QLD Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF) – Round 2

Purpose and Program Overview

The Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF) is a proud Queensland Government initiative supporting large-scale, impactful tourism projects across the state, inspiring applicants to contribute to Queensland’s global reputation.

TIIF represents an $80 million total funding pool. Round 2 provides capital co-funding for new large-scale attractions and experiences, as well as opportunities to rejuvenate existing brands and accommodation assets, enhancing visitor experiences while building long-term capacity and infrastructure.

Within the broader Queensland tourism sector, TIIF plays a role in positioning the state as a global tourism destination. The fund supports operators seeking to deliver iconic, world-class attractions that align with Queensland’s long-term tourism development priorities.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Between $1 million and $5 million (GST exclusive) per project
• EOI open: Monday, 13 July 2026
• EOI close: Monday, 10 August 2026
• Full Business Case invitations open: Monday, 7 September 2026
• Full Business Case invitations close: Friday, 9 October 2026
• Funding decision announcement: December 2026
• Eligible industries: Tourism operators, including ecotourism, cultural and adventure tourism businesses; also open to eligible not-for-profit organisations and Local Government Authorities delivering a tourism service or experience
• Co-contribution required: Yes, on a 1:1 basis (applicant must contribute at least 50% of total eligible project costs, GST exclusive)
• Location applicability: Queensland, Australia

Priority Sectors

Round 2 prioritises applicants who can demonstrate strong project readiness and development approvals. While the program is open to tourism operators broadly, it particularly targets ecotourism, cultural tourism and adventure tourism projects capable of delivering significant, catalytic visitor experiences.

Funding Scope

• Minimum grant amount: $1 million (GST exclusive)
• Maximum grant amount: $5 million (GST exclusive)
• Funding basis: 1:1 matched co-contribution; a $1 million grant, for example, supports a project with a minimum total eligible cost of $2 million (GST exclusive)
• Funding categories: Capital co-funding for new large-scale tourism attractions and experiences, and for the rejuvenation of existing brands and accommodation assets
• Application process: Two-stage process comprising an Expression of Interest (EOI) followed, if invited, by a Full Business Case submission
• Project timing: Funding cannot be applied to projects that have already commenced, though it may apply to distinct and separate stages of a broader project

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a new or established tourism operator able to demonstrate active establishment of tourism operations in Queensland, evidenced through land tenure, lease arrangements, and/or existing operations
• Must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Must be registered for GST at the time of application
• Not-for-profit organisations and Queensland Local Government Authorities providing a tourism service or experience are eligible to apply.
• Consortium applications are permitted, provided the lead partner is an eligible organisation; the lead partner is responsible for executing the Funding Agreement and managing project delivery, including reporting and financial acquittal.
• State, Territory and Australian Government agencies, and associated statutory bodies or government-owned corporations, are not eligible to apply.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Development of new large-scale tourism attractions and visitor experiences
• Rejuvenation of existing tourism brands and accommodation assets
• Capital works that increase visitor capacity and improve infrastructure
• Distinct, separate elements or stages of a broader tourism project (where the overall project has not yet commenced)

Ineligible costs are not considered part of the applicant’s co-contribution and must be fully funded by the applicant. The applicant must legally own any assets purchased or created using grant funding.

Assessment Process

As TIIF Round 2 is highly competitive, understanding the criteria and demonstrating project readiness can motivate applicants to prepare thoroughly and feel a sense of accomplishment in their efforts.

Recent Program Updates

Round 2 of TIIF opened for Expressions of Interest on 13 July 2026, following the completion of Round 1. The program continues to operate within the $80 million total fund and retains the same $1 million to $5 million grant range and 1:1 co-contribution structure used in the previous round.

Application Tips

• Confirm eligibility against all criteria, including ABN and GST registration, before starting an application
• Prepare evidence of land tenure, lease arrangements or existing operations in advance
• Ensure the project has not already commenced, or clearly identify a distinct, unstarted stage of a broader project
• Align the proposal with Queensland’s tourism development priorities, particularly project readiness and development approval status
• Clearly demonstrate the project’s capacity to deliver visitor growth and long-term community and economic benefits
• For consortium applications, prepare documented evidence of each partner’s involvement and support

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the Tourism Icons Investment Fund and other associated Australian government websites.