It’s NAIDOC week, a time for Australians to honour the history, culture, and accomplishments of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To mark the occasion AAT Kings Group hosted a special event that highlighted the significance of supporting Indigenous tourism experiences.
The event served as a reminder of the rich history, vibrant culture, and remarkable achievements of Australia’s First Nations peoples. It also underscored the importance of fostering ongoing support for Indigenous tourism experiences, ensuring that these authentic and immersive encounters continue to thrive.
It started with Aunty Margret Campbell, a renowned Dunghutti-Djirrinjah Elder and First Nations tourism icon, delivering a heartfelt Welcome to Country. She then talked of her passion for amplifying Aboriginal voices and spoke of how tourism gave her the platform to do so. As a result, she has emerged as a trailblazer in Indigenous tourism, leaving an indelible mark across the nation.
Phil Lockyer, a proud Noongar man, also shared his story. Phil initially worked in corporate Indigenous affairs. He then assumed the newly created role of Head of Indigenous Affairs with Tourism Australia in February 2021. Phil told the group that this role has given him an opportunity to tell Indigenous stories in a unique way. He also spoke about how the role helped drive growth in the diversity of Aboriginal tourism experiences.
A Q&A session shed light on the importance of continued support and growth in the Indigenous tourism product sector within Australia.
Through events like this, the travel industry can play a vital role in creating a more inclusive and culturally rich landscape for travellers to explore. As we celebrate NAIDOC week, let’s acknowledge the profound impact of Indigenous tourism and continue to support and uplift these valuable experiences.
For more information on NAIDOC, head to its website: www.naidoc.org.au.
All images courtesy of AAT Kings.
