The WA government and Tourism Western Australia have committed $5 million dollars per year over four years towards the development of Aboriginal tourism experiences to be delivered under Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2026-2030.
The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council - representing over 200 Aboriginal tourism businesses across the state - worked with Tourism WA and other agencies to develop the Plan, and will continue to collaborate on its delivery over four years.
Announced Thursday, Jina ('foot/footprint') aims to build the capacity for Aboriginal people to enter the sector and facilitate the development of Aboriginal cultural experiences to meet growing demand from visitors.
Announcing the Plan, WAITOC noted visitors have "long been captivated by Western Australia's vast, ancient landscapes and the stories of its First Nations Peoples, who are custodians of the world's oldest living culture spanning more than 60,000 years".
"As the world's longest-serving guides, Aboriginal people offer deep connections to Country, making it vital to continue expanding cultural tourism experiences across WA," the Council said.
The funding under Jina will enable WAITOC to continue its declared aim of supporting Aboriginal tourism operators, driving business growth, strengthening business capacity, and creating sustainable economic and social opportunities for Aboriginal communities.
WAITOC chief executive Robert Taylor said the Jina 2021-2025 program has already delivered strong outcomes for Aboriginal tourism businesses and the visitor economy.
"Jina has proven to be a highly successful program, supporting Aboriginal tourism operators to build capability, grow their businesses and share culture with domestic and international visitors in a meaningful way," Mr Taylor said.
"We are grateful for the continued investment from the State Government. This new funding to 2030 will allow us to build on that success and ensure Aboriginal tourism businesses across Western Australia are supported to thrive well into the future."
WAITOC Chair Darren 'Capes' Capewell said WAITOC has a "long and proven track record" of delivering outcomes for Aboriginal tourism operators in Western Australia.
"For over 24 years, WAITOC has been at the forefront of developing Aboriginal tourism businesses and promoting WA's cultural experiences on a global scale," Mr Capewell said.
"We have demonstrated our ability to deliver real results, supporting a growing Aboriginal tourism sector that now sustains hundreds of jobs across Western Australia and shows strong momentum, with most businesses planning to grow and employ more people. These outcomes are creating sustainable employment opportunities and long-term pathways for our communities."
WAITOC said the continued funding and delivery of Jina will "ensure ... Aboriginal voices remain at the forefront of the state's tourism developments".
