First Nations tourism operators see international visitor boost with some reporting record figures
First Nations tourism operators in the Far North have reported a notable surge in international visitors, with one business hosting 520 guests in September alone.
First Nations tourism operators in the Far North have reported a notable surge in international visitors, with one business hosting 520 guests in September alone.
Operators gathered at the TNQ Indigenous Experiences Cluster Group meeting on Tuesday, sharing their improved visitor figures.
Group co-chair Dale Mundraby, operations manager of Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours, said since relaunching their business in 2022 as a part of the cluster group’s mentoring program, their visitor numbers had skyrocketed from a “handful” of guests to 520 in September alone for two of their tours.
“Working with partners is a fundamental stepping stone in attracting visitation,” Mr Mundraby said.
“The cluster group is another partnership where participants have the support of other Indigenous operators which is helping emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.”
“Having a place for conversation among our peers is crucial to survival.”
The cluster group is a collective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and operated businesses and organisations, supported by Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
It was established for members to collaborate with the ultimate goal of better promotion of culturally appropriate tourism experiences.
Co-Chair Juan Walker said sales for his business Walkabout Cultural Adventures had increased by 13 per cent over the past year and international visitation now made up more than 70 per cent of their market.
“We are already getting bookings for September and October next year, like we were achieving before Covid,” Mr Walker said.
“Queensland has the highest number of Indigenous-owned and led products on country and more and more people are interested in working in tourism to create a unique experience on the country where they come from.”
TTNQ chief executive Mark Olsen said seven Indigenous tourism products had been mentored within the cluster group over the past year.
“The Indigenous Experiences cluster has been invaluable in helping to grow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism,” Mr Olsen said.
He also said TTNQ’s Reconciliation Action Plan was officially accredited by Reconciliation Australia, “marking another milestone in the organisation’s work to elevate First Nations tourism”.
Originally published as First Nations tourism operators see international visitor boost with some reporting record figures
