Published: 04 May 2021
New Aboriginal experiences will be developed in Western Australia, following the release of the Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan and supporting $20 million Aboriginal Tourism Fund.
Western Australia will become front of mind as the top Australian destination for authentic cultural experiences, through the implementation of the four-year plan.
Tourism WA acting managing director Derryn Belford said the agency has been working closely with the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), the Aboriginal tourism industry, and other government agencies to develop the four-year action plan for the industry.
“Aboriginal tourism is a rapidly growing sector of our industry in WA, with visitors keen to discover the stories and traditions of one of the oldest surviving cultures on Earth,” Derryn said.
“This plan will make sure people have more access to these authentic experiences, with the increased funding supporting their development into the future.”
Speaking at the WA Regional Tourism Conference in Geraldton today, Derryn said the agency is excited to be a part of the rollout of some great programs to assist the sector over the coming years, including new Aboriginal tourism experiences and Camping with Custodian campgrounds.
“Camping with Custodians is an Australian-first program that has already seen five high quality campgrounds developed on Aboriginal lands – all open to the public and operated by the community,” she said.
“These sites generate income, employment, training opportunities and are a chance to showcase local culture. We look forward to investigating the potential for more sites in the near future.
“This announcement will also support an increase in Aboriginal tourism experiences on the Dampier Peninsula, including an extension of the Camping with Custodians program.
“This will provide some great opportunities for Aboriginal communities to get involved in the tourism industry, and share their culture, knowledge and history,” Derryn said.
Download the Jina: The Western Australian Aboriginal Action Plan.