Tourism Icons Investment Fund: Round 2

To be eligible for funding consideration an applicant must:

• Be a new or established tourism operator who can demonstrate active establishment of tourism operations in Queensland through evidence of land tenure, lease arrangements, and/or existing operations;
• Hold an Australian Business Number; and
• Be registered for GST at the time of application.

Not-for-profit organisations and Queensland Local Government Authorities that provide a tourism service or experience are eligible to apply for funding under this program.

If a consortium submits an application, the lead partner must be an eligible organisation and, if successful, will be responsible for executing the Funding Agreement and managing project delivery, including progress and financial acquittal reports. Documented evidence of involvement and support of consortium partners must be provided as part of the application.

Bodies not eligible for funding under the program include:

• State, Territory and Australian Government agencies or associated agencies such as statutory bodies or government owned corporations; and
• Applicants that do not meet eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for funding consideration, a project must: 

• Be situated on freehold or leasehold land and have owner’s consent to develop and operate tourism infrastructure or experience;
• Have relevant zoning that allows tourism infrastructure or experience;
• Align with Destination 2045 relevant tourism strategic plans (e.g. Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) destination plans);
• Already have in-principal support from local government and Traditional Owners, where required;
• Be investment ready, with secured co-funding; and  
• Commence within 3 months of funding approval and reach practical completion by 30 June 2028.

Projects that have obtained all applicable Local, State, and Australian Government approvals (including Development Approval/s), are a priority for this fund. However, projects where applications have been lodged and a decision is pending, may be considered under this program. 

For accommodation development projects, applicants are encouraged to propose projects that focus on innovative and sustainable accommodation experiences, including semi-permanent infrastructure for example eco-tents, tiny homes, glamping accommodation, or eco-lodges, which align with the program’s goals of creating unique and environmentally responsible tourism opportunities.

Applications for the construction, refurbishment, or expansion of traditional style hotels, motels, or serviced apartments are not a program priority for funding.