Up to $5 million supporting significant tourism projects in Queensland that create world-class attractions, attract visitors, stimulate investment, and deliver lasting economic and community benefits.
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What is the Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF)?
The Queensland Government’s Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF) is an $80 million investment program under Destination 2045: Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future, designed to partner with industry to deliver Queensland’s next generation of world-class tourism attractions and experiences.
Round 2 provides $20 million in funding to support significant, strategic and catalytic tourism projects that attract visitors, encourage longer stays, stimulate private sector investment, and deliver enduring economic and community benefits.
Funding supports both the development of new large-scale tourism attractions and experiences, as well as projects that rejuvenate existing tourism assets, improve visitor infrastructure, expand accommodation capacity and strengthen Queensland’s tourism offering.
Priority projects include those that create distinctive visitor experiences while supporting sustainable tourism growth across Queensland.
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.
Tourism Icons Investment Fund level of support
Funding amount
- Minimum grant: $1 million
- Maximum grant: $5 million
Co-contribution
- Funding is provided on a 1:1 co-contribution basis.
- Applicants must contribute at least 50% of eligible project costs.
- Ineligible project costs cannot be counted towards the applicant’s contribution.
- Funding cannot be used for projects that have already commenced, although separate stages of a larger project may be eligible.
- Applicants must retain legal ownership of assets purchased or created using grant funding.
Tourism Icons Investment Fund important dates
- Expressions of Interest close: 10 August 2026
- Full Business Case invitations issued: 7 September 2026
- Full Business Case applications close: 9 October 2026
- Funding announcements expected: December 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Tourism Icons Investment Fund objectives and outcomes
The program aims to:
- Deliver new and enhanced tourism attractions and experiences across Queensland.
- Stimulate private sector investment in tourism infrastructure.
- Support the delivery of Destination 2045 and regional tourism priorities.
- Increase visitor length of stay and visitor expenditure.
- Create sustainable jobs and strengthen Queensland’s visitor economy.
- Support projects that deliver lasting economic, environmental and community benefits.
Successful projects are expected to deliver:
- New or upgraded world-class tourism experiences.
- Increased visitation and overnight stays.
- Greater private sector investment in Queensland tourism.
- Stronger regional tourism economies.
- Long-term employment opportunities.
- Sustainable tourism infrastructure that supports Queensland’s future visitor growth.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Tourism Icons Investment Fund support
Projects must:
- Be located on freehold or leasehold land with landowner consent where required.
- Have zoning that permits the proposed tourism infrastructure or experience.
- Align with Destination 2045 and relevant Regional Tourism Organisation destination plans.
- Have in-principle support from local government and Traditional Owners where required.
- Be investment-ready with secured co-funding.
- Commence within 3 months of funding approval.
- Reach practical completion by 30 June 2028.
- Preferably have Development Approval or have approval applications well advanced.
Projects may include:
- New large-scale tourism attractions and experiences.
- Ecotourism developments.
- Adventure tourism projects.
- Island tourism redevelopment.
- Sustainable accommodation such as eco-lodges, glamping, eco-tents and tiny homes.
- Nature-based tourism experiences.
- Agritourism projects.
- Coastal and marine tourism experiences.
- Cultural and heritage tourism.
- Paleo tourism experiences.
- Infrastructure that improves visitor capacity and tourism sustainability.
Applications focused on constructing, refurbishing or expanding traditional hotels, motels or serviced apartments are not considered a funding priority.
Other Tourism Icons Investment Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Tourism Icons Investment Fund support
Applicants must:
- Be a new or established tourism operator demonstrating active tourism operations in Queensland.
- Hold an ABN.
- Be registered for GST.
- Be able to demonstrate tourism operations through land tenure, lease arrangements or existing operations.
Also eligible:
- Not-for-profit organisations delivering tourism experiences.
- Queensland Local Government Authorities providing bookable tourism services.
- Consortium applications, provided the lead organisation is eligible and responsible for project delivery.
Not eligible:
- State, Territory or Australian Government agencies.
- Statutory bodies and government-owned corporations.
- Applicants that do not meet eligibility requirements.
Tourism Icons Investment Fund assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against three weighted criteria.
1. Strategic Alignment (40%)
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Alignment with Destination 2045 and Queensland Government tourism priorities.
- Alignment with Regional Tourism Organisation destination plans.
- Delivery of new or enhanced tourism experiences.
- Technical, commercial and practical feasibility.
2. Economic Value (40%)
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong private sector investment.
- Value for money.
- Increased visitation and visitor expenditure.
- Job creation during construction and ongoing operations.
- Delivery of a bookable tourism product.
- Capacity to deliver within required timeframes.
3. Risk and Cost Allocation (20%)
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Comprehensive project planning and preparedness.
- Feasibility studies and detailed project designs.
- Development approvals or significant progress towards approvals.
- Appropriate environmental and cultural heritage compliance.
- Strong local government and Traditional Owner support where applicable.
- A balanced project risk profile.
How do I get the Tourism Icons Investment Fund?
Applicants must:
- Read the program guidelines before applying.
- Ensure both the organisation and project meet all eligibility requirements.
- Submit an Expression of Interest through the DESTI SmartyGrants portal.
- Provide complete and accurate supporting information.
To maximise the likelihood of success, applicants should demonstrate:
- The project is investment-ready and able to commence within 3 months of funding approval.
- Secured co-contribution funding with supporting financial evidence.
- Development approvals have been obtained or are well advanced.
- Strong alignment with Destination 2045 and regional tourism priorities.
- Significant economic, tourism and community benefits.
- Increased visitation, overnight stays and visitor expenditure.
- Capability to successfully deliver projects of similar scale.
- Comprehensive project planning, risk management and delivery schedules.
- Strong support from local government and Traditional Owners where required.
- Long-term operational sustainability and asset management.
Information to prepare for the Tourism Icons Investment Fund application
Applicants should prepare:
- A detailed project plan.
- Comprehensive design documentation.
- A fully itemised project budget.
- Evidence of secured co-contribution funding.
- Evidence of land ownership, lease arrangements or landowner consent.
- Zoning confirmation and development approval documentation (or evidence applications have been lodged).
- Accessibility considerations for the proposed project.
- Economic modelling or methodology supporting projected tourism benefits (where available).
- Project implementation schedule and construction timeline.
- Risk assessment and mitigation plan.
- Evidence of local government and Traditional Owner support where applicable.
- Supporting documentation demonstrating project readiness.
Applying for the Tourism Icons Investment Fund
Applications are submitted via the SmartyGrants portal: DETSI SmartyGrants.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Tourism Icons Investment Fund resources
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