Major Boost for Aboriginal Tourism in Western Australia with Funding of $4.6 Million Over 4 Years
May 15, 2014 - WAITOC is very pleased with the announcement of $4.6 million over 4 years by the State Government for Aboriginal tourism product development in Western Australia. With over 70 Aboriginal tourism experiences offered in Western Australia, the increased funding will assist with the development of the Aboriginal tourism sector which is acknowledged as a key focus of the Western Australian tourism strategy. The strategy aims to double the value of the State's tourism industry to $12 billion by 2020.
Doc Reynolds, Chair of WAITOC commented that “the additional funding secured by Tourism WA through the Royalty for Regions program will go a long way to assist emerging and market ready products to achieve the standards required for experiences to be integrated into events and activities, thereby ensuring that the Experience Extraordinary brand highlights the unique Aboriginal attributes of this State.”
Simon Haigh, CEO of WAITOC said that “2014 and onwards is going to be an exciting time for Aboriginal tourism in WA. The additional funding secured by Tourism WA to create a new Aboriginal Tourism Development program will assist in supporting existing and new businesses and generate a significant number of new tourism jobs for Aboriginal people."
The new program will complement key projects that WAITOC is undertaking such as the Perth and South West Product Development project in partnership with the Commonwealth Government T-QUAL program as well as the pilot Workforce Development Aboriginal Tourism initiative in the West Kimberley.”
Mr Reynolds said that “WAITOC is looking forward to continue to work in partnership with government and industry to bring the Aboriginal tourism sector in Western Australia to the next level in offering more vibrant, authentic and culturally appropriate Aboriginal experiences.”
Acknowledged nationally and globally, WAITOC is the leading organisation in Australia which promotes authentic Aboriginal tourism experiences in WA for and by Aboriginal operators to the world. Established in 2002, WAITOC continues to grow with membership increasing by over 30% in the past six months alone.
Media Contact:
Mr Simon Haigh - CEO
+61 (0)419 921 946
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