Jingeri (Hello) to the Year of Indigenous Tourism on the Gold Coast

Gold Coast tourism operators embrace the Year of Indigenous Tourism in celebration of the region's First Nations experiences, rich cultural heritage and stories.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said there is more demand than ever for cultural tourism experiences in Queensland and on the Gold Coast.

“The Gold Coast is home to a 60-thousand-year-old ancient indigenous culture and some of the nation's best storytellers,” Ms Battista said.

“With more indigenous people residing in south-east Queensland than Victoria and Tasmania combined, the Gold Coast has an opportunity to elevate its indigenous tourism offering.

“International and domestic visitors are seeking more purposeful and authentic travel experiences and with more funding and sector development the Gold Coast is well placed to deliver this.

“Destination Gold Coast's research shows that more than two million Australian overnight travellers rank indigenous cultural experiences as one of their most loved activities when holidaying.

“High-spending travellers are also 31 per cent more likely to be interested in indigenous or Aboriginal culture than the average traveller.

“As a destination with a strong indigenous foundation, our sector can continue to learn from our First Nations peoples who proudly practice and preserve their rich heritage.”

In consultation with stakeholders, Destination Gold Coast has committed up to $50,000 to support an Indigenous Experience Development Program.

Ms Battista said indigenous tourism would greatly benefit from more funding, sector development and strong co-collaboration with indigenous leaders.

“There is immense potential to expand our indigenous tourism offering through the introduction of more quality products and programs.

“Together we can underwrite and ensure a more robust tourism offering for years to come to support a sustainable economic driver.”

Destination Gold Coast celebrated the Year of Indigenous Tourism with Gold Coast's tourism operators at David Fleay Wildlife Park. Indigenous tourism members represented include:
• Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
• Spirit of the Red Sands
• Dreamworld Corroboree
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• David Fleay Wildlife Park
• Bush Tucker at Tropical Fruit World
• Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance
• Yugambeh Museum Language & Heritage Research Centre

Website: www.DestinationGoldCoast.com

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