NEW TOOLKIT LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT FIRST NATIONS ENGAGEMENT IN TOURISM

RACV City Club

Connecting Tourism with Culture in a New Way

A groundbreaking initiative is transforming how Australian tourism businesses engage with First Nations communities. The Connecting to Culture Toolkit, recently launched by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), offers a clear and practical pathway for non-First Nations tourism operators to build respectful, meaningful relationships with First Nations people and cultures across Australia.
A Practical Resource for Meaningful Engagement

Developed in partnership with the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) and its First Nations Reference Group, the toolkit is designed as an easy-to-use, online resource that supports businesses in their cultural engagement journey. With the backing of the Australian Government, it brings credibility and national significance to a much-needed cultural initiative.

Rather than being a static guide, the toolkit is an interactive tool for self-assessment and growth. Through a short, accessible questionnaire, tourism operators can evaluate their current engagement levels and receive personalised guidance. From here, they are directed to a library of community-endorsed resources tailored to their needs and aspirations.
What Businesses Gain from the Toolkit

The toolkit not only raises awareness but also provides tangible benefits to those in the tourism industry looking to take actionable steps toward cultural respect and reconciliation. These include:

• An honest reflection on how businesses currently interact with First Nations culture.
• Clear, practical steps to deepen engagement in culturally appropriate ways.
• Access to trusted, community-approved learning materials and tools.
• Stronger, more authentic relationships with First Nations people and organisations.

VTIC’s Acting Chief Executive Chris Porter described the initiative as a timely response to a growing demand for cultural awareness in tourism. “This is more than a guide – it’s a tool for action,” he said. “The Connecting to Culture Toolkit simplifies what can often feel like a complex space and offers a respectful entry point for tourism operators looking to make a genuine impact.”

Empowering Tourism to Play Its Part in Reconciliation

The Connecting to Culture Toolkit recognises the pivotal role tourism plays in shaping public understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture. By equipping businesses with the knowledge and resources needed to engage respectfully, the toolkit becomes a stepping stone toward reconciliation and cultural celebration.

Chris Porter summed it up best: “The tourism industry has an important role to play in reconciliation and cultural awareness. This toolkit gives businesses the tools they need to step forward with confidence and respect.”

To explore the Connecting to Culture Toolkit, click HERE.

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