WA's leading Indigenous tourism body has pitched a $40 million plan to the WA government to leverage business and social opportunities in the growing sector.

The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council outlined seven funding initiatives to enhance First Nations economic growth, youth empowerment and cultural preservation.

Ahead of a March 8 state election, WAITOC chief executive Rob Taylor told National Indigenous Times unprecedented interest in Indigenous tourism was opportune for additional funding from the state government.

He said several Indigenous tourism operators were ripe for expansion, with timing crucial to leverage economic and social outcomes across WA.

"Aboriginal tourism is more than an industry; it bridges cultures and promotes understanding, while empowering youth to embrace their heritage and explore careers in tourism," Mr Taylor said.

"It inspires pride and offers opportunities for Aboriginal communities to share their heritage, while creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods."

Aboriginal tourism contributed $63.8m to WA's gross state product in 2023-24, a soaring increase on previous years, latest figures showed.

"It is more than an economic driver, Mr Taylor said.

WAITOC highlighted tourism operator Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours as an example of a business primed for growth but hampered by capacity building.

Run by proud Bardi Jawi woman Rosanna Angus, on her family's ancestral lands of Sunday Island along the Dampier Peninsula coast north of Broome, the tours give participants a feel for what her life was like growing up among the Bardi Jawi Saltwater People, with insights to her peoples' rich history and vibrant culture.

Ms Angus' unique tours give a rare glimpse of cultural life there, and are regularly booked out.

The tourism operator told NIT recently she'd love to expand and meet growing demand for her tours.

"At the moment, my boat can only take so many people, so I'm limited by that, plus there's all the logistical stuff at the backend you have to manage," Ms Angus said.

She had undertaken business and other courses in the hope of securing vital funding to grow Oolin, and show more people the beauty and traditions of life in her saltwater Country.

"Being a sole operator is tough for Indigenous tourism businesses," she said, noting support from fellow operators like Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm had helped her grow.

Aboriginal tourism currently supported 516 full-time jobs, but WAITOC's election plan believed additional funding would create up to 2000 more, through a range of initiatives, including:

- building state-of-the-art training and capacity facilities.

- developing the Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator and Business Support Hub Programs.

- eco-tourism certification and initiatives.

- digital marketing and IT training for operators.

- accessing grants, and encouraging community engagement with major tourism projects.

Mr Taylor said WAITOC's $40m investment pitch extended economic benefits.

"By investing $40m in this plan, the government can ensure robust support for initiatives that empower Aboriginal youth," he said.

"These would allow them to actively participate in preserving and promoting their culture, while benefiting economically and socially.

"This $40m funding is crucial to fostering a resilient and vibrant Aboriginal tourism industry that drives economic growth, enriches the community, and safeguards cultural heritage for future generations."

View WAITOC's 2025 WA Way Ahead in Aboriginal Tourism plan online.