Workshop expansion to see First Nations tourism fostered in Queensland
Workshops are designed for current and emerging First Nations tourism operators from across Queensland
Queensland’s First Nations tourism industry workshops are set to expand, with operators soon able to nominate for the opportunity to learn from experienced industry leaders in 2024.
The expansion comes after a highly successful initial series of First Nations tourism development workshops, held during Tourism Week events in Cairns last November.
Coordinated by Our Country Advisory Services, the development workshops are designed for current and emerging First Nations tourism operators from across Queensland, giving attendees the chance to participate in workshops and discussions, encouraging business growth.
Attendees are also able to attend DestinationQ, Queensland’s leading tourism industry event and Destination IQ, an initiative of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council which brings together Native Title holders, business, government, tourism and community leaders to discuss opportunities, issues and strategies relevant to First Nations tourism in Queensland.
As part of the week-long November event, operators participated in bespoke development workshops, traveling to unique locations, including Mossman Gorge Centre and Green Island.
Workshop attendees were able to access information about accessibility and sustainability, whilst fostering opportunities to connect with other Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism operators.
They were joined by Mossman Gorge’s Uncle Roy Gibson and attended a familiarisation session with Wunyami Cultural Tours on Green Island along with Traditional Custodian, Gudju Gudju Fourmile to discuss establishment, partnerships with cultural considerations, costings, pricing, and supply chains.
Woppaburra TUMRA chair, Meaghan Cummins spoke enthusiastically about cultural tourism taking the lead among First Nations operators in Queensland, highlighting the liberating and comforting aspects of the cultural appropriateness of tours.
“I’m feeling very determined,” Ms Cummins said.
2023 workshop attendees included Native Oz Bushfoods, Birrunga Gallery and Dining, Munimba-ja Gallery and Bowie Solutions, K’gari Cultural Tours, Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours, Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Woppaburra TUMRA, Malu Ventures, Alup Healing Accommodation, and Cape York Top End Tours.
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