A national First Nations tourism body is set to be established to ensure First Nations businesses and people are best placed to benefit from the growing sector.
Indigenous tourism leaders from across Australia gathered recently in Sydney for the inaugural meeting of the First Nations visitor economy partnership, agreeing to its terms of reference and discussing priorities for work.
The meeting represented a key milestone in the federal government's support for increased First Nations participation in the tourism industry, and followed a robust few years for the Indigenous tourism sector.
Demand from tourists in Australia to experience First Nations culture is greater than ever before.
Austrade's Tourism Research Australia found there were three million trips that included First Nations tourism activities in 2023–24, the highest number on record, while interest from international visitors is also at record highs.
Members of the partnership appointed Nhanda Yamaji man Robert Taylor as chair, and Cameron Costello, a Quandamooka man from Moreton Bay, as deputy chair.
Mr Taylor is CEO of the Western Australia Indigenous Tourism Operators Council, and Mr Costello the chair of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Council.
"This partnership is about bringing First Nations tourism from around Australia together," Mr Taylor said.
He said many Indigenous Australians' voices would be heard with the establishment of the new body.
"What's exciting is the interest we're seeing from the broader tourism industry to learn about Aboriginal culture, and how they can be involved," Mr Taylor said.
"This partnership will enhance the opportunities to grow First Nations tourism in Australia."
Priority objectives for the new partnership included establishing a permanent national First Nations tourism body; providing advice to federal government policies and programs; representing the First Nations tourism sector at national activities and forums and sharing key information with Indigenous tourism businesses and stakeholders.
Collaborating with other national and international First Nations bodies, including DFAT's First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group, was also high on the agenda.
Federal tourism minister Don Farrell said Mr Taylor and Mr Costello brought significant expertise in First Nations tourism and real enthusiasm to collaborate nationally and grow the industry, and with it improve economic opportunities and outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
"Australia is home to the oldest continuous culture on earth, and we want all visitors to this brilliant country to be able to share in First Nations experiences," the minister said.
"The inaugural meeting brought First Nations tourism leaders from around Australia together, to begin discussing priorities for work.
"It is a key step towards increasing opportunities for First Nations people, and showcasing Australia's wonderful First Nations cultures to visitors from near and far."
Minister Farrell said the partnership – funded through the Federal Government's Indigenous Advancement Strategy – showed its commitment to supporting First Nations job creation and empowerment across the country.
"I look forward to more Indigenous tourism businesses showcasing Australia's wonderful First Nations cultures to visitors near and far," he said.