is open for business, and these initiatives will make it easier than ever for tourism operators to get their foot in the door and create healthy, thriving businesses that welcome visitors from all over the world," Premier Crisafulli said.
"Importantly, we're ensuring our Great Barrier Reef and Queensland Outback are front and centre in the education of Queensland kids.
"With the ambitious goals of Destination 2045 as our roadmap, we know we need to start with industry first and we are laying those foundations and setting up for success over the next two decades of unprecedented opportunity."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the announcements were a testament to the Crisafulli Government's commitment to rebuilding Queensland tourism.
"Queensland is the home of the holiday and that's why the Crisafulli Government has delivered Destination 2045 – our roadmap to take tourism to the next level," Minister Powell said.
"When more people travel in and around Queensland, more people are eating in our cafes, staying in our hotels, and experiencing what makes our state truly special.
"By investing in our visitor economy, we're backing local businesses, creating jobs, and building a better lifestyle for every Queenslander."
CEO of Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Natassia Wheeler welcomed today's announcements.
"Announcements like these, made during Tourism Week and alongside the annual DestinationQ Forum, demonstrate what strong collaboration between government and industry can achieve," Ms Wheeler said.
"The initiatives announced today align closely with QTIC's strategic priorities - supporting business capability, strengthening regional development, and investing in the future workforce.
"The Education Experience Programs are practical measures that will make a tangible difference for operators and students across Queensland."
