Tourism Council WA today launched the Connecting to Culture program and Tourism Western Australia's Aboriginal Cultural Inclusion Guides at an industry event to enhance the local tourism sector's cultural inclusivity.
Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the Connecting to Culture - A toolkit guiding respectful engagement with First Nations People ('Connecting to Culture Toolkit') would assist non-First Nations-owned tourism businesses to build and foster meaningful and collaborative connections with First Nations people and communities.
"Recognising the importance of responsible and inclusive tourism, the Connecting to Culture Toolkit encourages the development of authentic tourism practices that respect cultural, community, and environmental considerations," Mr Hall said.
Within the Connecting to Culture Toolkit, businesses are led through an online program to identify current gaps in their engagement with First Nations culture and community. They are then guided on how to close these gaps through a directory of resources so they can progress with confidence and clarity.
"We are proud to introduce the Connecting to Culture Toolkit, which represents a major milestone in supporting Western Australian tourism businesses to engage with First Nations communities in a respectful and meaningful way," Mr Hall said.
Minister for Tourism Hon Reece Whitby MLA said visitors to Western Australia were seeking tourism businesses that offered culturally inclusive experiences.
"The State Government encourages tourism businesses to enhance their inclusivity of Aboriginal culture and increase collaboration with First Nations communities," Minister Whitby said.
Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council CEO Robert Taylor said there was growing visitor appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Western Australia's Aboriginal communities.
The national Connecting to Culture Toolkit was developed with the Australian Tourism Industry Council's First Nations Reference Group, and was supported by the Australian Government through Austrade's Quality Tourism Framework Grant. The Connecting to Culture Toolkit is supported by Australia's Tourism Industry Council national partner Tourism Australia.
