The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) has announced a win for local indigenous tourism operators impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic after it helped secure a federal government commitment for a $40 million business and grants package into the Indigenous Tourism Fund.
WAITOC CEO Robert Taylor, who helped negotiate the funding arrangement on behalf of Aboriginal tourist businesses across Western Australia said the funds presented a welcome opportunity at a time of unprecedented uncertainty in the tourism sector.
“Aboriginal tourism opportunities in Western Australia have grown significantly over the past six years and its critical we find ways to keep them buoyant and expanding throughout the effects of this pandemic period.”
“I hope this significant boost to Australia’s indigenous tourism industry will encourage the state government to look further at initiatives for local tour operators,” Mr Taylor said.