Aboriginal Tourism Workshop

Australia is home to the oldest living culture on Earth – and every part of our country is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander country, each with stories and experiences that are unique to it. The Aboriginal tourism in Victoria remains small but consumer demand for these experiences are high.

The positioning of Aboriginal tourism as an urban and accessible experience, both as a stand-alone experience and as an integral component within the broader tourism industry, may not always be straightforward. Tourism businesses face a unique set of cultural considerations in finding connection between tourism and the Aboriginal culture and community.

This workshop will provide you with some knowledge around Aboriginal culture in Victoria from a business perspective, enabling you to respectfully approach Aboriginal communities and organisations and craft an authentic Indigenous component to your event or experience.

Topics that will be covered in this workshop:

• Cultural competency – meaning and importance
• A brief overview of Australian settlement history, the political landscape, cultural protocols and Traditional Owners or Custodians
• The building blocks of identity – the Aboriginal community today
• An introduction to working more effectively with Aboriginal people
• Understand the opportunities and capacity for collaboration within the Aboriginal community – who’s who and how to develop partnerships
• Consumer insights on what visitors are looking for with regards to Aboriginal Tourism
• Learn from tour operators who have successfully developed or incorporated Aboriginal components to their product

Note: This workshop is designed for professionals that may not have had any previous training or exposure to Aboriginal peoples and communities, but also for those that need better Aboriginal cultural awareness in order to build stronger relationships and enhance their knowledge for tourism related purposes. 

Inclusions: facilitation, morning, afternoon tea and lunch.

Facilitators

Rob Hyatt & Bernadette Atkinson - Cultural Educators, Koorie Heritage Trust

The Koorie Heritage Trust Inc. was established in 1985 to Preserve, Promote and Protect Victorian Aboriginal Culture, help establish Aboriginal artists, help Aboriginal employment and bridge the cultural gap.

John Huggins - Aboriginal Tourism Business Development, Visit Victoria

John commenced as Business Development Manager of Aboriginal Tourism at Visit Victoria in December 2017. John’s role is to develop, market and promote Victoria’s Aboriginal tourism businesses, develop emerging Aboriginal tourism businesses and work with Traditional Owners to deliver on their tourism aspirations.  

Guest Speakers to be confirmed.

*Click here to view our Terms & Conditions. 

Please note that booking fees apply in addition to the $360pp participation fee.