New partnership a boost for First Nations tourism

Today the Albanese Labor Government is announcing 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 First Nations 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 which will provide guidance and strategic support to grow this critical sector.

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 understands the importance of First Nations tourism in Australia and has been investing to increase economic opportunities for First Nations people in this sector.

This includes the Indigenous Tourism Fund which is supporting First Nations 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.

Quotes attributable to Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism:

“First Nations tourism offers an important avenue for First Nations 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 national body, the future is very bright for First Nations tourism in Australia.

“We know that domestic and international visitors are increasingly seeking unique First Nations 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.”

Quotes attributable to Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians:

“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.

“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.

“The First Nations tourism sector has been calling for support to establish a national peak tourism body and the Albanese Government has listened.”