Destination Indigenous QLD

The Queensland Tourism Industry (QTIC) Council under guidance from the QTIC Indigenous Champions Network celebrated 10 years of initiatives through the network with a tourism industry forum in November for Destination Indigenous Queensland (DIQ).

More than 120 business leaders, employers, government representatives, tourism organisations, native title holders and community organisations united at the Pullman Hotel in Brisbane to discuss and strategies opportunities for First Nations tourism in Queensland. 

Daniel Gschwind, Chief Executive, Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) said, “This year hasn’t been without its challenges from COVID-19, not only for First Nations tourism but for the whole industry.  Bringing the industry back together is an important part of the recovery process and we are excited to have such commitment from First Nations people.  “It was great to see that the Queensland Government agreed to extend the Year of Indigenous Tourism to 2021 so that we can continue to drive the engagement, commitment and genuine progress to make the most of First Nations tourism in Queensland.”

QTIC Deputy Chair, Cameron Costello, updated the forum on the progress of the implementation of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan, launched at last year’s event.  The Plan, a first for this state, will see major initiatives for Indigenous tourism in Queensland implemented over the coming years. Mr Gschwind continued, “Our Destination IQ event looked a little different this year with the added online component, allowing people from across the state to listen in on speakers sharing their experience, challenges and opportunities available for First Nations people”. 

The Keynote Speaker for this year was Rhoda Roberts, a member of the Bundjalung nation and Widjabul clan of Northern NSW and South East QLD.