Key Outcomes for Tourism
Session Ten
Tourism Forum Outcomes: Moving forward
Aden Ridgeway discussed the role that Indigenous people played in the development of the tourism industry in the last few years, especially in Kakadu. While the numbers of visitors have increased considerably, Indigenous communities have only played a very limited role. Other noteworthy areas were communication, marketing and ways of letting the public know what is available and the promotion of local businesses run by Indigenous communities or individuals. The tourist industry has only just started to develop in Arnhem Land and the case of Timmy Burarrwaŋa showed how difficult it was for an Indigenous person to establish a tourism business. Other key issues identified were Park management, Indigenous protected areas and the role of traditional owners as well as ranger program issues relating to resources and infrastructure and the role of national heritage programs. There was widespread agreement on the need to preserve Indigenous knowledge and engage and include traditional owners in future land management and the development of the Indigenous tourism industry.
John Morse said that Garma is Indigenous tourism at its best, sharing stories, culture and country. It iwas a privilege to be here and all present had learned much. The unity and the harmony were strong. Everyone at Garma had a responsibility to return home, sharing the Garma spirit, not with moderation, but with passion, enthusiasm and commitment The tourism workshops were interesting, informative and inspiring and there were laughter, tears of compassion, great discussion and, most of all, learning.The most important outcome was the difference between this year and last year, where one workshop was run with only a couple of Aboriginal people in attendance. This year every workshop had Aboriginal people presenting as well as attending. This is a positive and welcome sign. Tourism is big business in Australia, worth over $73 billion to the economy and employing over 800,000 people. While images of Aboriginal art and culture were used for many years to promote Australia, the Aboriginal people saw very little benefit from this activity. This needs to and will change as people see the possible benefits from tourism of economic independence, social gains and employment for young Aboriginal kids and reconciliation. It also needs o be recognised that tourism is not for everyone, and every community, and is a long-term proposition. There is significant interest in countries like Germany, the United States, France, Belgium and United Kingdom to help build a sustainable industry. However there is a great need to convince non-Aboriginal Australia of the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal culture, and this is a real challenge. It requires leadership, promotion and resources –we simply cannot wait another 10 years, as it will be too late. There are positive signs- the Northern Territory Government through the Tourist Commission are making a serious commitment to work with Aboriginal communities to develop tourism as is Tourism Australia and the other state tourism bodies. Aden Ridgeway’s appointment by the federal government as Chairman of the newly formed Indigenous Tourism Australia is an important step forward. There has been too much talking, too much humbug, too many meetings, and too few successful Aboriginal tourism businesses since the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Industry Strategy (NATSITIS) report was released in 1997and little has changed. The key issues facing indigenous tourism are:
- Funding and access to finance;
- Skill development;
- Aboriginal people are usually asked to conform to a white system that is alien and often causes confusion and cynicism;
- There are too few people involved, thus forcing the responsibility on to a small group of dedicated people;
- Land tenure and potential to raid capital on native title land;
- Inadequate promotion to the domestic market and international markets;
- Misappropriation of culture by non-Aboriginal people; and
- Channels of distribution [wholesalers etc] are unwilling in the main to become involved.
The opportunities are also significant:
- There are many case studies of excellence:
- World Expeditions;
- Kakadu Tourism vision, which could become a role model for other communities;
- Far Out Adventures;
- Dhimurru Ranger Programme; and
- Anangu Tours at Uluru.
- The success stories need to be supported and built on.
- Partnerships are critical to success.
- Employment opportunities in mainstream tourism [Voyages and Aurora].
- There is high demand from International visitors to experience Aboriginal culture.
- There is potential for close cooperation between Aboriginal Art and Tourism.
We need to meet half way and walk together, starting from today.