NSW ABORIGINAL TOURISM WORKSHOP KICKS OFF TODAY IN SYDNEY

A two day program developed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, will be held in Sydney today and tomorrow to help support Aboriginal tourism businesses across NSW through the provision of specialised workshops and training courses.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said this is the fourth NSW Aboriginal Tourism Workshop Program – an initiative of the Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan which was released by the NSW Government in August 2013.

“The NSW Aboriginal Tourism Workshop Program provides a valuable platform to support the ongoing development of Aboriginal tourism products and experiences which are a key component that make up the rich and diverse NSW tourism industry,” Mr Ayres said.

“In the year ending September 2014, NSW received over 1.4 million visitors who participated in an Aboriginal tourism activity. These visitors contributed to an estimated $2.4 billion in visitor expenditure to NSW.

“We remain focussed on supporting Aboriginal tourism products and experiences across the State and continue to encourage the participation of Indigenous Australians in the tourism industry,” Mr Ayres added.

Since the September 2014 workshop, a further two actions of the Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan have been completed, demonstrating over 80 per cent of the actions have already been completed or are ongoing.

One of the key activities since last year’s workshop includes the development of the NSW Aboriginal Tour Operators Council industry association (NATOC) three year business plan.

NATOC Acting Chair Margret Campbell said: “I envisage NATOC becoming a strong industry led voice for Aboriginal tourism in NSW.  NATOC will aim to partner with key stakeholders and trade to ensure authentic NSW Aboriginal tourism products are developed and marketed in a culturally acceptable manner.”

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the two day workshop is designed for NSW Aboriginal tourism operators and key industry stakeholders as well as representatives from Government agencies who have a focus on tourism development.

“Day one of the program will be dedicated to the NSW Aboriginal Tour Operators Council and will provide an opportunity to plan and develop the Industry Association Business Plan with day two consisting of development and networking activities open for Aboriginal tourism stakeholders,” Ms Chipchase said.

The fourth NSW Aboriginal Tourism Workshop Program will be held at Destination NSW today and at the Royal Botanic Gardens tomorrow.