Aboriginal tourism in for a boost after WAITOC secures State Government funding under Jina Plan

The peak body for Aboriginal tourism in Australia is set to deliver expanded authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences to more West Australian tourists after receiving a significant government cash injection. The WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council has secured an additional $4.32 million from the State Government and Tourism Western Australia towards the development of authentic Aboriginal tourism experiences delivered under the Jina WA Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2015. The funding is on top of Tourism WA’s base funding with WAITOC of $3.6 million, bringing the total funding over the next four years to $7.92 million. The new funding will spearhead operations, product development, capacity building and marketing activation. WAITOC chief executive Robert Taylor said the funding will massively boost WA’s Aboriginal tourism experiences offered to visitors and position WA as a global leader for Aboriginal tourism. “We are really excited with partnering with Tourism WA, the WA government and other state government departments to develop brand new Aboriginal tourism offerings for visitors,” he said. WAITOC chairperson Doc Reynolds said more than 39 new Aboriginal tourism businesses and more than 100 new full-time employment opportunities have been delivered by WAITOC initiatives under the Aboriginal Tourism Development Program, proving WAITOC were capable of delivering projects and outcomes. More than 60 per cent of visitors seek to participate in Aboriginal tourism experiences and cultural activities.