A full-day event, the Regional Destination IQ Forum will take place at the Oaks Port Douglas Resort, a well-known place in North Queensland. Attendees will include first-class overseas keynote speakers, internationally recognised tourism operators and First Nations leaders. The primary focus will be cultural tourism experience innovation, industry collaboration and the sustainable tourism outcomes for communities across Queensland.
An Inclusive and Groundbreaking Forum
This year’s forum is a vital part of Queensland’s broader efforts to support and develop First Nations tourism. The event’s discussions will contribute directly to the evolution of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan, which seeks to guide the tourism industry’s growth from 2026 to 2032. By hosting the event in Port Douglas, QTIC ensures that regional voices are represented, especially those from remote communities across North Queensland, who often find it challenging to participate in industry-wide discussions due to geographical barriers.
The Queensland First Nations Tourism Council, alongside The University of Queensland, will collaborate to deliver the event, ensuring that it remains grounded in the lived experiences of First Nations people. The forum will also provide a platform for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of cultural tourism in Queensland, building a collaborative space for all stakeholders to contribute.
Strengthening Cultural Tourism Experiences
One of the forum’s key objectives is to explore ways to strengthen cultural tourism experiences across Queensland. First Nations tourism has long been an under-represented segment of the broader tourism industry, despite its immense potential to attract both domestic and international visitors. This forum aims to rectify that by fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural richness that First Nations communities offer.
Through presentations, workshops, and panel discussions, industry leaders and experts will share best practices for creating immersive cultural tourism experiences that are respectful, authentic, and beneficial to First Nations communities. These experiences will allow visitors to connect more meaningfully with the land, culture, and history of Queensland’s First Nations people.
Driving Industry Collaboration and Inclusive Growth
At the core of the forum is a commitment to inclusive growth. The tourism industry, from local operators to global agencies, must collaborate to ensure that the benefits of cultural tourism are shared equitably across all sectors. As tourism becomes an increasingly important economic driver in Queensland, it is essential that all communities, particularly those from First Nations backgrounds, have a stake in the industry’s future.
The Regional Destination IQ Forum will highlight practical strategies for growing the tourism industry inclusively. This includes sharing knowledge about sustainable practices, developing training opportunities for local tourism operators, and ensuring that cultural sensitivity is integrated into all aspects of tourism development. The forum’s discussions are designed to equip attendees with the tools and insights necessary to contribute to a tourism industry that is not only economically successful but also socially and culturally responsible.
Connecting Regional Communities Through Tourism
The choice of Port Douglas as the location for the forum speaks to the QTIC’s commitment to ensuring that regional communities are not left behind in the development of Queensland’s tourism sector. By hosting the event in North Queensland, the forum makes it easier for local stakeholders to attend, particularly those from remote areas that are often underserved by major industry events.
Rhonda Appo, the Manager of First Nations Programs at QTIC, explained that hosting the forum in Port Douglas is part of a broader initiative to bridge the geographical gap that exists for many remote communities. Tourism has the power to connect people across cultures, bringing them closer through shared experiences, storytelling, and a deeper connection to the land. This connection is especially important for First Nations communities, whose culture and traditions are intimately tied to the land they have inhabited for thousands of years.
The Regional Destination IQ Forum will provide a unique opportunity for North Queensland’s First Nations communities to share their stories, engage with the broader tourism industry, and help shape the future of cultural tourism in the state.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for First Nations Tourism
As the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan 2026–2032 continues to take shape, the insights and contributions gathered at the 2025 Regional Destination IQ Forum will play a vital role in shaping the direction of the state’s tourism industry. With a strong focus on sustainable, inclusive growth, the event offers a chance for all stakeholders to come together and ensure that First Nations tourism has a prominent place in Queensland’s future.
QTIC’s CEO, Natassia Wheeler, emphasised that the forum represents an opportunity for local leadership and community-driven change. By listening to and learning from the people of North Queensland, the tourism industry can evolve to better reflect the diverse cultures, traditions, and values of the state’s First Nations communities. The discussions held at this year’s forum will help pave the way for a tourism industry that not only benefits the economy but also fosters greater understanding, respect, and appreciation for the cultures that have shaped Queensland for millennia.
Conclusion
The 2025 Port Douglas Regional Destination IQ Forum serves as an important landmark in the process of developing more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and sustainable tourism practices in Queensland. By emphasising First Nations perspectives and guiding tourism operators towards pragmatic, tangible actions, QTIC is positioning Queensland’s tourism industry to be at the forefront of cultural tourism for decades to come. This forum will undoubtedly be a pivotal gathering that transforms the tourism industry and the communities it aims to impact.
Image Credit: Queensland Tourism Industry Council
Tags: Queensland Tourism Industry Council, First Nations tourism, Port Douglas
