First Nations tourism leaders in Western Australian have seen the potential of Indigenous-led agritourism first-hand, after an eye-opening exchange program with Vanuatu.

The Pacific Island is trailblazing the way for other Indigenous communities, embedding Indigenous knowledge systems into regenerative agritourism experiences.

Indigenous youth representing the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), alongside Indigenous delegates from Regenerative Vanua and Native Nations, recently undertook a 10-day exploration of the Pacific Islands.

Seven young men and women from Aotearoa, and five from WA, journeyed by traditional canoe through the Penama Province of Vanuatu, stopping at the islands of Ambae, Maewo and Pentecost.

Vanuatu's efforts to promote agritourism are globally recognised, particularly its Regenerative Vanua initiative - an innovative agricultural tourism and gastronomy experience.

The Indigenous-led organisation has implemented the only global standard for regenerative agritourism and gastronomy, which emphasises traditional knowledge, land sovereignty, and cultural integrity.

Research programs are also helping smallholder farmers diversify into the sector, shifting from supplying hotels to becoming hosts themselves.

The establishment of the Vanuatu Agritourism Association and a dedicated agritourism office has bolstered coordination and capacity building, with training and mentoring for 27 agritourism enterprises across 18 islands, and awareness campaigns for more than 250 participants.

In March this year, a 'Farmer to Farmer' exchange in New South Wales saw Vanuatu farmers partner Bundjalung Traditional Owners and agritourism experts in hands on learning workshops, while initiatives such as the 'Farm-to-Table' workshops - which involved 12 farmers and 44 chefs – have helped create direct supply linkages.

WA delegate Izayah Mongoo, an engagement assistant at Gwoonwardu Mia in Carnarvon, was one of several delegates who island hosts shared their knowledge of traditional food practices and farming with.

Mr Mongoo said his immersion into the daily rituals of village life, from harvesting and planting crops, to catching and preparing food for communal mealtimes, was inspiring.

"I loved learning how the people prepared their food and worked for their food," Mr Mongoo said.

"Waking up in the morning and working for your food was a new thing for me."

Izayah now wants to create a community garden space in WA.

"I'd love to put some of the healthy diet practices in place here," he said.

WAITOC trip co-leader Thalia Rossi said she was impressed with the program's focus on intergenerational learning and healing, via authentic interactions with regenerative agritourism operators.

"We found it humbling to learn about their traditions, especially regarding food," Ms Rossi said.

She said genuine connections made were a profound and unforgettable part of the journey.

"The entire experience was a powerful lesson in resilience and highlighted that true cultural exchange goes beyond planned activities, and is found in navigating challenges, both external and internal," Ms Rossi said.