Fund overview

Through the $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF), we are partnering with industry to create the state’s next world-class attractions. Under this fund, assistance is available for significant, strategic and catalytic projects that attract visitors and deliver enduring economic and social benefits to our communities.

To bring these bold visions to life, TIIF provides up to $5 million in capital co-funding for significant projects including new large-scale attractions and experiences. TIIF also provides opportunities to rejuvenate existing brands and accommodation assets, enhancing visitor experiences while delivering long-term benefits through increased capacity and improved infrastructure.

TIIF represents a significant opportunity for the tourism industry to create iconic, world-class attractions that will shape Queensland’s tourism future and deliver enduring benefits to local communities.

Available funding

Funding between $1 million and $5 million (GST exclusive) is available to eligible applicants and projects to support the delivery of iconic tourism projects in Queensland.

Funding is provided on a 1:1 co-contribution basis, meaning applicants must contribute at least 50% of the total eligible project costs (GST exclusive). For example, a grant of $1 million (GST exclusive) would support a project with a minimum total eligible cost of $2 million (GST exclusive).

Important notes:

• Ineligible costs will not be considered as part of the applicant’s co-contribution and must be fully borne by the applicant.
• TIIF funding cannot be used for projects that have already commenced. However, funding may be applied to distinct and separate elements or stages of a broader project.
• The applicant must be the legal owner of any assets purchased or created using the funding.

Applications will undergo a competitive assessment process based on the criteria outlined in these guidelines. Please note that submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) or Full Business Case application does not guarantee funding approval.

Key dates

*Dates may be subject to change as required by the department.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding consideration an applicant must:

• be a new or established tourism operator who can demonstrate active establishment of tourism operations in Queensland through evidence of land tenure, lease arrangements, and/or existing operations;
• hold an Australian Business Number; and
• be registered for GST at the time of application.

Not-for-profit organisations and Queensland Local Government Authorities that provide a tourism service or experience are eligible to apply for funding under this program.

If a consortium submits an application, the lead partner must be an eligible organisation and, if successful, will be responsible for executing the Funding Agreement and managing project delivery, including progress and financial acquittal reports. Documented evidence of involvement and support of consortium partners must be provided as part of the application.

Bodies not eligible for funding under the program include:

• State, Territory and Australian Government agencies or associated agencies such as statutory bodies or government owned corporations
• applicants that do not meet eligibility requirements.

How to apply

Eligible operators are encouraged to apply via the Tourism SmartyGrants Grant portal.

• Program guidelines (PDF, 1.2MB)
• Funding terms and conditions (PDF, 636.5KB)
• Frequently asked questions

Apply now

Recipients

Round 1 Recipients and project details: Round 1 recipients.

Contact

If you have questions about this program, contact us by emailing tourismgrants@detsi.qld.gov.au.