NSW aboriginal tourism sector strengthened in 2014

NSW’s Aboriginal tourism sector performed well in 2014, driven by continued industry engagement, investment in cultural events, and delivery against the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan recommendations.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Troy Grant believes  considerable progress has been made in implementing the 26 recommended actions identified in the Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2013-2016.

Minister Grant explained by the end of 2014, 19 had been completed or are ongoing, four were in progress and three were in planning.

“From Sydney to regional NSW there is a wonderful variety of Aboriginal experiences on offer, from rock art tours to Aboriginal artworks in modern galleries, traditional dance and understanding how to source and prepare bush tucker, making the industry a fantastic one to promote locally and abroad.

“Indeed, Aboriginal tourism in NSW will be highlighted internationally at the G’DAY USA tourism summit in Los Angeles later this month, when our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW joins a panel discussion on the roles of art and culture in driving tourism.

“A key part of the strategy to grow the sector is to support Aboriginal events that attract visitation, such as Sydney’s Yabun Festival and the Saltwater Freshwater Festival in Coffs Harbour, which is now one of Destination NSW’s Regional Flagship Events, both being held this long weekend.

“The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, also continues to support Corroboree Sydney, Australia’s largest Indigenous arts and culture festival.

“Destination NSW’s participation in the Indigenous Tourism Group, established as part of the Commonwealth Government’s Tourism 2020 strategy, has resulted in a significant increase in the NSW Aboriginal experiences included in the national Indigenous Tourism Champions Program (ITCP).

“NSW industry participation in the ITCP has trebled, growing from five NSW participants in 2012, to 17 in 2014, giving operators access to business development resources, targeted funding and international and trade marketing expertise.

“There are so many wonderful Aboriginal experiences in Sydney and across Regional NSW, and I look forward to continuing to work with this sector to further build NSW’s reputation as a key destination for Indigenous tourism.”

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello said that research consistently showed the strong desire of international visitors to participate in Australian Indigenous cultural experiences during their time in NSW.

Minister Dominello added “data shows that Aboriginal events and experiences are increasingly attractive for visitors to NSW from interstate and overseas.

“In the year to September 2014, around 826,400 domestic visitors and nearly 600,000 international visitors experienced Aboriginal tourism products and services.”

For further information about the Aboriginal tourism sector in NSW, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au 

9th October 2014 - CORROBOREE SYDNEY INVITES CREATION AND CELEBRATION

12th September 2014 - NETWORKING EVENT SUPPORTS ABORIGINAL TOURISM EXPERIENCES 

9th March 2012 - TARONGA LAUNCHES NURA DIYA ABORIGINAL WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE 

11th August 2008 - LANDMARK AGREEMENT TO RESPECT OUR CULTURE