Tourism Experience Development Fund

/in /by

Scenic Rim tourism businesses are encouraged to consider applying for the new Tourism Experience Development Fund offered by the Qld State Government.  Here are the details:

About the fund

Queensland’s overall economic success depends on the success of the state’s visitor economy.

In June 2022, the independent Tourism Industry Reference Panel presented government with its final action plan – Towards 2032: Reshaping Queensland’s visitor economy to welcome the world (PDF, 18.1MB).

The action plan outlines a strong vision for the Queensland visitor economy, supporting growth and jobs, as well as contributing to local communities and environmental outcomes; including that by 2032, Queensland will be Australia’s destination of choice for domestic and global visitors, as a leading international destination.

In the Queensland Government’s interim response to the action plan (PDF, 313.8KB), the government committed to progressing actions in areas of clear opportunity within and linked to the Panel’s recommendations, such as partnering with industry to deliver new and enhanced compelling tourism products and experiences.

The $15 million fund is a key initiative under the interim response to the action plan, and aims to:

  • rebuild visitor confidence in Queensland’s tourism industry
  • drive demand for Queensland destinations
  • meet the changing preferences of consumers through enhanced tourism products.

Objectives

The key objectives of the fund are to:

  • deliver new and enhanced tourism products and experiences that may include contemporary refresh of existing products and experiences, diversifying the tourism offering in a region and/or improving the customer experience
  • increase overnight visitor numbers and expenditure
  • deliver regional economic, community impact and sustainability benefits.

To be considered for funding, projects should include high growth attributes such as:

  • ecotourism – to showcase Queensland’s natural assets
  • accessible and inclusive tourism
  • First Nations experiences
  • adventure tourism.

Grant details

Funding for the $15 million Tourism Experience Development Fund will be offered over one round.

The minimum grant available is $50,000 (excluding GST) and the maximum grant available is $200,000 (excluding GST).

Applicants are required to contribute at least 75 per cent of the total project cost, i.e. for a project valued at $200,000 (excluding GST), the maximum grant funding available would be $50,000 (excluding GST). Similarly for a project valued at $800,000 (excluding GST) the maximum grant funding available would be $200,000 (excluding GST).

Projects can be of a much greater value however all additional costs will need to be covered by the applicant.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for funding an organisation must:

  • have an established operating base in Queensland with a tourism-related focus
  • have an Australian Business Number (ABN), an Australian Company Number (ACN) or exemption from these
  • be registered for GST.

In addition, an organisation must be one of the following:

  • a private sector business – for example, a for-profit
  • a not-for-profit organisation – for example, a community organisation
  • a local government authority.

Projects will be supported that meet the aims and objectives of the fund. The types of projects that may be considered under the fund include:

  • new and/or enhanced tourism experiences that diversify tourism offerings and/or showcase Queensland’s natural assets, e.g. adventure offerings
  • expansion or upgrades of existing products that broaden visitor appeal and/or address shortcomings in existing tourism experiences
  • development of interactive displays within existing tourism products
  • introduction of innovation and new technologies that improve and/or create visitor experiences
  • upgrades and enhancements to improve accessibility
  • incorporation of First Nations perspectives within existing or new visitor experiences
  • built assets that support the product or experience
  • improved transportation that activates products or experiences, e.g. boat for a tour, vehicles or e-bikes
  • experiences that overcome seasonality challenges, such as evening visitor experiences in the Outback.

Apply for funding

The Tourism Experience Development Fund industry guidelines (PDF, 591.9KB) contain more information regarding eligibility criteria, the application and assessment process, and other key information.

Applications will open at 9 am on Friday 15 July 2022 and must be submitted through SmartyGrants.

Key dates

These dates are indicative only and subject to change as required.

Activity Date
Fund launch 28 June 2022
Applications open 15 July 2022
Applications close 26 August 2022
Outcome of applications advised 30 September 2022
Project completion date 30 June 2024

More information

Email [email protected] for more information.