Australia’s Queensland Drives First Nations Tourism Growth With New Strategy For Global Travellers By 2032

Written By: Ankita Sarmah

Ankita Sarmah

A passionate storyteller and aspiring journalist, Ankita Sarmah is currently pursuing a Master’s in English at DU while exploring the evolving landscape of journalism. With two years of practical experience, she has developed a strong ability to transform ideas, observations, and experiences into engaging narratives that connect with readers. Her journey combines academic knowledge with real-world reporting, allowing her to explore diverse fields such as culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and insightful perspective. Driven by curiosity and a passion for meaningful storytelling, Ankita strives to create fresh, authentic, and impactful content that informs, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression. For her, every story is more than words — it is an experience crafted to engage, connect, and resonate with audiences.

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September 10, 2026 14:46 GMT+5:30

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Prior to Brisbane 2032, Queensland releases a First Nations tourism strategy to support cultural tourism growth. Queensland is releasing a new First Nations Tourism Strategy 2026-2032, to build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-led tourism, and prepare for the anticipated global scrutiny leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The strategy outlines a 7 year plan to bolster sustainable growth for the tourism industry, cultural protection, and improve employment in this sector, especially for members of a First Nations Community.

Developed by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) with support from the Queensland and Australian governments, the strategy aims to position Queensland as a global leader in authentic First Nations tourism experiences while ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities remain at the centre of tourism decisions.

The new strategy follows the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan 2020–2025, which delivered several initiatives to strengthen Indigenous participation in tourism, including the Year of Indigenous Tourism, the establishment of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Council, mentoring programmes and business capability support.

New Strategy Places Culture, Community And Country At The Heart Of Tourism Growth

The Queensland First Nations Tourism Strategy 2026–2032 focuses on creating tourism experiences that reflect the deep cultural connection between First Nations peoples, their communities and Country.

The strategy aims to increase First Nations leadership across the tourism industry by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, improving governance participation and strengthening cultural authority in tourism development.

A major focus is ensuring that tourism growth does not only increase visitor numbers but also creates meaningful long-term benefits for communities. The plan highlights the importance of protecting culture, supporting local businesses and ensuring that traditional knowledge and stories are shared in ways guided by First Nations communities.

Queensland has seen increasing visitor interest in authentic cultural experiences, with travellers seeking deeper connections with destinations through storytelling, heritage and community-led experiences.

The strategy aims to respond to this growing demand by creating more opportunities for visitors to engage with First Nations culture while supporting sustainable economic development.

Community Consultation Shapes Queensland’s Tourism Future

The development of the strategy was guided by extensive consultation with First Nations communities, tourism operators and industry stakeholders across Queensland.

Consultation sessions were held in various locations, including Mount Isa, Longreach, Thursday Island, Port Douglas, Bamaga, Townsville, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

These discussions helped identify priorities for the future of First Nations tourism, including stronger business support, workforce pathways, improved industry participation and greater recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures within Queensland’s tourism identity.

The community-led approach ensures that future tourism development reflects the priorities and aspirations of First Nations peoples.

The strategy also recognises that successful First Nations tourism requires investment in skills, leadership and business capability. Strengthening these areas will help more Indigenous-owned tourism businesses participate in Queensland’s growing visitor economy.

Brisbane 2032 Games Provide Global Platform For First Nations Tourism

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will play a central role in Queensland’s First Nations tourism ambitions.

The global sporting event is expected to bring international attention to Queensland, creating a major opportunity to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to visitors from around the world.

Through the new strategy, Queensland aims to become internationally recognised by 2032 for First Nations-led tourism experiences that protect culture, respect Country and deliver lasting benefits for future generations.

The strategy positions First Nations tourism as a key part of Queensland’s international tourism identity during one of the biggest global events ever hosted by the state.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide a platform to highlight the diversity, history and cultural richness of Queensland’s First Nations communities while encouraging visitors to explore beyond traditional tourism attractions.

Building A Sustainable Tourism Industry Through First Nations Leadership

The new strategy is designed to create a stronger and more sustainable tourism sector by improving opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation.

Key priorities include:

Strengthening First Nations leadership in tourism decision-making.
Supporting Indigenous tourism businesses to grow sustainably.
Creating workforce development pathways.
Expanding authentic cultural storytelling.
Increasing visitor access to First Nations-led experiences.
Improving collaboration between communities, government and industry.

The strategy also supports broader tourism planning under Destination 2045, helping guide future investment, policy development and industry partnerships.

By focusing on cultural sustainability and economic opportunity, Queensland aims to create a tourism model where communities benefit directly from visitor growth.

Queensland Targets Global Recognition For Authentic Cultural Experiences

Queensland’s First Nations Tourism Strategy 2026–2032 represents a major step towards creating a tourism industry where culture, community and economic growth work together.

The state’s ambition is to become a leading global destination for authentic First Nations tourism by the time Brisbane hosts the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The strategy highlights the importance of protecting the world’s oldest living cultures while creating opportunities for future generations.

A final publication outlining implementation timelines, recommended actions and responsible organisations will be released in the coming months.

Queensland has released a new First Nations Tourism Strategy 2026 to 2032 that aims to enhance Indigenous led tourism and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to international travelers in preparation for Brisbane 2032.

With a strong focus on Indigenous leadership, cultural protection and visitor experiences, Queensland is preparing for a new era of tourism growth where First Nations stories and traditions become a defining part of the state’s global appeal.

With a strong focus on Indigenous leadership, cultural protection and visitor experiences, Queensland is preparing for a new era of tourism growth where First Nations stories and traditions become a defining part of the state’s global appeal.