Unveiled on the Gold Coast last week, the State Government’s plan will provide $10 million to tourism operators, allowing them to modify or upgrade their business to increase disability access.

A further $2 million will be allocated to raising awareness of accessibility needs and services and promoting accessible Queensland visitor experiences.

The Accessible Tourism in Queensland project is already operational in Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Fraser Coast, North and Far North and Outback Queensland.

The program for small to medium tourism enterprises will now expand to Bundaberg, Capricorn, Gladstone, Mackay, southern Queensland and the Whitsundays.

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Palaszczuk said that with the widening of the program, she wanted 2023 to be the Year of Accessible Tourism.

“Almost one-in-five people have a disability and spend about $8 billion on tourism services annually,” she said.

“Dedicating 2023 to The Year of Accessible Tourism will drive change and create opportunities for both industry and travellers and create a legacy our State can be proud of.”

Palaszczuk said the next 10 years would be a “defining time in Queensland’s history” in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.

“The Games will elevate Queensland as a must-see, global destination like never before,” she said.

“With ten years to go until we step out on the global stage for the biggest show in the world, we must be ready to showcase our state, our destinations, our unique experiences and services to the world.

“This strategy sets out the best path forward, setting an ambitious target to more than double the state’s tourism overnight expenditure to more than $44 billion a year by 2032.”