Established in 2021, the ARAA Cultural Tourism network is for current or aspiring Cultural Tourism Operators to meet and share their experiences from across the state. During our Cultural Tourism network session Special Guest Speaker Craig Layer from The NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council (NATOC) will share his knowledge and experience of Aboriginal Cultural Tourism and provide insight into leveraging your Cultural Tourism business to take it to the next level.
“Aboriginal Cultural Tourism is a sharing by Aboriginal people of their Cultural Heritage and connection to Country, it’s an experience that incorporates the value and traditions of Aboriginal people shared in a personal way.”
NSW has the largest visitor economy in Australia and is the most popular destination for both domestic and international visitors. Worldwide, it is a very competitive market that is extremely progressive.
Tourism businesses that directly serve visitors such as hotels, attractions, airlines and tour operators represent only a small proportion of the people that benefit from the industry. As the tourist dollars are spent, they spread throughout the economy and can benefit the community in substantial ways. Total tourism consumption was worth $135.5 billion and directly contributed $55.3 billion to Australia’s GDP in 2016-2017.
Source: Tourism Research Australia, State Tourism Satellite Accounts 2016-17, released April 2018.
The NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council was formed in 2014 and officially an incorporated association in 2017. The main vision of NATOC is to give voice to Aboriginal owned tourism expertise to better inform industry and provide mentoring to Aboriginal tourism entrepreneurs to fulfil their business journeys.
The NATOC Board consists of six Aboriginal governing directors representing a diverse mix of organisations including Local Aboriginal Land Council, Social Enterprises and small privately-owned businesses. With over 100 years combined experience in business and export tourism, the NATOC directors cover all manner of tourism operations including tour product, accommodation, events, catering and performance.