Expertise to drive First Nations tourism

The inaugural gathering of the First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership appointed Robert Taylor as chair of the organisation with Cameron Costello his deputy at its meeting in Sydney on March 18.

Both bring significant expertise in the First Nations tourism industry and real enthusiasm to collaborate nationally to grow the industry, and with it improve economic opportunities and outcomes for First Australians.

Mr Taylor is CEO of Western Australia Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) and a Nhanda and Yamaji man and Mr Costello is currently chair of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Council, with has 15-plus years experience in delivering Indigenous policies and programs.

The meeting brought First Nations tourism leaders from around Australia together, to agree the partnership’s terms of reference and begin discussing priorities for work.

Austrade’s Tourism Research Australia found there were three million trips that incorporated First Nations activities in 2023–24, the highest number on record.

The new partnership aims to ensure that First Nations businesses and people are best placed to benefit from this growing sector.

Priority objectives for the partnership include:

• Investigating, and establishing a permanent National First Nations Tourism Body;
• Providing input and advice on Australian government policies and programs;
• Representing the First Nations tourism sector at national activities and forums;
• Sharing information with First Nations tourism businesses and stakeholders;
• Engaging and collaborating with other national and international First Nations bodies –  including DFAT’s First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group.

“Australia is home to the oldest continuous culture on earth, and we want all visitors to this brilliant country to be able to share in First Nations experiences,” Trade Minister Don Farrell said.

“The inaugural meeting brought First Nations tourism leaders from around Australia together, to begin discussing priorities for work.”