Michael Betteridge

I believe tourism can be a powerful force for cultural strength, healing, economic independence and reconciliation when Indigenous communities have genuine control over how their stories are shared. As a proud First Nations man with family connections through the Gamilaraay lands around the Pilliga and Murri country in South West Queensland, I have seen both the opportunities and risks that come with presenting culture through tourism. Those experiences have shaped my career and deepened my commitment to supporting communities to share culture on their own terms.

My career in travel and tourism spans almost three decades, including executive leadership roles across airlines, hotels, retail travel and tourism. In recent years, I have complemented this experience with non-executive board roles focused on creating positive social, cultural and economic outcomes.

Through my own journey of identity and connection, I came to recognise that while interest in First Nations culture continues to grow, many communities still face barriers to participating in tourism in ways that protect cultural integrity and deliver lasting community benefit. This realisation became a turning point, inspiring me to focus on how tourism can better serve Indigenous aspirations.

Today, as Chief Commercial & Operations Officer at Travel the World Group, Deputy Chair of Destination Country & Outback NSW, and a Board Member of Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation, I work across industry, community and government to strengthen First Nations tourism and support sustainable opportunities.

Through a Churchill Fellowship, I hope to learn from Indigenous-led tourism organisations internationally and help build a future where First Nations tourism in Australia is community-controlled, culturally strong, commercially successful, and a powerful vehicle for reconciliation, pride and self-determination.