Queensland has launched a new First Nations tourism strategy aimed at strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led tourism through to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Queensland First Nations Tourism Strategy 2026-2032 was developed by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), with support from the Queensland and Australian governments.
The strategy follows the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan 2020-2025 and sets out a community-led roadmap for the sector over the next seven years.
The previous plan led to initiatives including the Year of Indigenous Tourism, the establishment of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Council, mentoring programs and business capability initiatives.
Gamilaroi man, former NRL player and artist George Rose highlighted the role First Nations tourism can play in sharing culture during QTIC's Destination IQ conference.
"Tourism is one of the most effective ways to connect people - it's storytelling, education and reconciliation in action," Mr Rose said.
"It was inspiring to see so many operators and community leaders united in exploring opportunities for First Nations people, that will deliver visitor experiences that reflect the richness and heart of Queensland."
QTIC chief executive Natassia Wheeler said the new strategy had been developed following consultation with First Nations communities across Queensland.
"Queensland is home to the world's oldest living cultures, and there is growing demand from visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences that connect them to Country, community and story," she said.
"This Strategy has been shaped through extensive consultation with First Nations communities across Queensland and provides a clear direction for sustainable growth that is led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
The strategy focuses on strengthening First Nations leadership and cultural authority, supporting sustainable business growth, developing workforce pathways and increasing the presence of First Nations tourism through authentic storytelling.
It also aims to increase First Nations participation in tourism governance and improve the ability of businesses to meet visitor demand ahead of Brisbane 2032.
The strategy was informed by consultation with First Nations communities, tourism operators and other stakeholders across Queensland.
Consultations were held in locations including Mount Isa, Longreach, Thursday Island, Port Douglas, Bamaga, Townsville, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
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Ms Wheeler said the strategy was intended to deliver benefits beyond increasing visitor numbers.
"Importantly, this isn't simply about growing visitor numbers. It's about creating long-term economic, cultural and social benefits for First Nations communities while protecting culture, strengthening businesses and ensuring cultural authority remains at the heart of tourism development," she said.
Brisbane 2032 will form a major part of the strategy, with Queensland preparing for an expected increase in international attention during the Games.
The strategy aims for Queensland to be internationally recognised by 2032 for First Nations-led tourism that protects culture and Country while creating benefits for communities.
Ms Wheeler said the Games provided an opportunity to bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to an international audience.
"The Games will place Queensland on the world stage, and First Nations tourism will be central to telling the stories that make this state unlike anywhere else," she said.
"Our ambition is that by 2032, Queensland is internationally recognised for authentic, First Nations-led tourism that protects culture and Country while delivering lasting benefits for communities and future generations."
The Queensland First Nations Tourism Strategy 2026-2032 aligns with Destination 2045 and will guide future investment, policy development and industry collaboration.
A final publication is expected to be released in coming months detailing implementation timeframes, recommended actions and the organisations and partners responsible for progressing the strategy.
The strategy can be found online:
