Govt support to grow Indigenous tourism sector

By PETER ROWE 

A Federal government partnership to support Indigenous people and businesses in the tourism industry will be tasked to investigate and establish a permanent First Nations national tourism peak body.

The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership, comprising First Nations tourism industry representatives from every State and Territory, will provide leadership and guidance on embedding Australia’s rich cultural heritage in our tourism offerings.

The Partnership will be funded for an initial two years through the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

“First Nations tourism offers an important avenue for First Nations people to stay on country, preserve their culture and knowledge while providing economic opportunities,” Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell said.

“We know that domestic and international visitors are increasingly seeking unique First Nations experiences as part of their travels.

“This presents great opportunities for First Nations tourism and job creation in Australia’s regions and First Nations communities.”

First Nations industry representatives co-designed the Partnership in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), Tourism Australia and State and Territory governments.

The program will include grants, mentoring and co-investment in strategic projects.

The Minister’s office said the First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program was connecting businesses with skilled, experienced and culturally respectful tourism industry specialists who provide one-on-one guidance, advice and support.

These programs build on support provided by State and Territory governments, such as Tourism Northern Territory’s Aboriginal Tourism Development Support Grant Program, which is co-funded by the Australian Government and helps to develop Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and tourism product.

“First Nations tourism provides opportunities to share the world’s oldest living culture with travellers from around the world, while empowering First Nations people through employment and business prospects,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“The First Nations tourism sector has been calling for support to establish a national peak tourism body and the Albanese Government has listened.”