Queensland tourism businesses will receive support to attract, train and retain workers through a new $2 million Tourism Skills Fund.
The funding is aimed at addressing workforce shortages ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The State Government said in a statement the fund would support industry-led projects to help hotels, restaurants and tourism operators develop the skilled workforces needed to support future growth.
Projects could include specialised training, targeted skills programs, improved career pathways and workforce planning initiatives.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) will work with tourism operators and industry bodies to develop proposals for Government consideration.
The fund forms part of the Government’s Destination 2045 tourism strategy, which aims to double Queensland’s annual visitor expenditure to $84 billion by 2045.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said workforce shortages were identified as a major challenge during consultation on the strategy.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
QTIC Chief Executive Officer Natassia Wheeler said attracting and retaining skilled staff remained one of the industry’s biggest challenges.
“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.”
