AUSTRALIA | First Nations tourism has become a major priority for the Australian Government, which has announced new partnerships throughout the industry.
The Albanese Labor Government has announced a historic new partnership to support greater participation and economic opportunities for First Nations people and businesses in Australia’s tourism industry.
The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership, comprising tourism industry representatives from every state and territory, will provide leadership and guidance on respectfully embedding Australia’s rich cultural heritage in our tourism offerings.
Importantly, the Partnership will be tasked with investigating and establishing a permanent First Nations national tourism peak body, providing guidance and strategic support to grow this critical sector.
Minister for Tourism, Senator Don Farrell, said that First Nations tourism has offered an important avenue for people to stay on country, preserve their culture and knowledge while providing economic opportunities.
“I recently had the privilege of attending the graduation of the National Indigenous Training Academy’s class of 2024 on Anangu country who expressed to me the importance of this industry and their excitement of sharing their culture with visitors. With graduates like these, alongside the support of this new natioal body, the future is very bright for First Nations tourism in Australia,” said Farrell.
“We know that domestic and international visitors are increasingly seeking unique 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.”
The Partnership will be funded for an initial two years through the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
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 Albanese Labor Government has understood the importance of First Nations tourism in Australia and has been investing to increase economic opportunities for First Nations people in this sector.
This has included the Indigenous Tourism Fund, which supports people in the travel and tourism industry through grants, mentoring, and co-investment in strategic projects.
The First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program is connecting businesses with skilled, experienced and culturally respectful tourism industry specialists who are providing 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.
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