2 October 2025: The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has unveiled the full program for DestinationQ – Queensland’s premier tourism conference and a cornerstone of the state-wide Tourism Week.
Presented in partnership with the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), DestinationQ 2025 will take place on Thursday, 13 November, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the refreshed program is designed to give the 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.”
The Forum will open with an in-depth look at Queensland’s visitor economy, providing a foundation for the day by grounding it in current data and regional trends. 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.
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.
Ends.
For more information, images and interviews please contact Heather or Jen at The Comms. People:
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
