Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland
2023 is the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland. This will support the Queensland tourism industry to provide greater destination experiences for all holidaymakers in Queensland.
Accessible and inclusive tourism means making sure everyone can take part in tourism experiences. This involves creating a welcoming environment that everyone can access and enjoy to the fullest.
People with access requirements can include parents with young children in prams, seniors with limited mobility, and people with permanent or temporary disability which may include physical, sensory, intellectual or neurological disability.
Towards Tourism 2032 aims to make tourism in Queensland accessible to everyone. Inclusivity and accessibility are not only a social responsibility, but also have the potential for Queensland’s economy. According to Tourism Research Australia, accessible tourism could generate an extra $735 million per annum or $1.8 billion per annum when including a travel party.
Accessible Tourism Grants available
The $10 million Accessible Tourism Queensland Fund will support targeted projects that align with Queensland's Disability Plan and Towards Tourism 2032, providing better destination experiences for all holidaymakers in Queensland and positioning the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games as the most accessible and inclusive sporting event globally.
Two grants have officially been launched by the Queensland Government within the Year of Accessible Tourism
Both Year of Accessible Tourism funds are now open for applicants.
Accessible Tourism Infrastructure Grant
Apply here: www.dtis.qld.gov.au/tourism/funds/accessible-tourism-infrastructure-grant
The Accessible Tourism Infrastructure grant scheme aims to provide financial assistance to sole traders, small and medium-sized tourism and events businesses. The objective is to improve infrastructure and accessibility in the tourism and events industry.
Applications open: 21 March 2023
Applications close: 11:59pm, Wednesday 31 May 2023
Outcome of applications advised: July/August 2023
Project completion date: 30 June 2024
The fund:
The Accessible Tourism Infrastructure Grant scheme provides funding for eligible businesses to improve tourism and events infrastructure and accessibility.
The funding ranges from $25,000 to $500,000 (excluding GST) and is only offered once in a single funding round. Applicants must provide a minimum of 75% cash co-contribution to the total project cost (1:3), and the maximum grant funding available is determined based on the project cost. Any extra costs beyond the grant amount must be covered by the applicant. All projects must align with Towards Tourism 2032 strategy.
Who can apply:
The organisation must have an Australian Business Number (ABN), an Australian Company Number (ACN), or exemption from these.
The organisation must have an established operating base in Queensland.
The organisation must currently operate in the tourism or events industry in Queensland
The organisation must be registered for GST or hold an exemption for GST.
Eligible projects*:
Accessibility modification of transport, touring vehicles, vessels or existing infrastructure
Adaptive and assistive technology that can maximise the visitor experience:
Augmented reality, virtual reality or extended reality to improve accessibility
Support technology infrastructure that services different accessibility needs
Sensory-friendly environments and space
Keyless entry
Sensor/voice/movement-controlled technology
Stairlifts
*see Eligible project costs at: https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/1674507/Accessible-Tourism-Infrastructure-Guidelines.pdf
Accessible Tourism Enablers Grant
Apply here: https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/tourism/funds/accessible-tourism-enablers-grant
The Accessible Tourism Enablers grant scheme is intended to offer funding support to not-for-profit disability peak organisations and/or accessible or disability-specific service organisations in Australia. The grant will be used to develop and/or improve products and services that tourism and event businesses can access.
Applications open 21 March 2023
Applications close 11:59pm, Wednesday 31 May 2023
Outcome of applications advised July/August 2023
Project completion date 30 June 2024
The fund:
Eligible applicants can receive funding between $50,000 and $250,000 (excluding GST) to cover 100% of total project costs. Applicants are allowed to apply for only one project, and funding will be provided in a single round. While projects of higher value can be submitted, any additional costs beyond the funding limit must be covered by the applicant.
Who can apply:
An established not-for-profit disability peak organisation and/or service organisation with demonstrated experience and expertise in disability, accessibility and inclusion best practice for at least two years; and compliant with relevant requirements of the Disability Services Act 2006, including worker screening requirements; and be a not-for-profit organisation that is:
public company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth); or
an incorporated association under the Associations Incorporated Act 1981 (Queensland); or
registered on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
The organisation has
current appropriate expertise or experience to develop and/or deliver services, products and materials suitable for tourism and events businesses
people with disability or lived experience in the organisation’s governance and/or management (senior executives/board/employees etc)
operations or deliver services in Queensland;
hold public liability insurance to the value of not less than $10 million, or provide evidence of plans to obtain insurance to the value of not less than $10 million to cover the proposed project
an Australian Business Number (ABN), an Australian Company Number (ACN) or exemption from these, and be registered for GST.
Eligible projects*:
The types of projects that may be considered under this category include development or enhancement of accessibility products, services and materials which will support Queensland tourism and events businesses to make their experience more inclusive, for example:
template resources that will support tourism and events businesses improve their accessibility and inclusivity
products that can be used by tourism and events businesses to create more accessible websites, guides or images/videos
adaptive and assistive equipment and technology that can maximise the visitor experience
development of disability inclusion plan templates aligned with Queensland’s Disability Plan to improve accessibility to visitors and ensure an inclusive workplace.
Preference will be for projects that provide resources, products and services freely or at low cost for Queensland tourism and events businesses and have a benefit beyond the life of the project. All projects must align with Towards Tourism 2032 strategy.
*see Eligible project costs at:
If you are interested in applying for a grant with Vacayit, please email the Vacayit partnership team at hello@vacayit.com.
