Tourism industry associations

Starting out in the tourism industry can be a little daunting if you're not sure of who is who and how the industry works. Use our list of regional, state and national industry groups for essential networking and industry advice.

Regional tourism organisations

The state has a number of membership-based regional tourism organisations (RTOs), which together represent more than 4,000 regional tourism businesses. The RTO network is widely regarded as one of the most influential in Australia and will work with the government to facilitate investment in new tourism product.

The 13 RTOs are:

State-based tourism organisations

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC)

QTIC is the state's peak body for tourism and a not-for-profit membership organisation representing members' interests and maintains strong industry representation in all relevant forums. QTIC co-ordinates the Queensland Tourism Awards for excellence, trade shows, conferences and industry functions and offers membership services providing businesses with resources, networking opportunities and access to valuable workforce and industry programs. QTIC also manages the Quality Tourism Accredited Business program and Star Ratings program for the Queensland industry.

Adventure Queensland

Adventure Queensland is the peak backpacking and independent travel industry body for the state. It was formed to enhance the commercial viability of its members by providing marketing support and representation to all levels of government.

Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO)

AMPTO is the peak industry body for marine tourism within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Caravanning Queensland

Caravanning Queensland joins the peak industry bodies for Queensland caravan dealers, manufacturers, camping suppliers, service providers as well as caravan park operators through 2 related associations:

  • the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland for owners and operators of caravan parks
  • the Caravan Trade and Industries Association for Queensland for the caravan, manufactured home and camping industry.

Queensland Hotels Association (QHA)

QHA is the peak industry body in Queensland for the hotel and hospitality industries, accommodation providers, resorts, theme parks, convention centres and casinos.

Queensland Information Centres Association (QICA)

QICA is the key industry body for visitor and tourist information centres in Queensland.

National tourism organisations

Accommodation Association

The Accommodation Association is a member-owned, not-for-profit organisation representing motels, hotels, apartment hotels, caravan/tourist parks, self-contained units, bed and breakfast and resorts.

Australian Chamber – Tourism

Australian Chamber – Tourism is the tourism arm of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and advocates to the Australian Government on issues of common interest for Australian tourism businesses.

Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA)

AFTA represents travel agents in Australia.

Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA)

ARAMA is a membership based, not for profit, peak industry body which represents the interests of people who are involved in 'management rights'. ARAMA members operate management rights or are associated with the management rights industry.

Australian Timeshare Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC)

ATHOC is a not-for-profit industry body representing all interests involved in the Australian timeshare industry with membership categories covering resorts, timeshare owners, developers and promoters, marketers, exchange companies and organisations providing professional advice to the timeshare industry.

Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC)

Australian Tourism Export Council's mission is to build better business relationships for members and to represent the inbound tourism industry to government and business leaders.

Ecotourism Australia (EA)

Ecotourism Australia is the peak national body for the ecotourism sub-sector. EA's head office is in Queensland. They manage certification programs, resources and membership services for the sustainable and nature tourism sectors.

Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA)

EEAA is the peak industry association for the business event industry. This includes businesses organising trade and consumer expos and events, and venues such as convention and exhibition centres, as well as event organisers and suppliers.

Short Term Accommodation Association Australia (STAAA)

STAAA's purpose is to bring together stakeholders in the short term accommodation industry to address challenges and identify opportunities for growth. They provide a range of services to educate and support hosts and managers in the short term accommodation industry.

Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF)

TTF is the peak industry group for the Australian tourism, transport and aviation sectors.

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  • Last reviewed: 26 Jul 2024
  • Last updated: 24 Apr 2024