A new First Nations partnership is opening doors for travellers

A new partnership between the Australian government and First Nations tourism representatives will benefit Aboriginal-owned businesses and visitors alike.

Cultural experiences are often a top priority for visitors travelling to and around Australia. And with over 250 Indigenous Nations within the country, there’s an incredible diversity and richness of Aboriginal culture to learn about and experience first-hand. Now, a new First Nations tourism partnership is set to champion Aboriginal tour operators and open doors for visitors to connect with Indigenous culture.

What is the First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership?

The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership is a collaboration between the Australian government and First Nations tourism representatives from every state. The partnership sees the establishment of an independent First Nations tourism body to provide leadership and guidance on Aboriginal tourism offerings.

When leading tours, Victor Cooper draws on his 25-plus-year tenure as one of Kakadu’s original park rangers. (Image: Tourism NT/Ayal Aboriginal Tours)

“The partnership is about working collaboratively to provide a unique, potentially life-changing experience for travellers that they’ll remember forever,” says Paul Ah Chee, a Yankunytatjara, Wankangurru and Arrernte man and director of NT Major Events. The partnership will focus on developing and promoting First Nations tourism products across Australia. “It will build on entities that already exist, providing more opportunities and support for First Nations tourism operators,” says Paul.

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How will it impact tourism in Australia?

Indigenous tourism is a strong part of the tourism economy, and demand for it is only growing. In fact, the Indigenous tourism sector is projected to contribute $67BN USD to the global economy by 2034, according to The World Travel & Tourism Council. The goal of the partnership is to distribute this demand across Australia, enriching communities and offering visitors a more diverse range of cultural experiences.

Guide Rosanna Angus of Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours won Top Tour Guide in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2023. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

 “[The tourism offerings] can be broadened out, says Paul. “In the NT, we’ve got a really functional Aboriginal tourism committee. Other states and territories are in a bit more of an infancy stage [in terms of the structures to support First Nations operators]. So the partnership can really provide broader and higher level advocacy for Aboriginal tourism on a national scale”.

Some examples of Aboriginal tours to have on your radar include: an art walk on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island with Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins; a tour of Garbalgu billabong in the NT with former Kakadu park ranger Victor Cooper of Ayal Aboriginal Tours; and a tour of WA’s Oolin Sunday Island with Rosanna Angus, winner of the Top Tour Guide in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2023.

Artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins showcases artwork at her shop. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

“We want visitors to not just stay in the capital cities, but spread out around Australia. That’s why we need to develop a lot more Aboriginal and First Nations products in remote and regional Australia,” Paul says. “We have the ingredients for a fantastic tourism experience, that only we can deliver as First Nations people”.