Queensland Welcomes You online training programs

This free, online training program helps tourism operators, hospitality staff, event teams, volunteers and locals build the skills and confidence to deliver warm, inclusive and memorable experiences.

Each program is tailored to one of Queensland's 13 tourism regions, weaving in local stories, culture and products to reflect the unique spirit of each destination.

The online training is open to all businesses that play a role in welcoming and hosting guests in the below regions.

Start your training

See how the Queensland Welcomes You initiative helps tourism hosts deepen their knowledge, enhance service and strengthen Queensland’s reputation as one of the world’s most welcoming destinations.

  • [Kimberley Busteed]

    Hello and welcome, Queensland hosts. What makes Queensland one of the most loved destinations in the world? It's not just our stunning natural wonders or vibrant events, it's you, our friendly Queensland hosts, who can make every visit special.

    Through the Queensland Welcomes You initiative, a suite of welcome programs has been tailored for each of our 13 tourism regions, ensuring every host is equipped to shine. Your participation in your regional welcome program will help cement Queensland's reputation as one of the world's most inviting, friendliest, and inclusive destinations, where we go that extra mile for our guests.

    The program is designed to deepen your understanding of the destination and the guests who come to experience it. We want you to feel inspired and confident to share your passion through the information and stories you share with your guests.

    [Mark Evans, Owner and custodian of Paronella Park]

    We've been at Paronella Park and part of this industry for 30 years now. And we're always looking for ways to improve, capture the imagination of our guests, and make sure they leave with a big smile on their face. I'm excited by this program because it will help us share consistent and engaging destination information that will keep guests in our region longer.

    [Jayme Cuttriss, Chief Executive Officer, National Trust Queensland, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary]

    Here at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, we've been conserving native wildlife for over 77 years. And we're proud to celebrate First Nation cultures. We're passionate about providing unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories. This program will really help our team make meaningful connections with our guests, because our guests are looking for the local knowledge. That's really important for them to feel like they've seen everything there is to see in a destination.

    [Kimberley Busteed]

    By encouraging our guests to stay longer and explore, you'll be strengthening our local visitor economy and helping us prepare to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    So now, it's over to you. Let your pride for your region shine through, creating a memorable and engaging experience for your guests.

Eligibility

The training is open to anyone who plays a role in welcoming and hosting guests across Queensland's tourism regions, including:

  • hotels and resorts
  • venues and events
  • tours and attractions
  • transport services
  • restaurants, cafés and bars
  • retail and visitor centres
  • volunteers and locals.

Benefits of the training

For businesses

  • Streamline staff onboarding.
  • Set consistent service standards.
  • Show your commitment to inclusivity and guest excellence.

For staff and individuals

  • Gain confidence and practical skills.
  • Deepen regional knowledge.
  • Receive a certificate of completion.

For events and volunteers

  • Upskill teams quickly.
  • Deliver consistent, world-class welcomes across every touchpoint.

Together, these benefits help create memorable guest experiences that spark rave reviews and strengthen Queensland’s reputation as a world-class destination.

About the program

The training takes around 1.5 to 2 hours in total, which can be completed across multiple sessions. It includes 5 modules covering:

  • world-class hosting principles
  • accessibility and inclusion
  • storytelling and regional knowledge
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and environmental sustainability
  • local experiences and tourism products.

Tailored to 13 Queensland regions

Each program is customised to reflect the products, stories and culture of Queensland's 13 tourism regions:

Start your training

How to complete the training

  1. Go to the Queensland Welcomes You training portal.
  2. Click 'Sign up here' to create your training account.
  3. Select the tourism region where you are based.
  4. Click the program tile for your region (or another of interest) and complete the 5 modules and feedback survey.
  5. Download and share your certificate of completion.

Face-to-face workshops

In addition to the online program, businesses can also deliver the content in a workshop format with their teams. This option reinforces key concepts, builds team culture and provides space for practical discussion.

If your organisation is interested in hosting a workshop, contact your local regional tourism organisation or email qldwelcomesyou@qtic.com.au.

Contact

The Queensland Welcomes You initiative is proudly funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC). Contact QTIC for more information on this initiative: