The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has unveiled the full program for DestinationQ – Queensland’s premier tourism conference and a cornerstone of Tourism Week 2025.

Presented in partnership with the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), DestinationQ 2025 will be held on Thursday 13 November at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and is part of Tourism Week in the State.

QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the refreshed program is designed to give industry a stronger connection to government, policy and decision-making.

“The refreshed DestinationQ forum reflects the priorities of industry and government alike, ensuring that as we look ahead to Brisbane 2032 and beyond, we are united in building a strong, sustainable and globally competitive tourism sector,” Wheeler said.

“As the voice of Queensland’s tourism industry, QTIC is committed to bridging the gap between operators on the frontline and government leaders – creating a space where practical challenges are heard, policy is tested, and collective solutions can be shaped.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said connecting with industry is essential for the delivery of the Crisafulli Government’s bold 20-year tourism plan, Destination 2045.

“Queensland is the home of the holiday, but that wouldn’t be possible without the more than 65,000 tourism-related businesses spread out across our amazing state,” Minister Powell said.

“We travelled the length and breadth of Queensland to ensure operators could have a hands-on role in shaping Destination 2045 to meet their needs.

“From reducing red tape to boosting connectivity and becoming the events capital of Australia, we’re proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with industry as we enter a new era of Queensland tourism.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO, Craig Davidson, said the DestinationQ is a valuable opportunity for government and industry to connect and strengthen.

“DestinationQ is a space for genuine connection between government and industry. It’s where we come together to share insights, test ideas and build the relationships that underpin a strong, resilient future for tourism.”

Program highlights

The Forum will open with an in-depth look at Queensland’s visitor economy, grounding the day in current data and trends across regions. A series of high-level discussions will follow, including updates from the Tourism Cabinet Committee and the Destination 2045 Leadership Panel, examining how government priorities and policy decisions are shaping the future.

Sessions across the day will also focus on regional investment and infrastructure, nature-based futures, and the integration of AI and digital innovation – showcasing how Queensland’s operators and destinations are adapting to remain globally competitive.

Workforce development will be a key theme, with innovative businesses, QTIC mentees and young leaders presenting new approaches to skills, mentoring and pathways into tourism careers.

Delegates will also participate in a collaborative workshop designed to co-create solutions for the future visitor economy, particularly around the Destination 2045 vision to create 45 new ecotourism experiences by 2045.

Critical industry challenges will be tackled head-on, with dedicated panels on insurance, aviation access and the role of major events in driving visitation. These sessions will provide operators with direct opportunities to highlight the issues they face and ensure the government hears them first-hand.

Every panel session promises to include audience Q&A – either live or through the conference app – to ensure two-way dialogue sits at the heart of the event.

“The breadth of the program is deliberate,” Wheeler said. “Whether you’re an operator, regional or local tourism organisation, partner or government representative, there will be relevant content and clear opportunities to engage.”

DestinationQ is proudly supported by the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland. DestinationQ is one of the key deliverables under the new landmark four-year partnership between the Queensland Government, TEQ and QTIC.

Part of Tourism Week 2025

DestinationQ forms part of Tourism Week 2025, running from 12–14 November at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and anchored by three major events:

• Destination IQ (Wednesday 12 November): Queensland’s leading First Nations tourism forum, launching the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan and spotlighting cultural leadership, storytelling and regional priorities.
• DestinationQ Forum (Thursday 13 November): Queensland’s premier tourism conference, bringing together industry and government in a refreshed, ticketed format.
• Queensland Tourism Awards (Friday 14 November): Celebrating 40 years of recognising excellence across the state’s visitor economy.

Tickets for Tourism Week are on sale now via qtic.com.au/tourism-week.

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