Disaster support and assistance for tourism businesses

The Queensland Government is committed to supporting the tourism industry prepare for and recover from natural disasters, including the short and long-term effects they can have on businesses.

When a disaster event occurs, our immediate priority is to link businesses to recovery assistance and restore domestic and international visitor levels to Queensland. Support is available to help you prepare, recover and welcome visitors back. The long-term focus is on strengthening the Queensland brand and building business resilience and capability.

Disaster and resilience planning

Plan how your tourism business will prepare for, respond to, and recover from events such as cyclones, bushfires, flooding, health emergencies and incidents that may impact your business reputation.

Use the small business disaster hub to prepare for natural disasters and other crises.

Check out the Don't risk it manual for step-by-step guidance on managing risks and building resilience, and watch case studies from tourism operators about their crisis preparation and recovery.

First Nations tourism operators can use the co-designed business disaster resilience toolkit (PDF, 6.4MB) and emergency response plan template (PDF, 1.2MB) and watch vides of First Nations tourism operators providing practical tips on how to protect your business.

A range of other resources are available to help strengthen your tourism business and become more resilient, such as managing business risks, business continuity planning and growing your business.

Vistor safety

Queensland is a very safe place to travel, but guests may become concerned during extreme weather events. Use the visitor safety tips to tell your guests what to do, who to call and where to go during severe weather. You can also print and display the visitor safety tips fact sheet (PDF, 1.8MB) at your business, including translated disaster preparedness and financial assistance fact sheets to help communicate with visitors in their preferred language.

Financial assistance

If a natural disaster has affected your tourism business, you may be eligible for grants, loans or other financial help. Learn more about available financial support and eligibility.

If you run a small tourism business, you may also be eligible for free and confidential financial counselling to help you manage your finances and plan your recovery, while the Queensland Government Business Assist can connect you with relevant programs and services.

If you are experiencing personal financial hardship after a declared natural disaster, check what support is available from Services Australia.

Mental health support

Recovering from a disaster can be challenging for both you and your staff. Find mental health and wellbeing resources, access a free small business wellbeing coach, or for confidential crisis support phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Tourism Recovery Officers

Tourism Recovery Officers (TROs) provide advice to tourism businesses affected by natural disasters. They can provide tailored advice and guidance to help you navigate the recovery process, connect with relevant government and industry resources, and identify financial support and funding opportunities.

TRO support is currently available in the following locations:

  • Burdekin
  • Hinchinbrook
  • Palm Island
  • Charters Towers
  • Townsville.

Email tourism@tel.com.au for assistance.

The TROs are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Also consider...

  • Learn about business insurance, including common risks and tips for making a claim after a disaster.
  • Visit Get Ready Queensland for advice about preparing for extreme weather and staying informed.
  • If a disaster has affected your small business, complete the small business disaster impact survey. Your response helps the Queensland Government understand impacts and plan support.