New funding agreement to boost Aboriginal tourism in WA
Aboriginal cultural experiences throughout WA will see a significant funding increase following a partnership agreement between WA Government and the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC).
A four-year funding contract worth $4.32 million has been signed to support WAITOC’s implementation of the Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025.
This funding is on top of Tourism WA’s base funding with WAITOC of $3.6 million, bringing the total funding commitment over the next four years to $7.92 million.
WAITOC is the peak strategy group for promoting and developing Aboriginal tours and experiences in WA, supporting more than 150 businesses.
The Jina Plan was developed by Tourism WA in partnership with WAITOC and other government agencies to build the capacity for Aboriginal people to enter the tourism sector and facilitate the development of Aboriginal cultural experiences to meet the growing demand from visitors.
The new funding agreement will support key WAITOC deliverables of the Jina Plan, including delivery of the Aboriginal Tourism Academy, installation of new Aboriginal Art Welcomes at Visitor Centres, and development of a Welcome to Country database.
To find out more about the Jina Plan, click here.
“Behind the incredible landscapes and backdrops throughout Western Australia is an incredible history and cultural story – a part of Western Australia that many tourists don’t see,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Tony Buti.
“As the traditional custodians of the land, with an intrinsic link to country, there are deeply rich cultures to share and many stories to tell.
“This funding agreement will help Aboriginal tourism become a more central part of the visitor experience, as it deserves to be.”