The 2017 ATPDI Perth pilot was sponsored by Tourism WA, the City of Perth and WAITOC and it assisted four Aboriginal tourism enterprises in the metropolitan area, two of which are based within the City of Perth.
CEO Martin Mileham said the pilot was highly successful, with all four businesses now fully accredited tourism businesses.
“The pilot gave a great insight into the Aboriginal tourism sector, including issues and needs which allows for future planning and workforce development within the City of Perth,” Mr Mileham said.
“The businesses have now increased their operational capacity and service levels to deliver quality, export ready Aboriginal tourism services and products.”
Mr Mileham said the sponsorship aligned perfectly with priorities in the City’s Strategic Community Plan 2029 – one of the goals was for Perth city to celebrate its diverse cultural identity – and the recently adopted Reconciliation Action Plan.
“The RAP focuses on creating sustainable business and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people and provides visitors to Perth with the opportunity to participate in a unique cultural experience,” Mr Mileham said.
WAITOC CEO Robert Taylor said increased support from the City for the initiative would strengthen sector development to deliver authentic Aboriginal tourism experiences in the inner-city.
“Research shows that only one fifth of visitors participate in Aboriginal culture experiences while on holiday in WA, whereas about two thirds would be interested if the experiences were readily available,” Mr Taylor said.
“The new partnerships as part of the ATPDI will be instrumental in helping to reduce these substantial supply and demand gaps.”
WAITOC recently announced a partnership with Indigenous Business Australia to launch a Business Support Program aiming to foster growth and expansion of a range of authentic Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences throughout Western Australia.
Issued by: Caitlin Tiller, Corporate Communications Officer, Strategic Projects, 0437 814 514, Caitlin.tiller@cityofperth.wa.gov.au