AusLeisure

The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators’ Council (WAITOC) in partnership with the Queensland Government is bringing the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC2022) to Cairns from 16th - 18th June 2022 held at The Pullman.

The 2022 conference theme is ‘The Time is Now - Let’s Ignite’. This theme will focus on key areas of Aboriginal tourism being Youth, Environment, Culture, and the Business of Tourism. The conference aims to bring together those working in indigenous tourism to engage with one another and discuss future prospects, current challenges and opportunities within the sector.

With many changes happening in the four years since the last iteration of the event, along with the changing landscape of tourism in general since the Covid-19 pandemic, the AITC are looking to use this moment in time to leverage increasing domestic interest while welcoming back international tourists.

Robert Taylor, WAITOC Chief Executive advises “this is a significant opportunity for Aboriginal tourism operators from across Australia to share their stories and showcase their tourism businesses while spending time in one of Australia’s most iconic tourism destinations.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the 2022 AITC was a terrific opportunity for collaboration and noted “demand for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences is growing. During the pandemic, Queensland invested $10 million in new Indigenous tourist infrastructure to create jobs and deliver new world-class visitor experiences for tourism’s international recovery.

“As we start a golden decade of opportunity ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, First Nations culture and customs will be critical to telling Queensland’s story to an international audience.

“With around 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism businesses based in North Queensland, Cairns is the perfect place to share ideas and experiences.”

Assistant Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the conference would support local tourism operators.

“From accommodation, transport and tour providers to hotels, restaurants and cafes, we know conferences and conventions are big contributors to the Cairns visitor economy,” Minister Healy said.

“The 2022 AITC conference is a great opportunity to highlight Far North Queensland’s best cultural tourism experiences.

“Queensland is home to the two of the world’s oldest living Indigenous cultures.

“So, whether it’s the new jetty and arts precinct at Yarrabah, the upgrade of the Talaroo Hot Springs, or the new Gidji café at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Queensland is backing First Nations tourism.”

With ongoing lockdowns and closed borders, the excitement of celebrating 2020 and 2021 as The Year of Indigenous Tourism got lost in the chaos. So, this year’s conference is looking to kick-start the conversation again, create excitement and enthusiasm in the industry that in 2022 and beyond every year will be a year of indigenous tourism.

Early bird registrations are now available. To find out more visit: www.aitc2022.com.au

Related Articles

4th August 2021 - WAITOC Aboriginal Tourism Academy continues to receive support from City of Perth

27th April 2022 - North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre renamed to respect Indigenous history

22nd April 2022 - ATTA looks at challenges and Opportunities in Community-Based and Indigenous Tourism in Australia and New Zealand

23rd March 2022 - Indigenous food and culture festival to be staged across Kakadu National Park

10th March 2022 - National Museum partnership to deliver world premiere multi-sensory Indigenous art experience

9th November 2021 - Cairns Indigenous Art Fair showcases First Nations creativity

5th October 2021 - Indigenous Business Month in Toowoomba spotlights opportunities ahead of Brisbane 2032 Olympics

31st August 2021 - COVID-19 outbreaks cause cancellation of 2021 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles

22nd August 2021 - Kakadu Bird Week celebrates nature and Indigenous culture

9th July 2021 - Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2021 captures culture of First Nation Peoples

26th February 2021 - $40 million funding support announced for Indigenous Tourism

24th February 2021 - Queensland’s Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger program expands

6th February 2021 - Rise in insurance premiums impacts Indigenous rangers’ bushfire prevention work in Western Australia’s Kimberley

13th August 2020 - Indigenous tourism hit hard by Coronavirus crisis

13th February 2020 - Indigenous tourism in Cairns to receive new funding

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.