Bob Kucera

Bob Kucera

Former Minister for Disability Services; Sport and Recreation; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests; Seniors

    Call for comment on Aboriginal tourism marketing strategy

    30/06/2004 9:30 AM
     
    30/6/04

    Indigenous tourism in Western Australia is going from strength to strength as a majority of overseas tourists seek to experience the Aboriginal culture as part of their WA visit.

    To help develop this tourist sector, Tourism Minister Bob Kucera today released the Aboriginal Tourism Marketing Strategy for Western Australia discussion paper.

    “There is huge potential in this fast growing tourism sector and this discussion paper will help to identify the best way forward,” Mr Kucera said.

    “There are already more than 100 Aboriginal owned and operated businesses in the tourism industry and release of the discussion paper is timely given National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee week starts on Sunday.

    “The main focus of the strategy is getting export-ready Aboriginal tourism product into the market.

    “Eighty per cent of tourists coming to Australia are looking for a unique cultural experience and WA is well placed to showcase its indigenous culture.”

    The Minister said the strategy sought to establish an experienced industry base that could then support the next tier of Aboriginal tourism product.

    He said the challenge was to build a self-supporting industry that was economically and socially sustainable.

    “The discussion paper also looks at training needs to help Aboriginal tourism operators work with mainstream tourism marketers, wholesalers and the media,” Mr Kucera said.

    “It also canvasses the idea of a mentoring program to provide encouragement and assistance to operators not quite ready for the export market.

    “WA has a great indigenous tourism advantage with the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Committee (WAITOC) already delivering on-the-ground leadership and providing a model for other States and Territories.

    “A leading indigenous tourism operator and WAITOC member, Karen Jacobs of Kwillana Dreaming Aboriginal Tour Company, was recently appointed to the board of Tourism Australia, the national tourism body.

    “It is important that all indigenous tourism stakeholders have a say on the development of this very important sector.”

    The discussion paper is available at http://westernaustralia.com/en/industry/aboriginal+tourism+strategy or the Western Australian Tourism Commission on (08) 92201700.

    Comment is invited until July 30, 2004, after which feedback will be incorporated into a draft strategy.

    Comments should be addressed to Elizabeth Smith at the Western Australian Tourism Commission, 16 St George’s Terrace, Perth WA 6000, faxed to (08) 9220 1787 or emailed to elizabeth.smith@westernaustralia.com

    Minister's office: 9213 7000