Sustainable tourism leaders gather at Queenstown forum
Some of the world’s leading voices in destination management and sustainability are currently in Queenstown to talk policy at the Destination Think Forum 2025.
The forum will highlight the region’s leadership in regenerative tourism and showcase Queenstown and Wānaka as leaders in sustainable initiatives.
They will explore how the Southern Lakes region is reimagining its visitor economy and how lessons learned in Queenstown can help shape the next chapter of global tourism.
Over the five days through 10 October, delegates will participate in panels, site visits, workshops and networking events focused on the theme of “Regeneration in Practice.”
Attendees include senior tourism delegates from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania, keen to share what works in their regions, and learn from Queenstown’s journey.
Among them will be Rikke Holm Petersen, Director of Marketing, Communication & Behaviour at Wonderful Copenhagen.
Rikke has been a vocal advocate for transforming tourism from consumption toward positive contribution.
Rikke says tourism has the power to shape communities, landscapes and behaviour beyond traditional boundaries.
“I’ve come to the Southern Lakes region not just to share, but to be inspired,” she said.
Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, will contribute as a guest speaker, covering the region’s Destination Management Plan (DMP), including its ambitious goal for a carbon zero visitor economy.
“Queenstown is grappling with the same challenges many destinations elsewhere face, balancing visitation, community expectations and ecological impacts.”
The Destination Think Forum 2025 will focus on how tourism can transition from sustaining to restoring the places it touches.
Sessions will explore regenerative models, carbon reduction pathways, governance structures and community collaboration.
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