THRIVE: Trade Ready

The program focuses on building the capability of local operators to work with the international travel trade, including inbound tour operators (ITOs), international wholesalers, and international travel distributors.

Through this program, businesses will be supported to:

• Develop export-ready tourism products and experiences
• Build relationships with international trade partners
• Participate in international trade opportunities
• Increase visitation from international markets to Ipswich.

This program supports the development of a more export-capable tourism industry in Ipswich, helping local experiences connect with global audiences.

The program provides targeted support for activities delivered within a defined funding period and may be offered across multiple rounds, subject to available funding.

• Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 (exclusive of GST) per project.
• Applicants may receive only one grant per round.
• Successful applicants will receive funding prior to the approved project commencing, following execution of a Funding Agreement and acceptance of all funding conditions.

Applicants must contribute a minimum of 20% of the total project cost.

This contribution may include:

• Cash contribution from the business
• External funding or sponsorship
• In-kind contributions (e.g. staff time, resources, facilities).

All in-kind contributions must be clearly defined, measurable and expressed as a dollar value.

Applicants may be required to provide a detailed breakdown of how in-kind contributions have been calculated, including the basis for any rates applied (e.g. hourly labour rates, market value of goods or services).

Applicants may contribute more than the minimum required amount.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a registered Australian business with a valid ABN 
• Be a current member of the Ipswich Tourism Operators Network (ITON) 
• Operate a tourism business that delivers visitor experiences within the Ipswich Local Government Area (LGA)
• Demonstrate a commitment to developing or expanding into international/export markets
• Demonstrate a level of business maturity appropriate for engaging with international trade channels.

Preference may be given to businesses that are aligning with Queensland and national export tourism priorities.

Funding is available for projects that directly support export trade readiness and engagement with international markets.

To be eligible, the proposed project must:

• Clearly support export trade readiness or international trade engagement
• Have a direct and demonstrable benefit to the applicant’s Ipswich-based tourism experience(s)
• Contribute to increasing international visitation and/or trade distribution outcomes for Ipswich
• Be completed within the approved funding round timeframe. For the August 2026 to June 2027 Round, all project activities must be finalised by 30 June 2027.

For businesses operating across multiple regions, applications must clearly outline how the proposed project will:

• Specifically support or enhance their Ipswich-based product or experience, and
• Deliver measurable outcomes for Ipswich’s visitor economy.

Examples of eligible projects include:

Export Readiness Development

• Consultancy or mentoring to develop an export-ready distribution strategy
• Development of international-ready, commissionable tourism products
• Pricing, packaging and yield strategies aligned to international trade requirements.

International Trade Marketing Materials

• Development of trade-ready product manuals and fact sheets for international distribution
• Translation of materials into priority international market languages
• Development of content tailored for international wholesalers and ITOs.

International Trade Engagement

• Participation in international trade shows, missions or marketplaces
• Attendance at export-focused tourism conventions or trade events
• Sales calls or trade engagement activities targeting international distribution partners.

International Familiarisation (Famil) Hosting

• Hosting inbound tour operators (ITOs), international wholesalers or international agents
• Participation in coordinated international famil programs.

Distribution Systems and Capability

• Implementation of booking systems or distribution platforms compatible with international trade
• Integration with global distribution or reseller platforms.

Funding is not available for projects or activities that have commenced or been completed prior to the execution of a Funding Agreement.

For the purposes of this program, a project is considered to have commenced if any part of the activity has begun, services have been delivered, goods have been received, or payments have been made (in part or in full), unless prior written approval has been granted as outlined below.

Exception – Conditional Commitments

It is acknowledged that, in some circumstances, businesses may be required to submit an application or make a payment to secure a place in a trade-readiness or trade-engagement activity. In these circumstances, the applicant must seek prior written approval from the Program Administrator before submitting a funding application.

Requests must outline the nature and timing of the commitment and explain why it was required prior to application. Approval to apply does not guarantee funding approval, and any costs incurred prior to formal approval are at the applicant’s own risk.

Failure to obtain prior written approval will result in the application being deemed ineligible.

Funding is not available for activities that are not directly related to export trade or international market engagement.

This includes general tourism marketing, domestic-focused activity, and standard business operations.

Examples of ineligible projects include:

• General advertising campaigns targeting domestic visitors
• Social media campaigns or brand awareness activity
• Website development not specific to trade distribution
• Attendance at consumer travel expos
• Domestic-only trade activity
• Event sponsorship or event delivery
• Standard product development not aligned to export readiness
• Day-to-day operational costs.

See the examples of eligible and ineligible projects below.

Applications will be assessed against:

• Alignment with export trade readiness and international market development
• Potential to increase international visitation to Ipswich
• The applicant’s readiness to engage with export markets
• Strength and feasibility of the proposed project
• Demonstrated value for money and return on investment
• Strategic alignment with regional and state tourism priorities.

Successful applicants must:

• Enter into a Funding Agreement with Ipswich City Council
• Accept and comply with all funding conditions prior to payment
• Provide council with a valid tax invoice for the approved funding amount
• Deliver the project as approved
• Use the funding only for the purposes outlined in the approved application
• Notify council of any proposed changes to the project
• Acknowledge council support where appropriate
• Submit a Project Acquittal Form and supporting evidence.

Ipswich City Council reserves the right to:

• Request additional information or clarification at any stage
• Withhold, vary or recover funding if the project is not delivered as approved
• Vary program timelines, funding availability and eligibility requirements in future funding rounds.

Applicants must provide:

• A completed Project Acquittal Form
• Evidence of expenditure (invoices/receipts)
• Evidence of project delivery (e.g. materials, photos, reports)
• A summary of outcomes, including trade engagement achieved

Acquittals must be submitted within 30 days of project completion.

Council may request repayment of funds where:

• The project is not delivered as approved 
• Funding is not used for its intended purpose 
• Acquittal requirements are not satisfactorily met.

Applications for the August 2026 to June 2027 Round will be managed as follows:

• Applications open: Saturday 1 August 2026
• Applications close: Applications will close when available funding is fully allocated ($12,000 funding pool), or on Monday 7 June 2027, whichever occurs first.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited and may be exhausted prior to the closing date.

Ipswich City Council will endeavour to assess applications within 21 days of submission. Applicants may be contacted during this time to provide additional information or clarification if required.

Businesses interested in applying for the Tourism Export Trade Readiness and Engagement Program must first consult with the Program Administrator to confirm their eligibility and suitability for the program.

This initial step ensures that:

• The proposed project aligns with the program objectives
• The applicant meets eligibility requirements
• The project demonstrates a clear export trade focus.

Following this consultation, eligible applicants will be provided with a link to submit an application.

For more information, please contact the Program Administrator:

Michael Williams | Destination Development Lead 

Marketing and Promotions Branch

Community, Cultural and Economic Development Department

Ipswich City Council
T| (07) 3810 7448

E| tourism@ipswich.qld.gov.au