Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund QLD: Round 1

Purpose and Program Overview

The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) Round 1 provides funding in Queensland. The program intends to develop new tourism assets and improve existing ones. This focuses on experiences across regional Queensland.

The grant supports a variety of projects. These projects must highlight Queensland’s iconic wonders and celebrate Indigenous heritage. The aim is to attract and improve visitor experiences across the state.

This program plays a role in supporting the tourism industry outside of South East Queensland. It funds developments that enhance sustainability, culinary, and ecotourism offerings. The total funding pool for the program is not stated.

Key Grant Details

• Grant Amount: Funding is available up to $300,000 per project.
• Application Dates: Applications close on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The program is currently open.
• Eligible Entities: Tourism operators. This includes established operators, new operators, and operators from other Australian jurisdictions setting up in Queensland.
• Co-contributions: The guidelines do not state a required co-contribution.
• Location Applicability: Applicants must be located outside of South East Queensland. They must operate within one of the eligible Local Government Areas (LGA).

Priority Sectors

The grant targets the tourism sector in regional Queensland.

Priority projects are those that:

• Highlight the iconic wonders of Queensland.
• Celebrate Queensland’s Indigenous heritage.
• Involve sustainability enhancements, eco-lodges, or glamping sites.
• Offer ecotourism or culinary experiences connecting visitors with agricultural landscapes and produce.
• Showcase Queensland’s spectacular night sky.

Funding Scope

The program offers a maximum of $300,000 per grant.

• Minimum and Maximum Grant: Funding is available up to $300,000. No minimum amount is specified.
• Funding Categories: Funding supports capital works and experiential development, including:
  • New tourism attractions and experiences.
  • Upgrades to existing facilities.
  • New developments (e.g., eco-lodges, glamping sites).
  • Ecotourism and culinary experiences.
• Eligible Duration: The project timeline or duration is not stated.

Eligibility Criteria

Tourism operators must demonstrate location and business compliance.

• Be an established operator in QLD (more than 12 months), or be a new operator with demonstrable active establishment and significant benefits to Queensland tourism.
• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• Be located outside of South East Queensland and operate within an eligible LGA.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports infrastructure and experiential projects.

Eligible activities include:

• Developing new tourism attractions and experiences.
• Upgrading existing facilities to improve visitor experiences.
• Construction of new accommodation types, such as eco-lodges or glamping sites.
• Projects that enhance sustainability.
• Creating ecotourism or culinary experiences.

Assessment Process

The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund is a competitive program. Funding relies on project merit and alignment with Queensland’s regional tourism goals.

Key evaluation criteria focus on:

• The project’s role in developing new or enhancing existing tourism infrastructure and experiences.
• The project’s contribution to highlighting Queensland’s wonders and Indigenous heritage.
• The ability of new operators to demonstrate significant tourism benefits to Queensland.

Recent Program Updates

This is Round 1 of the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund in Queensland. The program is currently open and focuses on boosting regional tourism infrastructure outside of South East Queensland.

Application Tips

Confirm your project location is within an eligible Local Government Area. Clearly show how your project will improve the visitor experience in regional Queensland. Emphasise how your proposal aligns with priority areas such as Indigenous heritage, ecotourism, or sustainability. Prepare documentation proving your current operation or establishment plan in Queensland.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group today, and we will connect you 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 Queensland Government.