The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has unveiled a new leadership structure designed to strengthen advocacy, deepen industry engagement and expand practical support for tourism businesses as Queensland builds towards Brisbane 2032 and the ambitions of Destination 2045.
Amanda Ronan-Hearn has been appointed Head of Industry Capability, while Steve Guise will serve as Head of Industry Engagement and Partnerships. QTIC is also recruiting for a Head of Corporate Affairs.
The structure aligns with QTIC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and its four pillars: Powerful Advocacy for the Visitor Economy, Member-led Engagement and Support, Empowering Industry Capability and Workforce, and Organisational and Cultural Excellence.
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the structure would provide clear senior leadership across the functions where QTIC must have the greatest impact for members and the broader visitor economy.
“This is about putting the right leadership around the work industry needs most from QTIC: a strong voice in policy decisions, deeper connections with members and partners, and practical programs that help businesses build capability and resilience,” Wheeler said.
“As Queensland moves towards 2032, there is no margin for fragmented effort. The policy, investment, workforce and capability decisions made over the next few years will shape whether tourism businesses and communities across the state can fully share in the opportunity.
“Getting our structure right has therefore been an important priority. It will give our people greater clarity, strengthen accountability and ensure QTIC is well positioned to continue delivering for industry.”
The new structure builds on a period of significant advocacy and program delivery by QTIC.
Recent outcomes backed by QTIC advocacy include a more balanced approach to Queensland’s e-mobility reforms, Brisbane City Council’s decision not to proceed with proposed restrictions on short-stay accommodation, the Regional Rewards campaign supporting regional tourism experiences, and state investment through the $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund and $20 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
QTIC has also continued to elevate insurance affordability, rising fuel costs, aviation access, workforce shortages and tourism infrastructure through direct government engagement, industry consultation and formal policy submissions.
“Our team has done an enormous job representing tourism businesses through a challenging operating environment and turning industry intelligence into credible, constructive advocacy,” Wheeler said.
“These outcomes belong to a committed team and an industry that continues to provide us with evidence, experience and a clear mandate. The new structure will help us build on that work and turn more industry priorities into practical results.”
As Head of Industry Capability, Ronan-Hearn will lead the Industry Capability Team and oversee the strategic direction and delivery of QTIC’s capability programs across Queensland.
Her role includes helping businesses build capability through the Quality Tourism Framework and accreditation programs, connecting operators with relevant industry support, and working with businesses to strengthen resilience, continuous improvement and professional standards.
Ronan-Hearn brings more than two decades of experience across tourism, government, marketing, stakeholder engagement, human resources and project management. She previously served as a Queensland tourism adviser to the then Tourism Minister and has held senior roles across the private and not-for-profit sectors.
As Head of Industry Engagement and Partnerships, Guise will lead QTIC’s industry engagement and strategic partnership activity, identifying opportunities for collaboration and investment that deliver value for QTIC members and the wider visitor economy.
Guise brings extensive experience in commercial partnerships and destination development, including senior partnership roles with the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
“Amanda combines a deep understanding of industry with valuable experience across government, stakeholder engagement and program delivery,” Wheeler said.
“Steve understands how to build enduring partnerships and bring organisations together around shared outcomes.
“They are both practical and collaborative leaders who care deeply about Queensland’s visitor economy, and they will be central to how QTIC engages with and delivers for industry across the state.”
Recruitment is now underway for the Head of Corporate Affairs, which will strengthen QTIC’s senior capability across public policy, advocacy, government engagement and corporate affairs.
“QTIC’s purpose is to unite, elevate, innovate and accelerate Queensland’s visitor economy,” Wheeler said.
“This structure gives us the leadership capacity to do that with greater focus and impact at one of the most important points in the industry’s history.”
