Why is this important?
Over the past 10 years there has been significant development of the Aboriginal tourism industry throughout Australia. Aboriginal culture is often the main focus of Aboriginal tourism and features a wide range of activities such as heritage tours, arts and crafts, performing arts and nature based experiences.
Aboriginal involvement in tourism need not just be confined to cultural tourism. Aboriginal organisations are also co-investors with other tourism providers in accommodation and tours. Aboriginal people are also employed by many tourism and hospitality businesses.
Aboriginal cultural tourism is a win-win for councils and the community. It recognises and respects the continuing relationship of Aboriginal people to the land, provides economic returns to the Aboriginal and broader community and serves as a drawcard for visitors to the local area.
What can your council do?
Councils can work with Aboriginal communities and businesses to identify cultural tourism opportunities when developing local tourism plans.
The 2012 Victorian Local Government Aboriginal Engagement and Reconciliation Survey found that one-third of councils provided varying degrees of support support for Aboriginal cultural tourism, through the development and support of heritage and cultural tours and the inclusion of Aboriginal tourism in local promotions material.
Last Updated: April 12, 2021 at 1:52 pm
