Queensland Destination Events Program

Queensland Destination Events Program

Funds Queensland events attracting interstate and international visitors to boost regional tourism economy.

Eligibility · Australia · AU-QLD

The Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP), administered by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), funds events across Queensland that demonstrably attract interstate or international visitors and contribute to the state's tourism economy. Round 2 of 2026 opens in August 2026 and closes in October 2026, supporting events scheduled to take place between April 2027 and June 2028. The program operates three funding streams: Destination Signature Event Investment ($15,000–$40,000 per year for up to six years), Destination Significant Event Investment ($25,000–$100,000 per year for up to six years), and Destination Events Kickstarter (up to $25,000 per year for up to two years for new events). A dedicated $40,000 stream supports events celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Eligibility extends to for-profit and nonprofit incorporated organisations based in Australia that can demonstrate the event's capacity to draw visitors from outside the host region. A structural condition applies across all streams: the total grant cannot exceed 25 percent of the total event cash expenditure, meaning the applicant organisation must fund at least 75 percent of the event's cash costs from other sources. Universities and individuals are not eligible as lead applicants. Applications are assessed on projected visitor numbers, economic impact, track record of prior event delivery, and the event's fit within Queensland's destination tourism strategy.

Successful applicants prepare detailed visitor origin data, economic impact projections, and multi-year event budgets showing that the 25 percent grant cap is respected. The multi-year funding structure (up to six years for Signature and Significant streams) rewards established events with demonstrated growth trajectories. New events seeking Kickstarter funding should document market demand and a clear path to financial sustainability beyond the two-year grant period. Applicants should monitor the TEQ website at teq.queensland.com for exact August 2026 opening dates and the updated Round 2 guidelines.