Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council
The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) was set up in 2002 to create a thriving, authentic Aboriginal tourism industry in WA, raise the profile of First Nations tourism at the state, national and international levels, and help establish First Nations tourism as integral to Australia’s tourism industry.
In the lead up to the 2022 federal election, WAITOC submitted a proposal for the expansion of Aboriginal Tourism nationally as a means for economic development and employment for Indigenous Australians. The submission contained five investment items, in priority order:
- National Aboriginal Tourism Advisory Body
- Mentoring & Skills Development
- Aboriginal Tourism Business Development and Employment support
- First Nations Camping with Traditional Owners
- Infrastructure
In 2021-22, WAITOC secured a new, four-year funding agreement worth $4.32 million from Tourism Western Australia to deliver the Jina – Western Australia Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025. This funding originated from the national Aboriginal Tourism Fund, adding to the existing base funding agreed upon between Tourism WA and WAITOC worth $3.6 million. WAITOC is now operating with the most significant budget in its history with a total of $7.9 million over four years.
The Jina Plan aims to position WA as the premier First Nations tourism destination, build capacity in the tourism sector for First Nations people to enter, and facilitate the development of authentic First Nations cultural experiences.
Other Organisations
in Western Australia
Organisation
Tourism WA
Sector
Government Department
Strategies and Indigenous Tourism projects
- Tourism WA developed the Jina – Western Australia Aboriginal Tourism Plan 2021-2025 to position WA as the premier authentic First Nations tourism destination in Australia.
Organisation
Tourism Council Western Australia
Sector
Industry
Strategies and Indigenous Tourism projects
- Tourism Council WA facilitates development programs to help members to advance their sustainability and profitability.
Organisation
Land Councils
Sector
Representative Body
Strategies and Indigenous Tourism projects
- Land councils in WA operate as Native Title Representative Bodies, playing a critical role in the management and use of lands for tourism.