First Nations Tourism Industry Workshops set to expand in 2024
Following a highly successful series of First Nations tourism development workshops held last year, operators will soon have the chance to nominate themselves for the opportunity to learn from industry leaders in 2024.
The development workshops, designed for current and emerging First Nations tourism operators from across Queensland, were conducted during Tourism Week events in Cairns last November.
Coordinated by Our Country Advisory Services (OCAS), this immensely popular platform is expected to expand in 2024, giving operators the chance to participate in workshops, discussions, and attend the Destination IQ and DestinationQ conferences. As part of the week-long events in November, operators participated in bespoke development workshops, traveling to unique locations, including Mossman Gorge Centre and Green Island.
Meaghan Cummins, Chair of Woppaburra TUMRA, expressed enthusiasm about cultural tourism taking the lead among First Nations operators, highlighting the liberating and comforting aspects of the cultural appropriateness of tours. “I’m feeling very determined,” she said.
During the events, attendees were able to access information about accessibility and sustainability while fostering opportunities to connect with other Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism operators. Participants met with Mossman Gorge 'legend' 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.
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.