What's Happening?
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is actively encouraging small and medium-sized tourism and hospitality operators to apply for the $2,500 Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program rebate. This initiative, in collaboration with the Queensland Government, aims to enhance business efficiency, decision-making, and visitor experiences by supporting investments in digital tools such as website development, online booking systems, and AI tools. QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler emphasized the importance of digital capability for the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism businesses, urging operators to take advantage of the program before it closes on November 17, 2025. Sunshine Coast attraction Amaze World has already benefited from the rebate, using it to upgrade its point-of-sale system with an automated guest feedback tool, which has improved operational efficiency and guest experience.
Why It's Important?
The rebate program is significant as it provides financial support to tourism businesses, enabling them to adopt digital tools that are crucial for modern business operations. By facilitating digital upgrades, the program helps businesses overcome budget constraints that might otherwise prevent them from enhancing their digital infrastructure. This is particularly important in the tourism sector, where digital tools can significantly improve customer engagement and operational efficiency. The initiative not only supports individual businesses but also contributes to the overall competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism industry in Queensland, potentially setting a precedent for similar programs in other regions.
What's Next?
With the application deadline approaching on November 17, 2025, tourism operators are encouraged to apply promptly to secure the rebate before funds are exhausted. QTIC is likely to continue promoting the program to ensure maximum participation. Businesses that have already benefited from the rebate may serve as case studies to demonstrate the program's effectiveness, potentially influencing other operators to apply. As the deadline nears, there may be increased interest and applications, prompting QTIC to manage the allocation of funds efficiently.
