NSW ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOURISM ON SHOW FOR INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

From ancient songlines and Dreamtime stories to native bush medicines and foods, the richness and diversity of NSW Aboriginal cultural tourism was showcased this week as part of a workshop to support the sector’s continued growth.

More than 100 participants including Aboriginal tourism businesses, travel operators, hotels, regional tourism bodies and government organisations came together for a Destination NSW-led workshop from 14-15 November to build networks, share ideas and promote awareness of the State’s Aboriginal cultural tourism offerings.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency continues to work in partnership with Aboriginal tour operators, government and industry to increase the awareness of NSW as a destination where Aboriginal culture is strong, vibrant and diverse.

“The NSW Aboriginal Tourism Workshop Program is a valuable platform which supports the ongoing development of Aboriginal tourism products and experiences in NSW. It is one of our ongoing actions under the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan and is the sixth workshop we’ve held,” Ms Chipchase said.

“Indigenous tourism experiences are an important feature of NSW’s diverse tourism offering and are becoming increasingly sought after by both our domestic and international visitors. In the year ending June 2016, 354,000 domestic and international visitors participated in an Aboriginal cultural tourism experience – up 36 per cent on the previous year.”

Day one of the workshop provided an opportunity for Aboriginal tourism businesses to present their products to attendees in a trade-show style environment to help develop their presentation skills, before presenting to a broader industry audience on day two.

Workshop highlights included an Aboriginal cultural dinner and performance at Aunty Beryl’s bush tucker café in Victoria Park and the pop-up Blak Markets which showcased Aboriginal arts, crafts and culture.

Supported by Destination NSW, the workshop took place at the Novotel Sydney, Darling Harbour.

Click here for more information on Aboriginal cultural tourism products and experiences in Sydney and Regional NSW.

Image: Aboriginal rock art at Gundabooka National Park, Bourke