For over two decades, QTIC has embedded First Nations knowledge and culture across our events, workforce initiatives, advocacy efforts, and interactions with industry. Our ongoing commitment is focused on enhancing outcomes for First Nations tourism and fostering a deeper understanding of the world’s oldest living cultures for our members and for guests on Country.
At QTIC, we’re committed to empowering First Nations tourism in Queensland. This means doing our part to support the development of First Nations businesses and artists, curating community events, and facilitating culturally aware business practices within industry. Explore our initiatives below.
QTIC’s Destination IQ is Queensland’s foremost annual First Nations tourism conference. Delegates and industry professionals from all backgrounds and from across the state gather to discuss opportunities, hear the latest trends and innovations, and recognise First Nations tourism achievements.
Voices of today, stories for tomorrow. Following extensive consultation with First Nations communities, QTIC launched the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan in 2019. The Plan sets the framework to harness our rich First Nations cultural heritage and stewardship of Country, together with Queensland’s unique tourism experiences, to inspire the development of a thriving First Nations tourism sector.
Boost your confidence in engaging with First Nations culture and Country. Explore QTIC’s free online course: Understanding First Nations Cultural Protocols
Our Best Practice Guide for Working with First Nations Tourism strengthens ties between Indigenous Australia and Queensland’s tourism industry. The essential guide offers a framework for recognising people and place, protecting intellectual property, and honouring cultural protocols. Packed with key resources, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to respectfully engage with First Nations communities and culture.
For over a decade, the Champions Network has highlighted the vital role of Indigenous tourism, becoming leaders in engaging First Nations operators and employees. They are regularly involved in events and consultations aimed at improving Indigenous representation, while also working collectively to identify opportunities, support workplace experiences, and develop resources to recruit and retain Indigenous talent in the tourism sector.
Adam Jones, Experience Co
Alan Smith, Outback Aussie Tours
Anthony Corrie, Brisbane Lions
Birrunga Wiradyuri, Birrunga Gallery and Dining
Cameron Costello, Costello Consultancy
Chern’ee Sutton, Contemporary Artist
Craig Quartermaine, National Indigenous Culinary Institute
David Hudson, Didgeralia
David Williams, GILIMBAA
Emily Tanna, Compass Group Australia Pty Ltd
Greg Yong, Dreamworld
Hailey Brown, Vacayit
Joe Sproats, Platypus Wealth Institute
Johnny Murison, Jarramali Enterprises
Josh Hanley, Accor Hotels
Karen Hanna Miller, Isa Rodeo Limited
Katie Lord, SeaLink QLD
Kedea Atherton, Accor Hotels
Kylie-Lee Bradford, Kakadu Organics
Lauren Horner, Village Roadshow Theme Parks
Lloyd Mills, Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
Michaella Harrison, QMF
Oriana Wyrozebska, QMF
Paul Morton, Novotel Surfers Paradise
Petina Tieman, Complete Business Solutions
Russell Boswell, Savannah Guides
Ryan Hanly, Travello
Serrin Carter, Outback Aussie Tours
Shannon Ruska, Tribal Experiences
Stephanie Parker, Southern Queensland Country Tourism
Tarragh Cunningham, Queensland Art Gallery
Tracy Kearney, Prestige Staffing Solutions
Violet Geesu, Sarina Russo Job Access
Willie Enoch-Tranby, CaPTA Group
Become a Champion
We are continually expanding the Network and are actively seeking businesses and support agencies who would like to join us in proactively supporting the involvement of Indigenous people in tourism. For more information, please contact our Indigenous Program Manager, Rhonda Appo on 07 3236 1445 or [email protected].