22 July: A new pilot program led by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and Queensland First Nations Tourism Council (QFNTC) is supporting stronger relationships and cultural understanding between tourism operators and Traditional Custodian Groups in South East Queensland.
Delivered in collaboration with the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), Pathways to Inclusivity: Training Program With First Nations Cultural Insights focused on enhancing cultural awareness, business confidence, and appropriate engagement between one of Brisbane Region’s Traditional Custodian Groups (Quandamooka People) and Native Title Bodies (Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation).
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the program aligns with broader efforts to foster a more inclusive and culturally respectful tourism industry.
“True inclusivity requires a commitment to cultural learning and deep listening. This program provided practical insights into Native Title, intellectual property rights, and cultural protocols – areas where many businesses want to do better, but don’t always know where to start,” Wheeler said.
The pilot program was offered to tourism operators based in the Brisbane, Redlands and Moreton Bay Local Government Areas, with 15 participants completing three online sessions and a full-day cultural immersion on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
The online sessions explored best-practice frameworks such as the Best Practice Guide for Working with First Nations Tourism in Queensland and QTIC’s Understanding First Nations Cultural Protocols online course.
The cultural immersion included a guided cultural heritage tour, a visit to QUAMPI – the island’s new arts and cultural centre – and an exploration of Country through Minjerribah Camping and the North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout.
Rhonda Appo, QTIC’s Manager – Indigenous Programs and one of the program facilitators, said the experience was designed to build trust and understanding through real connection.
“Tourism operators often ask how they can work more meaningfully with First Nations communities. Programs like this create a safe space to start those conversations and to deepen respect for Country, culture and community,” Appo said.
Participant feedback from the pilot has been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling for the program to be expanded and offered more widely across the state.
Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan said the program reflects a shared commitment to building a tourism industry that is inclusive, future-focused and deeply connected to place.
“Brisbane’s visitor economy goes beyond events and attractions – it’s grounded by our local stories, our people, and our cultural identity. By supporting tourism operators to engage meaningfully with Brisbane’s Traditional Custodians, we not only enrich the visitor experience but also help embed cultural respect and understanding at the heart of our industry,” Mr Ryan said.
QTIC and QFNTC are now exploring options to deliver future rounds of the program, with a view to embedding cultural inclusion more deeply across the tourism sector.
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