The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators’ Council Inc. (WAITOC) the peak industry body representing WA’s Aboriginal Tourism Operators, in partnership with the Queensland Government, is proud to present the 2022 Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC), to be held in tropical Cairns Queensland on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji land from 16 – 18 June 2022.
The 2022 conference theme is ‘The Time is Now - Let’s Ignite’. This theme will focus on key areas of Aboriginal tourism being Youth, Environment, Culture, and the Business of Tourism. The conference aims to bring together those working in indigenous tourism to engage with one another and discuss future prospects, current challenges and opportunities within the sector.
With many changes happening in the four years since the last iteration of the event, along with the changing landscape of tourism in general since the Covid-19 pandemic, the AITC are looking to use this moment in time to leverage increasing domestic interest while welcoming back international tourists.
“This is a significant opportunity for Aboriginal tourism operators from across Australia to share their stories and showcase their tourism businesses while spending time in one of Australia’s most iconic tourism destinations”, said Robert Taylor, CEO of WAITOC.
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the 2022 AITC was a terrific opportunity for collaboration.
“Demand for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences is growing,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“During the pandemic, Queensland invested $10 million in new Indigenous tourist infrastructure to create jobs and deliver new world-class visitor experiences for tourism’s international recovery.
“As we start a golden decade of opportunity ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, First Nations culture and customs will be critical to telling Queensland’s story to an international audience.
“With around 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism businesses based in North Queensland, Cairns is the perfect place to share ideas and experiences.”
Assistant Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the conference would support local tourism operators.
“From accommodation, transport and tour providers to hotels, restaurants and cafes, we know conferences and conventions are big contributors to the Cairns visitor economy,” Mr Healy said.
“The 2022 AITC conference is a great opportunity to highlight Far North Queensland’s best cultural tourism experiences.
“Queensland is home to the two of the world’s oldest living Indigenous cultures.
“So, whether it’s the new jetty and arts precinct at Yarrabah, the upgrade of the Talaroo Hot Springs, or the new Gidji café at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Queensland is backing First Nations tourism.”
With ongoing lockdowns and closed borders, the excitement of celebrating 2020 and 2021 as The Year of Indigenous Tourism got lost in the chaos. So, this year’s conference is looking to kick-start the conversation again, create excitement and enthusiasm in the industry that in 2022 and beyond every year will be a year of indigenous tourism.