Indigenous tourism is set to receive a major boost with a $6 million combined investment from the Queensland Government and Australian Government, aimed at creating more events, jobs, and business opportunities.
The Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects (SITP) will allocate matching $3 million commitments to fund 25 programs aimed at enhancing Indigenous tourism experiences throughout Queensland.
Initiatives include the creation of Regional Indigenous Tourism Action Plans and mentoring programs facilitated by Tourism and Events Queensland.
The programs are designed to support Indigenous businesses in delivering exceptional tourism experiences, preparing them to engage in trade, and facilitating cultural event management.
Additionally, the funding will support the implementation of the Indigenous Tourism Plan 2020-2025 and introduce an Emerging Field School Program catering to up to 60 businesses.
Interim Chair of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Council and Quandamooka man, Cameron Costello, said the transformative power of Indigenous tourism experiences in fostering deep connections with the world's oldest living culture.
"First Nations tourism experiences are unparalleled in their ability to connect you deeply and authentically with a sense of place uniquely derived from the world's oldest living culture," Mr Costello said.
"Queensland has the potential to be Australia's pre-eminent destination for First Nations experiences, and the announcement today provides a unique opportunity to leverage the interest and international visitation associated with Brisbane 2032.
"We look forward to working with our First Nations tourism operators and businesses, industry and the Queensland and Australian Governments as part of the Strategic Indigenous Tourism Initiative to grow the sector, generate economic opportunities for Indigenous people and communities across the state, and create great experiences for visitors."
The initiative also encompasses the organisation of Regional Industry Events and the continuation of the Our Country Advisory Service across Queensland, further bolstering Indigenous tourism development statewide.
Local communities and Traditional Owners will play pivotal roles in shaping the projects within each program, ensuring that they reflect the unique opportunities and needs of each area.
This collaborative approach aims to enhance the recognition of cultural heritage while creating employment pathways and introducing new events.
The funding initiative is expected to expand the supply of high-quality Indigenous tourism experiences across Queensland, particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This expansion is anticipated to generate more supply chain opportunities for other Indigenous businesses, boosting long-term economic benefits within the Indigenous tourism sector.
The administration of project funds will be overseen by the Department of Tourism and Sport, along with key tourism peak bodies including Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), Queensland First Nations Tourism Council (QFNTC), Independent Indigenous Tourism Operators of Queensland (IITOQ), and Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs).
Independent Indigenous Tourism Operators of Queensland director and Kuku Yalanji man, Linc Walker said "this investment in new First Nations tourism projects recognises the enormous potential to bring more authentic tourism activities and products for Indigenous people to work on their traditional Countries".
"The opportunity for our mobs to showcase new activities, places and stories across Queensland is welcome and will have a positive flow-on effect across Indigenous tourism operations and local communities," Mr Walker said.
"It's exciting to think we've only just scratched the surface with the development and growth of First Nations tourism in Queensland."
Part of the Federal Government's $17 million Indigenous Tourism Fund aligns with priority reform areas outlined in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the Queensland Government's Towards Tourism 2032 Strategy.
The 25 projects under the SITP are scheduled for completion by 31 December 2025, aiming to enrich Indigenous tourism experiences across Queensland.
