22 May 2025: The Whitsundays will take centre stage in Queensland’s tourism sustainability agenda this World Environment Day, as industry leaders, local operators and environmental champions gather to explore the future of eco-conscious tourism in one of the state’s most iconic natural settings. Local businesses and tourism operators are encouraged to book their place to attend the event on 5 June.
Hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the World Environment Day event will shine a spotlight on the Whitsundays as a region leading the way in balancing environmental stewardship with vibrant visitor experiences.
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the event will highlight both the urgency and opportunity for the tourism industry to take a leading role in protecting the natural assets it depends on.
“The Whitsundays is one of Queensland’s most spectacular destinations – and it’s the perfect place to spotlight the role tourism can play in protecting what makes it so special,” Ms Wheeler said.
“This event is about learning from the region’s passionate operators, Traditional Owners and environmental leaders, and putting sustainability at the centre of how we move forward as an industry.”
The day will feature a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, local case studies and collaborative workshops, with contributions from Traditional Owner groups, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, ecotourism operators, and regional tourism organisations. Speakers at the event include Christian Bennett, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Offer at Virgin Australia, Robbie Congoo – Owner of Yooribaya Cultural Experiences, Johnny Gaskell – Marine Biologist from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Nigel Greenaway – CFO at Crystalbrook Collection and Hon Amanda Camm MP.
QTIC’s World Environment Day event is part of a broader effort to embed sustainability across Queensland’s visitor economy – supporting operators to adopt climate-smart practices and celebrate the unique environments that underpin the state’s tourism appeal.
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Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
