Indigenous tourism operators in Tropical North Queensland hope the steady recovery in international visitor numbers can be replicated closer to home.

Queensland had the second-highest share (20 per cent) of trips and holidays from the international market in 2023-24 that included an Indigenous activity.

The record result for the state was indicative of increasing demand from international and domestic tourists to experience Aboriginal culture during their holidays across Australia.

Latest visit data from Tourism Australia showed the First Nations sector had gained steady traction, with three million trips during 2023-24 involving First Nations activities. More than one million of those visitors were from abroad, the first time that market had reached the milestone.

Nature-based tours, bushfoods, cultural experiences and art and craft were most popular among both local and international tourists.

The TNQ region offered more than 80 cultural tours, some the most diverse Australia.

Indigenous operators across Tropical North Queensland said they had high hopes the Aboriginal tourism trends could be replicated domestically.

Dr Eric Fisher, Master Reef Guide and marine biologist at Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel, Dr Eric Fisher, said he believed storytelling was the primary role Indigenous operators play within across the region.

"For us, we lead our experiences with storytelling and connecting to the visitors through sharing knowledge," Dr Fisher said.

"We know our visitors love to hear stories from Traditional Owners ... about culture, the environment, and conservation."

Business owners are increasingly offering elements of Traditional knowledge and culture and on-Country experiences to their tourism operation. That aspect of Indigenous tourism could particularly lure the domestic market, who could connect with the cultural history and stories from their own backyards.

Juan Walker, owner of Walkabout Cultural Adventures, said he felt fortunate he could operate a tourism business on his Traditional Country, allowing him a daily connection to the land and ability to practice culture on Country.

"My operation aims to guide visitors to view my Aboriginal culture, stories, place and land differently ... to think of everything more holistically ... not to see it just as a pretty place," Mr Walker said.

"Working in Indigenous tourism is all about creating an experience in the Country you are from, and teaching visitors to the region about the importance that maintaining this relationship with Country has been, and continues to be."

Indigenous tourism operators play an integral role in fostering cultural heritage and making it more accessible not just to visitors but also to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, creating a place of understanding of their own heritage and the importance of nurturing it into the future.

Patrick Mau, from Island Stars, said operating the business on Country brought a deeper understanding of his People and region.

"Part of running an Indigenous operation is to work collaboratively with our people and respect our cultural protocols and customs," Mr Mau said.

"Our culture is a makeup of our being, and that's what's important to share with visitors."

Island Stars offered several experiences on Thursday Island, from dance to storytelling, guided walking tours, food and art.

"At its core, tourism is about sharing the lived experience between visitors and the communities they visit," Mr Mau said.