These challenges and the successes that we, as an industry, have achieved over the past financial year have been captured in our
2021-2022 Annual Review, which was delivered this month at QTIC’s Annual General Meeting. The Annual Review provides an insight into the pulse of our tourism sector, as well as a snapshot of QTIC’s advocacy efforts and industry development programs delivered throughout the year. I encourage you to read the Annual Review, which will provide you with a greater understanding of the work QTIC does as your peak industry body.
I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that the achievements made by QTIC over the past financial year are your successes. The contributions of our corporate partners and members ensure that Queensland’s tourism sector has a strong advocacy presence. It is through the financial commitments of our members that QTIC is able to give back to operators, businesses and the wider tourism industry. Thank you for being a staunch advocate of our tourism industry.
The QTIC Annual General Meeting not only saw the delivery of the Annual Review and a recap of industry achievements, but we also welcomed two Directors to the QTIC Board following the recent member-election voting process. I am pleased to announce that Natassia ‘Tash’ Wheeler will join the Board and incumbent Board Director, Peter Woodward will return. As well-known industry names, both Tash and Peter bring a wealth of experience and insight to QTIC.
The past month also saw our industry coming together on the Gold Coast at Tourism Week, where we discussed the future of tourism at Destination IQ and DestinationQ and honoured the brightest names in the state at the Queensland Tourism Awards. It was inspiring to see more than 1,000 of our peers gather to celebrate the recovery and achievements of our sector over the last 12 months. From Cape York and Longreach to Bundaberg and the Sunshine Coast, all the Award nominees and winners were exceptional examples of the outstanding cultural experiences and unique attractions that are on offer in Queensland.
In the lead up to the Awards, we also gleaned a deeper understanding of our industry at Destination IQ and DestinationQ. With a focus on showcasing the flourishing First Nations tourism products that are available in Queensland, Destination IQ encouraged attendees to elevate Indigenous representation within our tourism sector.
Since the formation of QTIC more than two decades ago, we have worked closely alongside and with Indigenous Australians to strengthen our tourism industry by connecting better with people, culture, and Country. As an industry that puts people and land at the core of its service, the relationship tourism has with the first inhabitants and traditional owners of this land is a critical one.
To strengthen the relationship between Indigenous Australia and Queensland’s tourism industry, QTIC proudly unveiled the
Best Practice Guide for Working with First Nations Tourism at Destination IQ. A culmination of 10 years of work, the guide has been developed in response to a growing request from industry. From operators, visitors, and agencies who want to better understand the practices involved in acknowledging and respecting Indigenous culture, commodities, and Country. The guide sets out a practical framework for recognising people and place, safeguarding intellectual property rights and cultural protocols, and respecting heritage.
It is important to note that the guide goes beyond outlining cultural competency and protocols. It forms an integral component of a much larger, state-wide effort by QTIC to build a better and more inclusive tourism industry. An industry that works with people, culture, and Country, and leads the way in advocating for stronger Indigenous representation in Australian tourism. I hope that you will use this practical guide to ensure that your business, operations, or enjoyment of our land abide by the deep cultural understandings and practices of our nation’s first inhabitants.
As we head into the busy Christmas and New Year’s holiday period, our tourism sector has much to celebrate, and I hope you will find some time to unwind and commemorate those achievements. From the entire team at QTIC, I thank you for your support over the past year.
Kind Regards,
Brett Fraser
QTIC CEO
