New South Wales is now the most popular state for International travellers to experience Indigenous tourism, with the sector increasing by more than 60% in the past 12 months. This phenomenal growth has not only seen the expansion of already Aboriginal owned and operated businesses, but also six new exciting companies established.
Queensland was formerly the most popular State for international travellers to experience Aboriginal tourism. More than 332,000 international travellers took part in an Aboriginal cultural experience in NSW, and these visitors spent an estimated $1.3 billion during their visit.
In addition to Indigenous businesses rapidly noticing growth across NSW, six new Aboriginal owned and operated businesses are just beginning their journey and Yaam is one of them.
Clark Webb, who has recently started Yaam, a social enterprise on the Coffs Coast, believes his tours share the stories and language of the Gumbaynggirr people, while also having fun stand-up paddling boarding and kayaking.
Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours are important for the local Gumbaynggirr community Source: Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours
“Gumbaynggirr are Saltwater people, so it makes sense to get people out on the water. On our tours people get the chance to paddle with the direct descendants of the world’s first paddlers, feel a sense of adventure in unspoilt marine park waterways, and connect, feel and taste the soul of our country,” Mr Webb said.
“Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours is a social enterprise, where we educate visitors about the Gumbaynggirr culture and educate the local Aboriginal community so they know the stories and language of their ancestors. In this way we encourage our community to be strong in both culture and education and create employment opportunities as tour guides.”
"These tours provide a chance for mutual understanding and ensure that local language, cultural sites, ceremonies and stories are passed on.”
Seeing Aboriginal art, craft or cultural displays were the top experiences during the year ending March 2017. Of the total 332,000 international travellers, 161,000 took part in one of these activities, a growth of 76 per cent on the previous year.
Also popular were Indigenous dance or theatre performances, which were attended by more than 119,000 visitors, up 53 per cent on the previous year. Aboriginal galleries were up 28 per cent, after attracting more than 72,000 visitors.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Sarah Mitchell, says it gives her great pleasure to see a focus on Indigenous tourism.
“Aboriginal owned and operated businesses are experiencing more bookings and providing more opportunities for visitors to engage with Aboriginal people and experience their culture.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall says ‘NSW is home to Australia’s largest Aboriginal population represented by many different tribal groups each with a unique story to tell.’
Source: NITV News
“The NSW Government remains focused on promoting NSW as a destination where Aboriginal culture is strong, vibrant and diverse, and we will continue to support the development of Aboriginal tourism experiences through our Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan.”
Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase says NSW is a destination where Aboriginal culture is strong, vibrant and diverse.
“Across Sydney and Regional NSW, new tourism operators are taking tours to new locations and sharing the story of their people, language and cultural traditions as a way to educate visitors and locals. These tours provide a chance for mutual understanding and ensure that local language, cultural sites, ceremonies and stories are passed on.”
Exciting new and booming Aboriginal Tourism Experiences in NSW:
Bundyi Cultural Tours
Source: NITV News
Kadoo Tours
Source: Kadoo Tours
Guringai Aboriginal Tours
Source: NITV News
Unkya Cultural Eco Tours
Source: Unkya Cultural Eco Tours
First Lesson Cultural Tours
Experience the Wiradjuri and Kamilario/Gamilaraay country near Dubbo with traditional land-owner Peter Peckham, from . Hear the stories of this land and its people from a real bushman as you visit a scarred canoe tree, an axe grinding site, and discover bush tucker and medicine plants. Peter also offers overnight camping tours, for a real taste of Outback NSW.
