The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has announced the launch of the 2026 Young Tourism Leaders Program, bringing together passionate tourism professionals who will inspire and guide the next generation of talent into Queensland’s visitor economy.

The program comes at a time when tourism continues to play a critical role in Queensland’s economy and workforce. 

Recent March data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) shows the visitor economy supports approximately 277,000 jobs across Queensland, representing around 8.8 per cent of total employment in the state - meaning roughly one in every eleven jobs is connected to tourism. 

Queensland also has the second largest tourism workforce in Australia and a higher reliance on tourism employment than larger states such as New South Wales and Victoria, underlining the importance of building strong workforce pathways for the future. 

QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said initiatives like the Young Tourism Leaders Program are essential to strengthening the pipeline of talent entering one of Queensland’s most important industries.

“Tourism is a people-powered industry and its success relies on attracting the next generation of passionate, skilled professionals,” Wheeler said.

“With more than 277,000 Queensland jobs connected to the visitor economy, ensuring young people understand the breadth of career opportunities available in tourism is critical to supporting the industry’s future growth.”

The Young Tourism Leaders Program connects experienced industry professionals (currently 25 of them across the State) with students and emerging professionals across Queensland, sharing real-world insights into the diverse and rewarding career pathways available within tourism.

Through visits to schools and participation in career events Young Tourism Leaders act as ambassadors for the sector, sharing their personal career journeys and demonstrating the breadth of opportunities across Queensland’s tourism industry.

Leaders will highlight the diversity of roles within tourism, from hospitality and events to aviation, guiding, marketing and destination management, while providing practical advice to help young people start and grow a meaningful career in the sector.

The program also provides students with direct access to industry role models who can offer mentorship, career guidance and a deeper understanding of how the visitor economy operates across the state.

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said young Queenslanders and young tourism leaders are the future of our tourism industry, which is why the Queensland Government is proud to invest in the Young Tourism Leaders Program. 

“The Young Tourism Leaders program is vital for inspiring the next generation of tourism professionals,” Minister Powell said.

 

“These passionate young leaders play a key role in showcasing the diverse career opportunities within Queensland’s tourism industry, sharing their experiences with students and communities across the state.

 

“They bring fresh ideas, energy, and innovation to the sector, helping to shape a resilient and dynamic tourism industry that continues to grow and adapt.

 

“By mentoring and encouraging others, these leaders are not only building their own careers but also strengthening Queensland’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said Queensland’s tourism industry continues to offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for the next generation.

“Queensland is the home of the holiday, with a tourism industry that is diverse, dynamic and deeply connected to communities right across the state,” Mr Davidson said.

“As the visitor economy continues to grow and evolve, it’s important that young people can see tourism as an industry where they can build meaningful careers and develop valuable skills, that's the opportunity I saw and grasped in Queensland when I was younger.”

“Initiatives like the Young Tourism Leaders Program help showcase the breadth of opportunities available and encourage young Queenslanders to consider tourism as an exciting career path.”

With more than 65,000 tourism businesses operating across Queensland, many of them small and medium enterprises in regional communities, workforce development remains a key priority for ensuring the industry can continue to grow and support jobs across the state. 

The Young Tourism Leaders Program is proudly supported by the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland.