“A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION” Tourism Support Hub Welcomed as Relief for Struggling Regional Businesses

Regional tourism operators have welcomed the Tourism Support Hub, describing it as a positive step toward easing pressure on small businesses navigating rising costs and complex government processes. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Just months after its launch, the Government’s Tourism Support Hub has surpassed 100 enquiries, marking an early milestone in its broader plan to reshape the state’s tourism future.

Developed under Queensland’s Destination 2045 initiative, the Tourism Support Hub has already drawn strong interest from Regional Tourism Organisations across the state, fielding enquiries spanning business development, agritourism, cultural tourism, national park permits and disaster recovery.

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Burdekin Chamber of Commerce Secretary, Kari Ravizza, and Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Secretary Rob Antoniazzi have both welcomed the initiative, saying the Tourism Support Hub will make a meaningful difference to how small and regional businesses operate.

“To have a dedicated support officer offering step-by-step guidance sounds fantastic and would be welcome in all small business industries,” she said.

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Mrs Ravizza said she hopes businesses take full advantage of the Tourism Support Hub, noting that any government support specifically targeting regional areas is a positive step forward.

“Regional businesses often operate with limited resources and wear multiple hats.  Support navigating government processes would be beneficial,” she said.

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It is no secret the business community is struggling through a period of ongoing uncertainty, with both Mrs Ravizza and Mr Antoniazzi pointing to mounting economic pressures. Cost-of-living impacts are reducing discretionary spending and affecting visitor numbers, while rising fuel and transport costs are making travel less affordable for tourists and increasing operating expenses for businesses. At the same time, operators are working to rebuild resilience after recent weather events, all against a backdrop of continued economic uncertainty and a noticeable decline in travellers stopping in the region.

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“Smaller and family-run operators can easily be overlooked or may not have the capacity to actively seek out support. There can also be barriers around awareness, time, and confidence in engaging with government programs,” said Mrs Ravizza.

“The Tourism Support Hub is a step in the right direction, particularly with its personalised approach, but continued promotion and outreach are essential to ensure these businesses know the support exists and feel encouraged to use it.”  

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In 2025, a record 2.4 million international visitors injected $7.5 billion into Queensland’s economy, with total visitor expenditure soaring to $44.3 billion, equivalent to $121.5 million every day.

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Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Natassia Wheeler, said the Tourism Support Hub was helping to build a stronger, more resilient tourism industry. 

“Access to clear, practical support is critical for tourism operators, particularly in the current operating environment,” Ms Wheeler said. 

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“The Tourism Support Hub is playing an important role in helping businesses navigate processes and connect with the right information when they need it.” 

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Tourism operators can find more information on the Tourism Support Hub at www.qld.gov.au/tourismsupporthub, or contact the team directly on 07 3101 2002 or via email at tourismsupporthub@detsi.qld.gov.au.

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