Key Outcomes for Tourism
Session Two
Why do the Business of Tourism?
John Morse reiterated Galarrwuy Yunupiŋu's sentiments regarding the need to forget moderation and be 'heavy duty' in dealing with important issues such as economic and employment development. He described the 'small window of opportunity' before even more drastic loss of culture and community strength occurs. A key theme involved the reasons why Indigenous Australians had so far been marginalised from the tourism industry and its benefits. There were various major factors currently facing the Indigenous tourism industry. Indigenous people had to work and perform far better to achieve the same success as their non-Indigenous counterparts. Negative views existed concerning perceived problems of Indigenous reliability and standards. There were issues with promotion and skill development. There was a lack of understanding of Indigenous cultures within the mainstream society. Expectations by the tourist industry and government of Indigenous people were often based on an alien, bureaucratic white system. There was insufficient domestic interest in Indigenous tourism. These factors notwithstanding, the tourist industry was able to create positive development for Indigenous communities. In particular, it could facilitate economic independence, ensure future livelihoods and provide a positive tool for the reconciliation process. Many Indigenous communities wanted involvement in tourism, approaching it as a 'sharing of culture'.
Aden Ridgeway described tourism as a platform upon which Indigenous people could tell their stories in a way that non-Indigenous people could understand. However he disagreed with the 'compartmental approach' taken by the government in working with Indigenous tourism, and Indigenous issues generally. In order for effective change and improvements to happen, a holistic approach was needed, encompassing areas such as education and health. Ensuring this was necessary to guarantee that knowledge was passed on through the generations and young people's interest maintained. Tourism played a role in the improving understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, a means by which to embrace the people as well as providing the 'imagery' of Indigenous Australia. This included combating the negative stereotypes held in non-Indigenous society that are perpetuated and exacerbated by the media. He looked forward 'to Indigenous tourism playing a part in...creating a footprint for the nation developing cultural tourism in this country'.
Sammy Wilson related how Anangu tours at Uluru Kata-Tjuta began about ten years ago, from a business plan created by community elders. He described the process that the elders used for deciding what knowledge to share with the visitors, in which they created a 'fence' between the knowledge to be shared and the knowledge to be kept private. The company has a principle of employing local people, only employing outsiders for extra skills that are required. Profits generated are distributed via a trust to the three communities involved and are used for community development purposes. Further benefits included providing a means for the community to combat drug and petrol abuse by providing job opportunities for young people. Funds from tourism provide a regular income that communities utilise for community development, which is very different from the annual royalties that the communities receive from the Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park. The tours are an experience that everyone involved enjoys. They encourage visitors to want to continue learning.
Mike Keighley explained the origins of his tour company, Far Out Adventures, which offers cultural and eco tours predominantly in the Northern Territory's Top End. Emphasis is placed on flexibility and authenticity of experience. He spoke about the 'Never Never' tours that he conducts in Mangarrayi country 140km southeast of Katherine, country with which he has strong personal connections. His father originally visited the country in the 1960s, and he returned in later years, developing friendships with the traditional owners. His 'Never Never' tours are a result of the traditional owners' invitation for him to bring tourists to experience their country. There are educational and cultural benefits to be gained by all parties involved in the tours. The visitors are granted the opportunity to experience a much sought after 'authentic' Indigenous experience, by spending time with the land and the people on the people's own terms, in an unplanned, natural way. Entering into that experience requires the visitors to change their mentality. They return home with insights into improving their own lifestyles. For the young people in the host community, receiving the visitors benefits their learning processes, as teaching their culture serves as a method of reinforcing what they are themselves learning.