NSW to Host Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2028 in Sydney

traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony

New South Wales will take centre stage in Australia's Indigenous tourism industry in 2028, with Sydney selected to host the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC) for the first time. The announcement marks an important opportunity to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism experiences and strengthen connections across the nation's visitor economy.

The conference will bring Aboriginal tourism operators, industry leaders, government representatives and tourism partners from around Australia to NSW for a national gathering focused on culture, collaboration and the future of Indigenous tourism.

Sydney Selected to Host AITC 2028

The announcement was made on 5 November 2026 at the conclusion of AITC 2026 in Perth. The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) formally selected New South Wales following a host destination process.

The 2028 event will be the 13th Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference and the first time it has been held in NSW. Destination NSW, the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency, will partner with WAITOC to plan and deliver the conference.

AITC is Australia's leading national Indigenous tourism conference. It provides an important meeting place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism businesses and the wider tourism industry to exchange knowledge, develop partnerships, showcase cultural experiences and identify new business opportunities.

Showcasing Aboriginal Tourism Across NSW

Hosting AITC 2028 will give NSW an opportunity to highlight the diversity and quality of Aboriginal-led tourism experiences available throughout Sydney and regional New South Wales.

From metropolitan cultural experiences to visitor attractions and tourism businesses in regional communities, Aboriginal tourism plays an important role in connecting visitors with the stories, heritage and living cultures of Australia's First Nations peoples.

WAITOC Chief Executive Officer Robert Taylor said bringing the conference to NSW for the first time was an exciting opportunity for the national Indigenous tourism sector. He highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for Aboriginal tourism businesses and strengthening relationships with government and the broader tourism industry.

Dwayne Bannon-Harrison, Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Council, also welcomed the announcement, describing it as an honour to host the conference on Gadigal Country and an opportunity to showcase the cultural experiences of the Traditional Custodians.

Supporting the Growth of Indigenous Tourism

beach near South Durras

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the NSW Government was committed to supporting Aboriginal tourism. He noted that 1.2 million visitors to NSW participated in an Aboriginal tourism experience during the previous year.

Aboriginal tourism is an important part of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which includes an ambition to grow visitor expenditure to $91 billion, create employment and support communities throughout the state.

The conference will also help strengthen the national profile of Aboriginal tourism operators and encourage greater collaboration across the industry.

A New Gateway for Visitors to NSW

The selection of Sydney comes at a significant time for the state's visitor economy. Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport opened in October 2026, adding another gateway for domestic and international travellers.

Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the airport is expected to strengthen access to Western Sydney and create further opportunities for tourism and business events across NSW.

Sydney's international connections, established conference facilities and position as a gateway to regional destinations were important features of the state's successful bid.

More Details to Come for AITC 2028

Destination NSW will work with WAITOC, the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Council and Aboriginal tourism operators to develop the conference and identify opportunities to showcase Aboriginal-led visitor experiences.

The dates, venue and full conference program will be announced in due course.

For tourism businesses, industry professionals and visitors interested in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, AITC 2028 promises to be an important national event celebrating Indigenous tourism, supporting Aboriginal businesses and building stronger connections across Australia's tourism industry.

Contact and Further Information

Destination NSW
Website: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/

Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC)
Website: https://www.waitoc.com/

Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference
Further information about AITC 2028 dates, venue and program is expected to be announced.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/