The Albanese and Carroll Labor Governments are co-investing $3.3 million through the Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects (SITP) initiative to deliver the First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program in Victoria.
The funding will enable Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) to develop and implement cultural tourism plans aimed at boosting job opportunities and economic development across the state.
RAPs are Traditional Owner groups, legally recognised under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (the Act), with responsibilities for managing and protecting Aboriginal Cultural Heritage on Country.
Under the Act, RAPs are the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage on their Country and in their region.
The First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program will enable Victoria’s RAPs to undertake analysis and develop a cultural tourism plan or implement an existing economic development strategy, action plan or tourism plan.
This will support RAPs to pursue economic development activities and improve their capability in line with the key settings of Experience Victoria 2033.
The program design is based on a successful pilot conducted over two years with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
Recent community engagement has also been incorporated in the program’s development.
The Albanese Government is co-investing $17 million with states and territories through the SITP to grow First Nations tourism nationally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“First Nations tourism drives regional economic growth, creates sustainable jobs and strengthens pathways for Aboriginal businesses to succeed in the visitor economy.
“This partnership will help expand Aboriginal-led experiences and events across Victoria, increasing opportunities for visitors to deepen their understanding of First Nations cultures.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Tourism, Natalie Suleyman MP:
“First Nations tourism is a powerful way to share with visitors the oldest continuing culture on earth and create meaningful experiences across Victoria.
“This investment will support Registered Aboriginal Parties to grow cultural tourism and build a stronger tourism sector in Victoria.”