First Nations tourism operators, Traditional Custodians and industry leaders gathered on the Gold Coast on Wednesday for DestinationIQ, opening Queensland Tourism Week 2026 with discussions on cultural tourism, regional opportunities and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Held at The Star Gold Coast, the forum brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, tourism organisations and government representatives to explore ways of increasing visitor engagement with culture and Country.
The day began with a Welcome to Country from Kombumerri Elder Uncle John Graham Snr, a Traditional Custodian of the Gold Coast from the wider Yugambeh language group, followed by addresses from Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Natassia Wheeler and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell.
Yugarabul man and Kalwun Development Corporation CEO Kieran Chilcott delivered the opening industry keynote, 'Rethinking tourism, reimagining the future', examining opportunities, challenges and collaboration across Queensland's tourism industry.
Gudjala and Erubian woman and NITV and Fox Sports commentator Bo de la Cruz, served as master of ceremonies.
Uncle John reflected on the importance of Indigenous people helping shape Queensland's tourism future, particularly ahead of Brisbane 2032.
"For the Q-TEC Tourism Conference, talking about where we're going into the future, going towards the Olympics and the Paralympics," Uncle John said.
"Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends, comrades, people, tour operators, people that work in the industry, to have a discussion about what we want to see for Queensland going forward with our input into tourism within Queensland as well."
He also highlighted the continued importance of sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, knowledge and experiences with visitors.
"It showcases what our culture has always been about, 60,000 plus years of culture, living culture," Uncle John said.
"It continues after colonisation, continues into today's society. It's important that we celebrate that as Australians."
The forum featured presentations and panels covering cultural storytelling, regional tourism, Indigenous business development, sustainability and opportunities associated with Brisbane 2032.
The 'Connected by Country' session brought together K'gari Cultural Tours senior cultural guide Uncle Bob Broome, Nywaigi man and Mungalla Aboriginal Business Corporation director Jacob Cassady, and Iningai woman and Desert Dreaming Centre founder Cheryl Thompson.
Their discussion explored how First Nations tourism could attract visitors to regional communities while supporting local businesses.
Digital storytelling was another focus, with Torres Strait Islander (Mer and Badu) and Yidinji man Lewis Bin Doraho of Lewis James Media and Minjungbal Bundjalung woman Tamra Forde of Songlines Digital discussing how operators could use online platforms to share cultural stories.
Industry opportunities were examined through visitor data presented by Localis CEO Robbie Dalton and a 'State of Play' panel featuring representatives from Indigenous tourism organisations, government and businesses.
Government partnerships and sustainability were also discussed, including contributions from Birpai woman and Jellurgal First Nations Ranger Program team leader Heidi Quatro.
Later sessions examined cultural festivals and live experiences, with Kamilaroi man and QPAC Head of First Nations Programming Bradley Chatfield among the speakers.
Western Yalanji man and Jarramali Rock Art Tours owner Johnny Murison, Bundjalung man and First Nations Lifeguards and Bombora Surf School founder Brook Silvester, and Kamilaroi man and Blaklash Creative managing director Troy Casey also participated in a panel on welcoming visitors to Country.
The day's final discussions explored opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and businesses through the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
QTIC chief executive Natassia Wheeler highlighted the importance of collaboration between tourism operators and Traditional Custodians.
"The room today is a real mix of our industry, from caravan parks and reef tours to hotels and regional festivals," Ms Wheeler said.
"The theme is around collaboration and partnership with Traditional Custodians and First Nations businesses as we look to respectfully share more local stories and increase visitation further into the regions."
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell outlined the Queensland Government's plans to strengthen First Nations tourism and regional visitor experiences.
"Supporting more authentic First Nations tourism experiences is an important part of the Crisafulli Governments vision to grow Queensland's visitor economy and strengthen regional tourism opportunities across the state," Mr Powell said.
"DestinationIQ helps ensure that growth is guided by First Nations communities, with culture, Country and stories shared in a way that reflects local priorities and aspirations."
Queensland Tourism Week continues on Thursday, November 5, with DestinationQ at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, covering tourism investment, government policy and Brisbane 2032.
The event concludes on Friday, November 6, with EventsQ and the Queensland Tourism Awards gala at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
