The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership will see First Nations tourism representatives from all Australian states and territories guiding respectful integration of First Nations cultures into tourism offerings around the country.
The partnership will also work to create a peak body for First Nations tourism in Australia.
Funding for the partnership will come from National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy for an initial two-year period.
The partnership has been designed through collaboration between First Nations tourism representatives, Austrade, the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Tourism Australia and state and territory governments around the country.
“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,” said Indigenous Affairs Minister, Malarndirri McCarthy.
“The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership will advocate for the sector and support the growth of First Nations tourism businesses to provide unique experiences for domestic and international visitors, driving more economic activity in the regions and local communities.
“The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to working with First Nations people and in partnership with state and territory governments to advance self-determination and economic empowerment.”
Australia’s tourism minister, Don Farrell, also flagged the importance of Indigenous tourism as a means for sustaining First Nations cultures.
“First Nations tourism offers an important avenue for First Nations people to stay on country, preserve their culture and knowledge while providing economic opportunities,” said Farrell.
“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 national body, the future is very bright for First Nations tourism in Australia.”
