Cassowary Coast Backs Tourism Hub As Demand For Support Grows

Cassowary Coast tourism operators have welcomed the Tourism Support Hub, saying improved access to practical support will help small businesses navigate challenges and grow in a complex operating environment. Photo source: Tropical North Queensland

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Cassowary Coast tourism operators have welcomed the Tourism Support Hub, saying improved access to practical support will help small businesses navigate challenges and grow in a complex operating environment. Photo source: Tropical North Queensland

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Just months after its launch, the Government’s Tourism Support Hub has surpassed 100 enquiries, marking an early milestone in its broader plan to reshape the state’s tourism future.

Developed under Queensland’s Destination 2045 initiative, the Tourism Support Hub has already drawn strong interest from Regional Tourism Organisations across the state, fielding enquiries spanning business development, agritourism, cultural tourism, national park permits and disaster recovery.

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor, Teresa Millwood said initiatives like the Tourism Support Hub are a positive step for regional communities like the Cassowary Coast, where many operators are small, family-run businesses navigating complex processes with limited time and resources.

“Tourism is a vital part of the Cassowary Coast, supporting local jobs and small businesses across our communities,” she said.

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“Our operators are resilient and passionate, but they’re often working with limited time and resources, so having access to clear, practical support is incredibly important. Initiatives like the Tourism Support Hub can help cut through complexity and give local businesses the confidence to grow and adapt.”

Mayor Millwood said there’s a clear need for accessible, practical support in regional areas, highlighting the vital role the Cassowary Coast tourism sector plays in the local economy, noting that operators often contend with challenges including geographic isolation, workforce shortages, rising costs and the ongoing recovery from recent natural disasters.

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She said services like the Tourism Support Hub with a focus on simplifying processes and providing tailored guidance make a real difference, particularly for smaller businesses who may not have the capability to navigate it all on their own.

In 2025, a record 2.4 million international visitors injected $7.5 billion into Queensland’s economy, with total visitor expenditure soaring to $44.3 billion, equivalent to $121.5 million every day.

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Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Natassia Wheeler, said the Tourism Support Hub was helping to build a stronger, more resilient tourism industry. 

“Access to clear, practical support is critical for tourism operators, particularly in the current operating environment,” Ms Wheeler said. 

“The Tourism Support Hub is playing an important role in helping businesses navigate processes and connect with the right information when they need it.” 

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Tourism operators can find more information on the Tourism Support Hub at www.qld.gov.au/tourismsupporthub, or contact the team directly on 07 3101 2002 or via email at tourismsupporthub@detsi.qld.gov.au.

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