Tourism Collaboration Brings Gladstone Region’s Destination Management Plan to Life
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The Gladstone Region’s new Destination Management Plan 2026–2036 was officially launched this week in a way that perfectly reflects its purpose – not in a conference room, but alongside one of the region’s newest nature-based tourism experiences.
Hosted at Travellers Rest 1770, on the edge of Eurimbula National Park near Agnes Water and the Town of 1770, the launch coincided with the official opening of the eco retreat’s new visitor experiences, including extended boardwalks, forest bathing trails, a stargazing platform and eco-accommodation, delivered through the Queensland Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF).
More than simply providing a venue, the event showcased the power of collaboration in shaping the Gladstone Region’s visitor economy.
As one of GAPDL’s highest-tier members and a strong advocate throughout development of the Destination Management Plan, the team at Travellers Rest invited GAPDL to launch the region’s 10-year tourism vision as part of their own opening celebrations.
The partnership reflects the very philosophy underpinning the Plan – that thriving destinations are built through collaboration between tourism operators, community, Traditional Owners and government, with each playing a role in creating memorable visitor experiences while protecting the places that make the Gladstone Region unique.
Chief Executive Officer Dee Dalton said there was no better place to launch the Plan.
“When Travellers Rest approached us with the idea of launching the Destination Management Plan as part of their opening celebrations, it just made sense,” Ms Dalton said.
“This Plan has always been about collaboration, and this event is a wonderful example of that in action. Rather than talking about the future of tourism, we’re standing in it.”
“Travellers Rest embodies so many of the priorities identified throughout the Plan – nature-based tourism, conservation, environmental education, citizen science, wellness experiences and low-impact accommodation. It demonstrates that tourism can create memorable visitor experiences while also protecting and celebrating the natural environment.”
Developed over almost two years through extensive consultation with tourism operators, Traditional Owners, industry, government and the wider community, the Gladstone Region Destination Management Plan 2026–2036 provides a shared roadmap for growing the region’s visitor economy while protecting the natural and cultural assets that make the destination unique.
The Plan identifies six strategic priorities – Experience, Partnerships, Ecotourism, Brand, People and Advocacy – and will guide tourism development through a staged implementation over the next decade.
Ms Dalton said the Plan represents a shift from simply promoting tourism to actively managing the destination for the benefit of visitors, businesses and local communities.
“Tourism is about so much more than attracting visitors,” she said.
“It’s about creating opportunities for local businesses, supporting jobs, encouraging investment, protecting our environment and strengthening community pride.”
“The Gladstone Region has an incredible story to tell – from the Southern Great Barrier Reef to ancient landscapes, agriculture and our unique industrial heritage. By working together, we can continue developing experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer, explore more deeply and leave with a genuine connection to our region.”
“This isn’t simply the launch of a plan – it’s the beginning of a shared journey. The next ten years are about turning this vision into reality together.”
GAPDL Chair Rob Gibb said the Destination Management Plan belongs to the entire region.
“This Plan is the result of hundreds of conversations with industry, community, organisations and government who all share a passion for the future of the Gladstone Region,” Mr Gibb said.
“The Board is incredibly proud of the collaborative process that shaped the Plan, but we’re even more excited about what comes next.”
“Success won’t be measured by the publication itself – it will be measured by the partnerships we continue to build and the positive outcomes we achieve together over the next decade.”
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett welcomed the launch, describing it as an important milestone for the region’s visitor economy.
“Tourism plays an important role in diversifying our economy and showcasing everything that makes the Gladstone Region such a special place to live, work and visit,” Mayor Burnett said.
“This Destination Management Plan provides a clear, shared direction for the future while recognising that protecting our natural assets and supporting our local communities go hand in hand with growing tourism.”
“Council is proud to support a vision that brings industry, government and the community together to create a stronger and more sustainable visitor economy for generations to come.”
The Destination Management Plan will be delivered across three implementation phases:
- 2026–2028: Build the foundations.
- 2029–2032: Grow experiences and leverage opportunities, including Brisbane 2032.
- 2033–2036: Establish the Gladstone Region as a leading force in Queensland’s visitor economy by showcasing its natural assets, diverse experiences and unique reef-to-ranges identity.
The Gladstone Region Destination Management Plan 2026–2036 is now available to download at: https://issuu.com/gladstoneregion/docs/gladstone_region_destination_management_plan_2026-
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