Tourists to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (K’gari) and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities could soon immerse themselves in cultural experiences, guided hikes, and time travel to learn about ancient ways of life.

Important points:

  • The state government has sponsored a new industry group focused on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism
  • National and international interest in indigenous tourism is increasing
  • The group will focus on support, advocacy and strategic planning

With the establishment of a dedicated Aboriginal tourism association and the Torres Strait Islander in Queensland to meet the growing demand for indigenous tourism, numerous new experiences are on the agenda.

Queensland tourism industry officials have been touring the state, working with Aboriginal communities and the Torres Strait Islander from the Cape to Brisbane to promote unique experiences.

Starting indigenous tourism businesses has been difficult due to lack of capital, but the creation of the new industry association aims to remedy this.

Decade ahead of opportunity

Queensland Tourism Industry Council vice chairman and Quandamooka man Cameron Costello said the state has a unique opportunity to lead the country on cultural tourism offerings.

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“The cultural awakening in the tourism sector is an important part of the process,” said Costello.

“There has always been a desire for improved indigenous experiences, but more and more local tourists want to understand and learn the rich stories we have, the sense of place and identity.

“This is a tremendous opportunity and the world’s eyes will be on Queensland for the next 10 years and how we present the stories of our First Nations ahead of the possible Brisbane Olympics.”

Mr Costello said the group is halfway through its Queensland trip and a draft structure plan for the new industry association is on track, due by NAIDOC week in July.

“We visited Brisbane and Barcaldine, Longreach, Mossman and Cairns, and Hervey Bay and Bundaberg, which was amazing to speak to traditional owners, indigenous tourism companies, key stakeholders and local councils,” he said.

“Some tourism companies may be emerging businesses that need three year start-up assistance, some may require marketing assistance, and others may be dealing with key sector issues.”

Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation and tourism organizations meet in Hervey Bay for the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Indigenous Tourism Conference. (

Supplied to: Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation

)

Advocacy, assistance and planning

Martin Simons, general manager of Fraser Coast Tourism and Events, said there was a great opportunity to develop more Aboriginal tourism experiences in the area, particularly on Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world.

“I think it’s a good step in the right direction, but we’re just getting started. The Fraser Coast has a great opportunity to be the leader,” said Simons.

“Tourism is a business. You just can’t get into tourism and say, ‘I have this product’.

“One suggestion is to recruit and have indigenous peoples as part of the current produce so they learn and understand how tourism works, and then gain enough experience to do it themselves.”

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Mr Simons said the industry body would work with the Queensland Tourism and Events government agency and the independent Queensland Tourism Industry Council.

Employment opportunities

Mr Costello said with the support of the new entity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism could create more jobs, improve the indigenous economy and advance the path to reconciliation.

“There is a real thirst in our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to go on a journey of reconciliation together and tourism is one of the most important ways we can do that,” he said.

“This is a great way for Torres Strait Aboriginal and islanders to live in the countryside, work in the countryside, find work, share their stories, and set up the platforms for our children’s children.”

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