Apply for Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (Australia)

Deadline: 09-Sep-26

The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) provides grants of up to $300,000 (GST exclusive) per project to support innovative and sustainable tourism infrastructure across regional Queensland. The fund aims to improve visitor experiences, increase tourism expenditure and visitor numbers, encourage longer stays, and strengthen regional economic development. What Is the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund? The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund is a Queensland Government initiative supporting the development and improvement of tourism infrastructure across regional Queensland. The program is intended to help Queensland remain an attractive and competitive destination for domestic and international visitors by investing in infrastructure that creates compelling visitor experiences. RTIF supports projects that can deliver measurable tourism and economic benefits, particularly through: Creating new tourism infrastructure and experiences. Improving existing tourism facilities and visitor experiences. Improving Queensland’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. The fund aligns with the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 strategy and its long-term vision for sustainable tourism growth. Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund Grant Amount Eligible projects can receive up to $300,000 GST exclusive. The grant is intended for projects that demonstrate a strong connection to RTIF’s tourism objectives and have the potential to generate meaningful visitor and economic outcomes. Applicants should clearly explain how the proposed infrastructure investment will contribute to tourism growth rather than simply provide general business improvements. What Projects Can RTIF Support? The fund is designed for tourism infrastructure and visitor experience projects that provide clear benefits to Queensland’s regional tourism industry. Potential projects may include infrastructure that: Creates or improves visitor attractions. Enhances tourism experiences. Improves facilities used by visitors. Encourages tourists to extend their stay. Increases visitor spending in regional communities. Helps attract new domestic or international visitors. Supports tourism dispersal to regional destinations. Contributes to sustainable and innovative tourism development. The strongest proposals are likely to demonstrate a clear connection between the infrastructure investment and measurable tourism outcomes. Why Does the Fund Matter? Tourism infrastructure plays an important role in attracting visitors and encouraging them to spend more time and money in regional destinations. RTIF is intended to help address this by supporting infrastructure that can create stronger visitor experiences while generating longer-term economic benefits.

The program can help regional Queensland:

Strengthen its tourism offering. Develop new visitor experiences. Increase tourism-related employment and economic activity. Encourage investment in regional destinations. Improve the competitiveness of Queensland’s tourism sector. Support sustainable growth in regional communities. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants can include a range of tourism businesses, organisations and public-sector entities operating in Queensland.

Applicants include:

Established tourism operators in Queensland that have been operating for more than 12 months. New tourism operators that can demonstrate active establishment of tourism operations in Queensland and significant tourism benefits. Tourism operators or businesses from other Australian jurisdictions that are establishing tourism operations in Queensland and can demonstrate significant tourism benefits. Local government authorities. Not-for-profit organisations.

Applicants must also:

Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN). Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST). Demonstrate that the proposed project is connected to tourism. Show how the project will contribute to RTIF objectives. Key Eligibility Requirements Before applying, applicants should ensure that their organisation and project meet the basic program requirements. The applicant should be able to demonstrate: A legitimate tourism-related operation or role in Queensland. The capacity to deliver the proposed infrastructure project. A clear tourism rationale for the investment. Significant benefits for visitors and the regional economy. Alignment with Queensland’s tourism priorities. A sustainable approach to tourism infrastructure development. For new or interstate operators, establishing a clear case for their Queensland operations and expected tourism benefits is particularly important. How to Apply for the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund Applicants should develop their proposal around the tourism outcomes that RTIF is designed to achieve.

Step 1: Confirm Applicant Eligibility

Check that your organisation falls within an eligible applicant category and has the required ABN and GST registration. New operators and businesses establishing operations in Queensland should also prepare evidence demonstrating their active establishment and expected tourism benefits.

Step 2: Define the Tourism Infrastructure Project

Clearly describe what infrastructure or visitor experience will be developed or improved.

Explain:

What will be delivered. Where the project will take place. Who will use the infrastructure. Why the investment is needed. How the project will improve the visitor experience.

Step 3: Demonstrate Tourism and Economic Benefits

Explain how the project will contribute to Queensland’s tourism industry. Where possible, provide measurable outcomes relating to: Visitor numbers. Visitor expenditure. Length of visitor stays. New or improved tourism experiences. Regional economic activity. Tourism dispersal. Employment or business opportunities.

Step 4: Demonstrate Sustainability

Explain how the project will contribute to sustainable tourism. Applicants should consider how the infrastructure can provide long-term benefits with