Queensland tourism businesses can apply for newly released funding from the Queensland Government for their ECO Certification or Sustainable Tourism Certification application and audit fee, renewal fee and/or Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard registration.
The Queensland Department of Tourism and Sport has today released a $2 million Tourism Business Capability Subsidy for Queensland tourism businesses to further their development in essential areas, including sustainability and ecotourism. The subsidy is designed to boost the growth of Queensland’s tourism industry to directly support Towards Tourism 2032 – Transforming Queensland’s visitor economy future, a tourism industry strategy. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2,000 (excluding GST) in funding.
Ecotourism Australia’s Chief Executive officer, Elissa Keenan, said this was a prime opportunity for Queensland’s eco and sustainable tourism businesses.
“This subsidy is importantly supporting Queensland tourism businesses to begin and grow on their sustainability journey with Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised Certifications and the pre-certification benchmarking program, Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard,” said Ms Keenan.
“Queensland is well placed as a leader in sustainable tourism and we proudly certify 212 businesses across the state as ECO Certified or Sustainable Tourism Certified.
“We encourage all our existing Certified and applying operators, and businesses in the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program, as well as any others interested in progressing their sustainability credentials to investigate this grant opportunity and further their business development,” said Ms Keenan.
The Subsidy will support sole traders, micro, small and medium-sized tourism and event businesses to undertake targeted accreditation and/or training programs to help businesses deliver exceptional experiences and exceed visitor expectations.
In addition to Ecotourism Australia’s Certifications and Programs, businesses can also use the funding for accreditation and training including in trade distribution, cultural understanding and accessible tourism.
Applications open 28 February and close 27 March with outcomes advised 5 April 2024.
For further information about the Subsidy, view the Department of Tourism and Sport’s webpage here: https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/tourism/funds/tourism-business-capability-subsidy.
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