Sunshine Coast First Nations Tourism Action Plan -

SUMMARY

Visit Sunshine Coast has received funding through the Queensland Government to undertake a First Nations Tourism Action Plan. It is one of 13 regional action plans being developed across the State as part of their Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects (SITP) program.

OBJECTIVES

Grow First Nations participation in the Sunshine Coast tourism sector to establish the Sunshine Coast as a destination rich in culturally meaningful, authentic Indigenous tourism experiences, and
Effectively integrate First Nations language, stories, and cultural significance into the Sunshine Coast’s tourism identity.

WHAT’S INVOLVED

The First Nations Tourism Action Plan will bring together First Nation stakeholders and the tourism industry within the Sunshine Coast (this includes the three local government areas of Sunshine Coast, Gympie and Noosa).

The project is led by Visit Sunshine Coast and engagement will take place with the following stakeholders in developing the Action Plan:

Traditional Owners (Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Peoples)
First Nations tourism operators on the Sunshine Coast
Local Councils – Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie
Local Tourism Associations – Tourism Noosa
Tourism industry operators
Independent Indigenous Tourism Operators of Queensland (IIOTQ)
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC)
Queensland First Nations Tourism Council (QFNTC)
Our Country Advisory Service (OCOS)

A consultant, TRC Tourism, has been appointed to facilitate the development of the Plan and activities will include:

Consultation and workshops with Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Peoples, along with First Nations tourism businesses and operators.
Engagement of Traditional Owners with delivery of the project and outcomes
Identifying gaps for First Nations tourism experiences and supporting collaboration between emerging and established operators to create jobs, foster sustainable tourism growth, and strengthening the Sunshine Coast’s brand identity by highlighting and promoting First Nations culture.

OUTCOME

A clear, aligned pathway forward to strengthen First Nations participation in the Sunshine Coast tourism sector and for the Sunshine Coast to shine as a destination rich in culturally meaningful, authentic Indigenous tourism experiences.

A stronger First Nations identity is embedded within the Sunshine Coast’s brand, where Indigenous language and stories are part of the destination experience. This includes through storytelling to reflect the cultural heritage of the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Peoples, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the land’s history and significance.

TIMEFRAME

November 2024 to December 2025.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit Sunshine Coast