Deadline: October 08, 2025
The Tourism Icons Investment Fund is a $20 million strategic initiative by the Queensland Government designed to stimulate private sector investment and enhance tourism offerings.
The fund prioritizes the development of products and experiences within the following focus areas: Ecotourism, Dark Sky Tourism, Agritourism, Coastal & Marine Tourism, Cultural & Heritage Tourism, and Paleo Tourism.
Queensland boasts an incredible variety of tourism products, and this fund aims to support the development of infrastructure, attractions, and experiences that exceed expectations while creating lasting benefits to communities, jobs, and growing tourism-related businesses. The initiative supports new large-scale attractions and experiences to increase visitation, showcasing Queensland’s natural assets, cultural identity, and adventure offerings. Projects can range from new tourism accommodations such as eco-lodges to investment in island tourism through redevelopment of Great Barrier Reef Island resorts, emphasizing sustainable luxury and reef-friendly activities.
Funding of up to $5 million is available on a 1:1 co-contribution basis, requiring applicants to contribute at least 50% of the eligible project costs. Projects must not have commenced before applying, but different elements or stages of a project can be funded.
Applicants must be established or new tourism operators actively establishing operations in Queensland and must hold an Australian Business Number and GST registration. Eligible projects should align with the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 Plan, demonstrate progress in gaining necessary approvals, and be ready to commence within 12 months of funding approval.
The fund does not cover costs such as maintenance, preparatory work, marketing or advertising, hiring employees, buying or leasing land, and general business administration. It focuses on capital construction costs and rejuvenating existing infrastructure directly related to delivering the approved project.
Applications go through a two-stage process: an Expression of Interest followed by a Full Business Case upon invitation. Projects are assessed on strategic alignment to government priorities, economic value, and risk and cost allocation. Successful applicants enter into a funding agreement outlining project scope, milestones, funding, and reporting requirements.
The fund aims to enhance Queensland’s tourism offerings, increasing visitor duration and supporting sustainable growth through innovative and high-impact tourism projects. Projects with completion dates by June 2028 will be given preference, but later completion dates are still encouraged.
For more information, visit DETSI.
