Some of the world’s leading voices in destination management, tourism leadership and sustainability have descended on Queenstown for the Destination Think Forum 2025, from October, 6 to 10.
The forum, convened by Destination Think, will showcase the region’s leadership in regenerative tourism and place Queenstown and Wānaka at the centre of global conversations about the future of tourism. Leaders from around the world 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.
Five days of insight and collaboration
Over five days, delegates will join panels, site visits, workshops and networking events focused on the theme “Regeneration in Practice.” Attendees include senior tourism delegates from Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania, eager to share successful approaches in their regions and learn from Queenstown’s journey.
Among the speakers is Rikke Holm Petersen, Director of Marketing, Communication & Behaviour at Wonderful Copenhagen. Petersen has been a vocal advocate for shifting tourism from consumption toward positive contribution, demonstrated by Copenhagen’s CopenPay initiative, which rewards visitors for sustainable actions.
“Tourism has the power to shape communities, landscapes and behaviour beyond traditional boundaries,” Petersen said. “I’ve come to the Southern Lakes region not just to share, but to be inspired. Queenstown’s alpine landscapes, its commitment to carbon-zero goals and the deep connection between people and place present a powerful opportunity for the future of destination stewardship.”
Spotlight on the Southern Lakes
Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, will speak on the region’s Destination Management Plan (DMP), including its ambitious goal for a carbon-zero visitor economy and local case studies.
“Queenstown is grappling with the same challenges many destinations elsewhere face—balancing visitation, community expectations and ecological impacts,” Woods said.
“Hosting an event like this helps us map how the tourism industry can evolve by sharing opportunities and learnings. We look forward to showing what’s possible here and learning from peers who are pushing boundaries globally.”
Shaping the next era of tourism
The Destination Think Forum 2025 will focus on moving tourism from sustaining to restoring the places it touches. Sessions will examine regenerative models, carbon reduction pathways, governance structures and community collaboration.
For Queenstown, the event offers a chance to highlight progress on its Destination Management Plan, strengthen international partnerships and further position the Southern Lakes as a model for tourism that creates lasting positive impact.
For more information about the Destination Think Collective, visit destinationthink.com/collective.
