A new industry partnership has been launched in Victoria to boost First Nations-led tourism.
On Wednesday, the state's Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Event, Steve Dimopoulos, announced the Quality First Peoples Tourism Business Program at the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Vision Summit at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The new $2.5 million initiative will "expand First Peoples cultural tourism, showcase the state's competitive edge and deliver meaningful, connected experiences for travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences", the Victorian government said.
The program is being delivered in partnership with VTIC and Kinaway, the Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce, who have co-designed workshops, mentoring and market-readiness support for existing and emerging First Peoples tourism businesses.
Kinaway's acting chief executive officer, Alex Martins, said the program "is about more than tourism - it's about self-determination in action".
"Supporting First Peoples businesses to lead and grow their own cultural tourism experiences is a practical step toward economic independence and Treaty in action," Mr Martins said.
"Through strengthening capability, improving market readiness and creating pathways into Victoria's $46 billion visitor economy, this investment ensures First Peoples entrepreneurs are well-positioned to scale, compete and lead in the growing global demand for authentic cultural experiences.
"When our communities control how culture is shared, we strengthen pride, truth-telling and long-term prosperity."
The initiative was established through community consultation and provides a platform for First Peoples communities to develop tourism products and experiences while offering visitors a chance to learn about traditional knowledge, culture and truth telling.
The state government said the new program reflects priorities in the Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan, which identifies First Peoples-led experiences as "a key pillar that the government will invest in to shape the future of the state's visitor economy", and builds on the First Peoples Tourism Plan for Victoria 2025-2030.
The Victorian government described the program as "an important step towards First Peoples self-determination and progress towards Treaty" which supports the government's Yuma Yirramboi (Invest in Tomorrow) Aboriginal economic development strategy.
Mr Dimopoulos said the program is a key measure in "strengthening and growing First Peoples‑led tourism across Victoria, creating new economic opportunities and supporting local businesses".
"We're proud to grow a thriving, sustainable First Peoples tourism sector that empowers community, shares Traditional knowledge and positions Victoria as a global leader in meaningful, authentic travel experiences," he said.
Victoria's Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Ros Spence, noted that "First Nations Victorians have stories, knowledge and culture that the world wants to experience".
"This program makes sure community is in control of how those stories are told," she said.
Expressions of interest open soon for the Quality First Peoples Tourism Business Program. More information is available at tourism.vic.gov.au.
