The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has marked the successful opening of Tourism Week 2025 with a packed-out Destination IQ conference, celebrating the strength, growth and future of First Nations tourism across the state.

Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, the annual event brought together more than 300 delegates, including Traditional Custodians, tourism operators, and industry and government leaders for a full day of discussion, inspiration and cultural connection.

Program highlights included keynote addresses from proud Worimi man, former NRL player and artist George Rose and industry leaders from across Australia who shared insights on the growing demand for authentic First Nations experiences ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Workshops and panels explored business readiness, cultural protocols, and pathways for non-Indigenous operators to collaborate meaningfully with Traditional Custodians and communities.

QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the success of the event demonstrates the industry’s collective commitment to growing First Nations tourism as a pillar of Queensland’s visitor economy.

“Destination IQ continues to evolve each year – this year’s program reflected the incredible energy, leadership and opportunity within First Nations tourism,” Wheeler said.

“There is strong interest and growing demand from both domestic and international visitors for authentic cultural experiences, and Queensland is well placed to build on this momentum. The collaboration and conversation  at Destination IQ has set the tone for Tourism Week.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the range of tourism products on display was incredible.

“We know visitors are looking for unique, meaningful cultural experiences, when they visit Queensland,” said Minister Powell.

“These operators will provide these life-long memories for visitors, while helping local communities to skill up and share in a burgeoning visitor economy.”

The conference marks the beginning of Tourism Week 2025, which continues with the DestinationQ Forum on Thursday, 13 November and culminates with the Queensland Tourism Awards, celebrating 40 years of recognising industry excellence, on Friday, 14 November.

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