The demand for Indigenous tourism experiences has certainly not diminished and has increased. This provides the opportunity to develop more businesses and become involved in the tourism industry and meet market demand. The challenge is for WAITOC to be able to continue to promote the experiences available especially to key markets such as Europe and North America. But like many associations, WAITOC faces various challenges to maintain its credibility as the lead agency in representing Indigenous Tourism in WA. As an Association we keep focussed on our goals and retain our cultural integrity and authenticity through the following business activities:
Some of the challenges and opportunities identified by WAITOC are:
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A need for an Indigenous Tourism Small Capital Grant Scheme. It is acknowledged that accessing funding for tourism ventures, both in mainstream as well as Indigenous tourism is a major issue
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Encouragement of the development of existing Indigenous tourism businesses, and the promotion of joint ventures between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses
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Encouragement of employment of Indigenous people by the wider tourism industry
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More detailed research to assist existing and new Indigenous tourism operators develop their product
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To raise awareness and participation levels with information technology and communication tools such as multimedia workstations for businesses in remote and regional areas
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The capacity of Aboriginal heritage and culture to deliver a unique and iconic event across Western Australia
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The capacity to present and interpret the state's major tourism attractions, that is its natural icons in a unique, market competitive manner, i.e. the spiritual and cultural interpretation
