Planning Your Queensland Tourism Business: Permits and Licenses

Starting a tourism business in Queensland is exciting! But, it’s crucial to understand the permits and licenses needed to operate legally and responsibly. These requirements vary depending on the services you offer (like transport, accommodation, or meals) and where you offer them (for example, the Great Barrier Reef or K’gari).

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Navigating the Legal Landscape

Local, state, and Australian government laws govern trade and business activities. Staying informed about these regulations is vital for a smooth and successful operation.

The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) is an invaluable resource for finding government licenses, permits, approvals, registrations, codes of practice, standards, and guidelines.

Specific License Requirements

Inbound Tour Operators: If you sell travel packages to overseas companies (including wholesalers or travel agents), you might need to register as an inbound tour operator in Queensland. Check your eligibility criteria carefully.

Accommodation Providers: Offering rental accommodation to customers might require permission from your local council.

Food Service: Even if you just offer a barbecue lunch, you might need a Food Business Licence from your local council. It’s essential to understand food and beverage industry regulations and compliance.

Transport: Transporting customers by water, sea, or road often requires specific permits. For example:
* Marine Charter Operator’s Licence for transporting people on water.
* Heavy Vehicle Licence for transporting people by road.

Alcohol Service: If you’re serving alcohol, you might need a Commercial Special Facility Licence. However, some operators, like tour operators, limousine services, bed-and-breakfasts, and host farms, are exempt if they provide no more than two standard drinks per person per day.

Filming and Photography: Commercial filmmakers or photographers operating in national parks, conservation parks, recreation areas, or state forests might need a Commercial Activity Permit (CAP) for groups of 11 or more people, especially if they involve structures.

Fishing and Fossicking: Activities like fishing and fossicking might require licenses or permits:
* Charter Fishing Licence for commercial fishing charters with at least one boat in offshore waters.
* Fossicking Licence (Commercial tour operator) for fossicking for gemstones, ornamental stones, or gold for tourist purposes.
* Fossicking Camping Permit (Commercial tour operator) for bringing groups to designated fossicking areas with regulated camping.
* Environmentally Relevant Activity Licence for fossicking for gold or other metals, possibly from your local council.

Operating in Protected Areas

Providing tours in protected natural areas, like the Great Barrier Reef or K’gari, requires specific permits to operate commercially.

Snorkelling and Diving: Offerings like snorkelling and diving need to comply with a diving and snorkelling code of practice. This includes safety measures like having automatic external defibrillators on reef tourist vessels, identifying at-risk snorkellers, and providing flotation devices.

Radiocommunications: Using radio transmitter equipment might require a Radiocommunications Apparatus Licence – Transmit.

Keeping Animals: If you’re keeping animals (other than dogs or cats) for your business, a Keeping of animals other than dogs or cats permit from your local council might be necessary.

Legal Frameworks

Queensland’s tourism industry is heavily regulated by several laws:

Transport, Accommodation, Business: Laws governing transportation, accommodation, and business activities are essential for smooth operations.

Environmental Protection: Laws like the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Marine Parks Act 2004 are vital for responsible tourism in protected areas.

Tourist Protection: The Tourism Services Act 2003 aims to protect tourists in their dealings with inbound tour operators and guides.

Standard Business Legislation: As a business, you’ll need to comply with standard business legislation, like the Fair Trading Act 1989 and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Assistance Animals: Allowing access to people with certified guide, hearing, assistance, and trainee support dogs is essential. Be informed about your responsibilities in accommodating customers with assistance animals.

Other Laws: Various other state and federal laws apply to trade and business activity. The ABLIS is a helpful starting point for understanding these regulations.

Accreditation and Safety:
* Consider accreditation for the tourism industry to enhance credibility and professionalism.
* Ensure you meet your workplace health and safety obligations for a safe and compliant work environment.

In conclusion, starting a tourism business in Queensland requires a clear understanding of the permits, licenses, and regulations involved. By carefully navigating the legal landscape and ensuring compliance, you can establish a successful and sustainable tourism venture in this beautiful state.