Tourism Whitsundays Inducted to Global Destination Alliance

Tourism Whitsundays Inducted to Global Alliance of Destinations Transforming the Future of Tourism

MEDIA RELEASE - 18 FEBRUARY 2026

Tourism Whitsundays has officially joined the Destination Think Collective, a peer group of ambitious, forward-thinking travel leaders who are committed to using travel to make a better world. This global network of destinations is leading the charge toward a sustainable future by implementing and promoting the best solutions.

The Collective unites dozens of ambitious destinations worldwide, including Auckland, Banff, Copenhagen, Queenstown, Hawai’I and Aruba. Member destinations believe that when the tourism industry evolves to meet the challenges of our time, it can become one of the world’s greatest forces for good. For The Whitsundays, joining this movement reflects a steadfast commitment to stewarding the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef for the benefit of all, for generations to come.

“This is about shared responsibility,” said Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays. “By joining the Collective, we’re not only committing to safeguard what we love, but also gaining access to a global community where we can learn from the best and accelerate our efforts to steward this region, its ecosystems and its communities.”

The Collective strives to build a tourism industry that supports and benefits everyone in local communities, while protecting the planet and creating a resilient economy. A core belief of the group is that travel uniquely enables people to experience sustainability solutions firsthand, inspiring them to embrace change. Visitors return home transformed, carrying new ideas and a deeper sense of responsibility that can turn into positive action within their communities.

As stewards of the Great Barrier Reef, many people across the Whitsundays are already setting a high standard for environmental care. The efforts of citizen science projects and mindful tourism operators make this region an inspiration for stewardship-minded destinations worldwide. By joining the Collective, Tourism Whitsundays can share its leadership, inspire travellers seeking meaningful, responsible experiences and help protect our planet and communities.

“Tourism is both vulnerable to climate and social disruption—and uniquely powerful in helping solve it,” said Rodney Payne, CEO of Destination Think, the organisation facilitating The Collective. “We’re excited to welcome Tourism Whitsundays to The Collective, where they can be a vocal advocate for tourism-led solutions that redefine meaning and purpose in how visitors explore the world.”

About Tourism Whitsundays
Tourism Whitsundays (TW) is the organisation responsible for destination marketing and visitor attraction for the Whitsunday region. It is the lead agency recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland and the Whitsunday Regional Council to lead the promotion of the region as a tourism destination. Tourism Whitsundays markets all aspects of the region including the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Coast, accommodation, boating and sailing, fishing, touring, recreational activities, adventure, dining, shopping, weddings and honeymoons, conferencing and business events.

About The Collective
The Destination Think Collective is a global alliance of destinations dedicated to transforming tourism into a catalyst for community wellbeing, climate action, and cultural respect. Facilitated by Destination Think, its members collaborate through shared learning and advocacy to lead by example, demonstrating how travel can regenerate the planet and communities.

Acess the Whitsundays Media Gallery here.

About Tourism Whitsundays: Tourism Whitsundays (TW) is the organisation responsible for destination marketing and visitor attraction for the Whitsunday region. It is the lead agency recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland and the Whitsunday Regional Council to lead the promotion of the region as a tourism destination. Tourism Whitsundays markets all aspects of the region including the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Coast, accommodation, boating and sailing, fishing, touring, recreational activities, adventure, dining, shopping, weddings and honeymoons, conferencing and business events.

About The Collective
The Destination Think Collective is a global alliance of destinations dedicated to transforming tourism into a catalyst for community wellbeing, climate action, and cultural respect. Facilitated by Destination Think, its members collaborate through shared learning and advocacy to lead by example, demonstrating how travel can regenerate the planet and communities.