Much-loved Destination Queenstown (DQ) recently returned to Melbourne and Sydney to reconnect with the Australian trade and share its updates for 2024 and beyond.
Joined by partners Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and 28 local businesses and tourism operators, the Queenstown Lakes region of New Zealand was again showcased to agents and key industry partners at events in both cities.
The good news is that Aussies still can’t get enough of Queenstown, with Australia remaining Queenstown’s number one inbound visitor market and contributing significantly to the region’s share of international visitor arrivals each year.
With more direct flights from major east coast hubs, DQ reminded the trade that Queenstown has never been more accessible and not just about the snow season either, with its natural beauty, culture, heritage, and diversity adding to the region’s year-round appeal.

During the roadshow, Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown, shared the new destination management plan for Queenstown Lakes, which aims to ensure tourism supports a thriving community – environmentally, socially, culturally and economically.
“With the goal of reaching a carbon zero visitor economy by 2030, Queenstown Lakes region prioritises regenerative tourism and seeks high-contributing visitors. This goal has led to an increased focus on short-haul markets and demonstrates how important Australia is to the future aspirations of our region,” he says.
One message was evident at the roadshow: Australian visitors are always welcome in Queenstown and are invited to stay longer, do more, connect with the community, and participate in activities that give back to the environment.
For trade inquiries and more information, contact Linda McIntosh, Destination Queenstown’s Business Development Manager for Western Markets, at lindam@queenstownnz.nz
www.destinationqueenstown.co.nz
The Destination Queenstown Australia Roadshow will return in 2024 (date TBC), adding Brisbane to the schedule to meet Queensland travel partners.
The 2023 Australia Roadshow saw an impressive list of operators who ventured to Australia to join the adventure; you can link to those operators here – Air Milford, AJ Hackett Bungy, Altitude Tours & Black, Crowne Plaza Queenstown, Fiordland Discovery, Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, Glenorchy Air, Heliworks Queenstown & Heli Glenorchy, Heritage Queenstown, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown, Hotel St Moritz& Sofitel Queenstown, KJet Queenstown, Lake Wanaka Tourism, MajorDomo, Millbrook Resort, Millennium Hotels & Resorts Queenstown, Thrillzone & Escape Quest, Ngai Tahu Tourism, Nomad Safaris, Over The Top Helicopters, Oxbow Adventure Co., Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, RealNZ, Safaris Hotels, Skyline Queenstown, Southern Discoveries, Totally Tourism & The Helicopter Line, True South Flights.