Queensland Tourism Industry Council Launches Cultural Inclusivity Program

What's Happening?

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and Queensland First Nations Tourism Council (QFNTC) have initiated a pilot program aimed at fostering cultural understanding between tourism operators and traditional custodian groups in southeast Queensland. The program, developed in collaboration with the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, includes training sessions and cultural immersion experiences. It focuses on enhancing cultural awareness and business confidence among tourism operators, with insights into Native Title, intellectual property rights, and cultural protocols. The program has received positive feedback, with calls for expansion across the state.

Why It's Important?

This initiative represents a significant step towards integrating cultural inclusivity within the tourism sector in Queensland. By promoting understanding and respect for First Nations cultures, the program aims to enrich the visitor experience and strengthen relationships between tourism operators and traditional custodians. It highlights the importance of cultural identity in the tourism industry and supports efforts to embed cultural respect and understanding at the core of tourism practices. The program's success could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other regions.

What's Next?

Following the positive reception of the pilot program, QTIC and QFNTC are exploring options to expand the initiative statewide. Future rounds of the program may be developed to further embed cultural inclusion within the tourism sector. This expansion could lead to broader engagement with First Nations communities and enhance the cultural richness of Queensland's tourism offerings.