Destination Queenstown (DQ) is the Regional Tourism Organisation for Queenstown and the surrounding district, with responsibility for destination marketing and destination management. DQ works in partnership with industry, local government, and the community to support a sustainable and well-managed visitor economy.

In 2022, the region’s Destination Management Plan — Travel to a Thriving Future — was endorsed and launched in partnership with Lake Wānaka Tourism and Queenstown Lakes District Council. The plan sets a long-term pathway toward regenerative tourism, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, community wellbeing, and environmental stewardship.

The focus of the Tourism Policy School aligns closely with DQ’s role in fostering joined-up thinking across the tourism system. Looking ahead, the next phase of this pathway — translating shared ambition into coordinated action — is an important step for the region as it continues to evolve a resilient and regenerative visitor economy.

As the Southern Airports Alliance, we’re proud to contribute to the Tourism Policy School 2026 and this year’s focus on connectivity, regional resilience, and regenerative tourism. Our partnership - anchored in a shared commitment to the Lower South Island - brings together Queenstown, Dunedin, and Invercargill airports to strengthen the region’s transport links and support sustainable growth. By working collaboratively, we aim to enhance visitor experiences, build resilient communities, and champion tourism that gives back more than it takes. Together, we are shaping a connected, future-focused southern region where people, place, and industry can thrive.