Supporting industry and building capability

Supporting local businesses to build capability is at the heart of creating a regenerative tourism future in Queenstown and Wānaka. Now in it’s third year the Member Capability programme provides resources, workshops, and insights that help businesses strengthen resilience, innovate sustainably, and prepare for the transition towards a regenerative visitor economy by 2030.

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Why capability building matters

Tourism businesses in the Queenstown Lakes district operate in one of the most competitive and rapidly changing environments in Aotearoa. The Destination Management Plan (DMP) highlights that building capability is central to ensuring a resilient, future-focused industry that supports and gives back to both people and place.

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Strengthening skills in areas such as marketing, leadership, sustainability, customer service, and inclusivity equips businesses to adapt to shifting markets while also aligning with the region’s carbon zero and regenerative goals. For many operators, the transition to regenerative and sustainable practices may feel challenging. Yet by investing in capability now, businesses not only reduce costs, mitigate risks and increase staff satisfaction and customer experience, but also position themselves as leaders in business and sustainability.

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The Member Hub: central platform for support

Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism Member Hub, is designed as go-to platforms for capability support. These hubs consolidates resources, training, and insights in one accessible space, tailored for the needs of member businesses across the district.

Through the hub, members can access:

• Capability resources on marketing and business development, social responsibility including accessibility and inclusion, environmental responsibility including waste minimisation, carbon measurement and reduction, and biodiversity and conservation.
• A full calendar of industry events, from regenerative tourism workshops to conventional marketing seminars.
• Comprehensive data and insights platforms, providing visitor economy dashboards, forward outlook reports, and research updates.
• Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism strategic plans, reports, and quarterly updates, ensuring transparency and alignment  with the wider Destination Management Plan.

The Member Hub is regularly updated and supported by dedicated monthly communications channels. This ensures that businesses remain connected, informed, and equipped with the tools to build resilience and move towards regenerative practice.

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Events and workshops shaping change

Capability building is not limited to digital resources. A full programme of events is underway, designed in direct response to member feedback. Over 100 businesses contributed to shaping the programme, identifying the areas of greatest need.

Workshops explore a wide range of topics, from practical carbon measurement and waste minimisation to accessible tourism and emergency preparedness, to marketing upskilling and leveraging generative AI tools. Expert speakers guide sessions that balance conventional business skills with the knowledge needed to operate regeneratively.

These events provide space for collaboration and peer learning, connecting businesses across the region to share solutions, challenges, and innovations.

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Building resilience for the future

This workstream directly supports every aspect of the Destination Management Plan. It supports Pillar 3 goals of building economic resilience and productivity, while also linking to Pillar 2 projects on decarbonisation and waste reduction, and Pillar 1 projects on inclusivity, welcoming communities, cultural respect, and community connection.

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Every business that engages with the Member Hub's resources and events and applies what they learn in their business operations helps move the district closer to its regenerative vision for 2030. Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism members are encouraged to explore the platforms, attend workshops, and share feedback on what capability support matters most. Reach out to member services if you have any questions or would like learn more about or access the member hubs.

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If you have any questions, feedback, or comments, please reach out through the contact form.