Dylan Alcott AO headlines Destination Q 2023

• Paralympian and accessibility advocate Dylan Alcott AO announced as keynote speaker for the Destination Q tourism forum.
• 2023 is Queensland’s Year of Accessible Tourism.
• The Destination Q and Destination IQ forums will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre on 22 and 23 November, followed by the Queensland Tourism Awards.

One of the nation’s most successful Paralympians and former Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott AO is keynote speaker for next month’s Destination Q tourism forum at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Dylan Alcott is a leading inclusion advocate for Australians living with disability and in Queensland’s Year of Accessible Tourism will deliver Destination Q’s main presentation.

Celebrity brand guru Todd Sampson and economic commentator Nikki Hutley will join Dylan Alcott as Destination Q speakers.

Better tourism accessibility is a recommendation of the industry led Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap to promote Queensland as the world’s all-abilities destination of choice, ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Palaszczuk Government is investing $12 million to support Queensland tourism operators to fast-track staff training, and accessibility and inclusivity upgrades of tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences.

Applications have also opened on a $5 million round of Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund Access Starter and Access Project grants for Queensland’s Year of Accessible Tourism.

Access Project Grants of up to $250,000 are open to eligible tourism operators, not-for-profits, Regional Tourism Organisations and local governments.  

Destination Q during Tourism Week in Cairns is presented by the Palaszczuk Government, Tourism and Events Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).

For more information about Destination Q, visit: https://www.destq.com.au

Dylan Alcott AO said:

“I am extremely excited to be involved in the Destination Q Forum in Cairns, particularly in the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland.

“It’s so important to invest in helping our hardworking tourism operators understand the importance of implementing greater accessibility and inclusion into their visitor experience.

“Queensland is such a beautiful and fun place to visit, and it should be accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said:

“Tourism operators in Tropical North Queensland have long understood the importance of accessible and inclusive infrastructure and visitor experiences.

“From snorkelling the Reef to accommodation, social media influencers are already testing the accessibility of Tropical North Queensland’s tourism experiences and telling the world.

“It’s a triumph to welcome Dylan Alcott to Destination Q in Cairns to inspire more tourism operators to transform their businesses for an inclusive and resilient visitor economy.” 

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said:

“Queensland’s great lifestyle and world-class visitor experiences are too good not to be shared by everyone, regardless of individual ability.

“As Australia’s leading accessibility advocate, Dylan Alcott brings a first-hand perspective to disability and eliminating barriers.

“I want to thank Dylan for opening a conversation with tourism operators at Destination Q about the small changes that can make an enormous difference to travellers with a disability.

“Queensland has a golden opportunity on our runway to the 2032 Games to become a welcoming and globally recognised accessible visitor destination.”    

QTIC CEO Brett Fraser said:

“It is fantastic to welcome a world-leading voice in accessibility at this year’s Destination Q Forum in Cairns. The insights shared by Dylan will be invaluable for all those attending.

“Many tourism operators are excited to make their experiences more accessible and inclusive for guests. Listening to and learning from those with lived experience will help to better our visitor offerings and provide a starting point for improvement.

“Accessible tourism not only benefits those living with a disability, but it also enriches the travel experience for everyone. It’s about creating a more inclusive Queensland that everyone can explore and enjoy.

“Dylan’s shared perceptions will no doubt aid in breaking down barriers and will generate industry discussion on inclusivity.”

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