Tourism industry feedback drives new workforce investment

• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a $2 million Tourism Skills Fund to strengthen Queensland's tourism workforce.
• The fund will back industry-led projects that help hotels, restaurants and tour operators attract, retain and develop the workers needed to support industry growth through 2032 and beyond.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy by backing tourism operators to overcome worker shortages caused by the former Labor Government’s decade of decline. 

The Crisafulli Government is investing $2 million to help Queensland tourism businesses build skilled workforces and create more opportunities for people to establish long-term careers in the industry. 

The Tourism Skills Fund will back practical, industry-led projects to help hotels, restaurants and tourism operators attract, retain and develop the workers they need. 

From the chefs and hotel managers to tour guides and hospitality professionals, Queensland’s tourism industry is built on skilled people who work hard, support their families and contribute to their local communities. 

After a decade of decline under Labor, tourism operators across Queensland continue to face workforce shortages that are constraining growth. In stark contrast, the Crisafulli Government is backing practical solutions to help industry develop the skilled workforce needed for 2032 and beyond. 

Tourism operators and industry bodies will work with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) to develop project proposals, which could include specialised training, targeted skills initiatives and workforce planning support. 

The fund contributes to the delivery of the Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 plan to grow Queensland’s visitor economy and support opportunities across the State. 

QTIC will work with the Department of Trade, Employment and Training and industry to put forward proposals for Government consideration. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Tourism Skills Fund was a direct response to the workforce challenges raised by industry through Destination 2045. 

“Queensland’s tourism industry is powered by hardworking people and local businesses, and they deserve a government that listens to their concerns and acts on them,” Minister Powell said. 

“Through the consultation for Destination 2045, operators told us finding and keeping skilled workers was holding their businesses back, and this fund will support practical, industry-led solutions developed with QTIC.

“We’re focused on giving Queenslanders more opportunities to build lasting careers in tourism and helping businesses prepare for the growth ahead, particularly as we approach 2032.” 

Queensland Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Officer Natassia Wheeler said the initiative was an important opportunity for the industry to make meaningful impacts on its workforce capability. 

“Tourism is one of Queensland’s biggest employers, and attracting and keeping skilled people is one of the biggest challenges our operators face,” Ms Wheeler said. 

“This industry-led initiative gives tourism businesses a real say in building practical solutions, from clearer career pathways to modern training, so Queensland has the workforce it needs for Brisbane 2032 and well beyond.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth McCosker 0406 331 114