On top of three different grant programs offered earlier this year, the Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund will provide two different streams – one providing Access Starter Grants and the other providing Access Project Grants.
Starter grants offer $5,000 to help visitor economy businesses complete accessibility audits and plans, website upgrades and staff training.
Project grants are for businesses further along in their accessibility journey, offering between $50,000 and $250,000 to undertake technology or infrastructure projects to create a more inclusive experience for visitors.
The latter grants could include the development of audio or sensory guides, modification of facilities to accommodate a great range of needs, adding assistive listening technology, purchasing beach or all-terrain wheelchairs and modifying or buying new transport which can accommodate those with accessibility challenges.
Guidelines for both grants will be available on October 12, with grant applications opening on October 26.
Matched funding by businesses or operators is not required for either grant, but those organisations demonstrating co-investment will be given higher priority.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s Year of Accessible Tourism is about supporting tourism operators to elevate Queensland’s global potential as an inclusive, all-abilities destination,” said the state’s tourism minister, Stirling Hinchliffe.
“Our commitment to delivering the most accessible and inclusive Olympic and Paralympic Games ever in 2032 is also a golden opportunity for Queensland tourism operators to shine.
“These accessible tourism grants will back more Queensland operators to fast-track smaller upgrades that make a huge difference to accessibility for visitors from around the world.”
The state government has committed up to $12 million in accessible tourism grants this calendar year, with applications already taken for the Accessible Tourism Infrastructure Grant, the Boosting Accessible Tourism Experiences Grant and the Accessible Tourism Enablers Grant earlier in 2023.
