Experience network Big Red Group has teamed up with not-for-profit Welcome to Country to make First Nations experiences more accessible for local and international visitors.
It comes as Tourism WA research found 80 per cent of international travellers express interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences but only 20 per cent book with First Nations operators.
The partnership aims to better connect visitors to authentic cultural experiences with 48 Aboriginal activities now available to book through Big Red Group’s RedBalloon and also via Experience Oz in October 2024.
The collection includes guided tours, storytelling sessions and hands-on workshops highlighting traditional artforms, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in First Nations culture and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
Visitors can experience a diverse range of urban and regional destinations, from a First Nations-led Arnhem Land Safari and Bangalow Bush Tucker Tour to Full-Day Daintree Tours and Half-Day Stone Country Tours.
Big Red Group Co-Founder & CEO David Anderson said: “We’re delighted to kick off Indigenous Business Month by announcing our partnership with Welcome to Country.”
“Offering ‘stories over stuff’ is a key mission of ours at Big Red Group and we’re thrilled to be making stories from the world’s oldest continuous culture more accessible to Australia’s domestic and international visitors.”
Welcome to Country CEO Desmond Campbell added: “For every $1 spent with First Nations businesses, there’s a social return of $4.41, so your dollar truly works four times harder when you choose to support these businesses.”
“Supporting First Nations businesses means you’re supporting keeping the world’s oldest continued cultures and languages alive. Through this collaboration, we aim to continue to support First Nations communities, preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism.”