Some of the world’s leading voices in destination management, tourism leadership and sustainability are visiting Queenstown this week (October 6-10) for the Destination Think Forum 2025.

The forum will highlight the region’s leadership in regenerative tourism and put Queenstown and Wānaka at the centre of global conversations about the future of tourism, organisers say. 

“I’ve come to the Southern Lakes region not just to share, but to be inspired,” Wonderful Copenhagen marketing director Rikke Holm Petersen said.

“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.”

Attendees - including senior tourism delegates from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania - will explore how the area is reimagining its visitor economy and how lessons learned in here can help shape the next chapter of global tourism.

They will participate in panels, site visits, workshops and networking events focused on the theme of ‘Regeneration in Practice’. 

Rikke has been an advocate for transforming tourism from consumption toward positive contribution, as demonstrated by Copenhagen’s CopenPay initiative, which rewards visitors for sustainable actions.

She said she believes tourism has the power to shape communities, landscapes and behaviour beyond traditional boundaries. 

Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism chief executive Mat Woods, who will be a guest speaker at the event, said the area is “grappling with the same challenges many destinations elsewhere face, balancing visitation, community expectations and ecological impacts”. 

“Hosting an event like this helps us to lay out how we can evolve across the tourism industry by sharing opportunities and learnings. We look forward to showing what’s possible here and learning from peers who are pushing boundaries globally.”

Mat will talk about the region’s Destination Management Plan (DMP), including its ambitious goal for a carbon zero visitor economy, as well as local case-studies.

In addition to looking at regenerative models, the Destination Think Forum 2025 sessions will explore carbon reduction pathways, governance structures, and community collaboration. 

PHOTO: Wānaka App