Listening, Learning, Tasting…Indigenous Tourism Theme

Aboriginal Australia is the key theme at this year’s Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) to be held in Perth 17-29 June 2008.

The international travel trade will have an opportunity to meet Indigenous operators and learn more about Aboriginal culture and lifestyles. Up to 100,000 networking and business appointments are conducted during the event.

ATE is Australia’s biggest tourism trade event and the largest international travel trade show of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

A Listening, Learning And Tasting Theme

At ATE 2008 on the Aboriginal Australia stand there will be bush medicine and hunting demonstrations, bush tucker tastings, live performance and a focus on authentic interactions, allowing international delegates to gain a deeper understanding of the world’s most ancient living culture.

Indigenous operators who will be attending include:

• Brenton Clinch, Goombaragin Ecoventures
• Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery
• Uptuyu Aboriginal Adventures
• Kaninda Designs
• Josh Whiteland, Koorie Heritage Trust
• Worn Gundidj, Bookabee Tours Australia
• Dept Environment & Heritage – SA National Parks and Wildlife
• Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
• Artist Billy Missi, Dugong Beach Resort
• Jungala
• Muru Mittigar
• Tribal Warrior

Performers include:

• Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre
• Peter Brandy
• Liz Cavanagh
• Dewayne Everitt-Smith
• Bungul – Bawaka Cultural Experiences
• Leah Flanagan

A Revamped Website

The Indigenous Tourism Australia (ITA) website has been revamped and expanded with a significant amount of new content, stories, information, tips, links and updates including:

• New news stories, events and case studies
• An ‘easier to search’ database of all the latest training, assistance and funding available to tourism operators
• A new links page with links to other websites that maybe of interest
• A more comprehensive ‘how to guide’ to visitor feedback
• Information on the importance of being contactable
• Feature article on the need for an online presence
• Specific information for: Artists and art organisations; Tour operators and tour guides; Accommodation operators;Tourism restaurants
• A how to guide on effective business management
• A how to guide on record keeping and administration tips and tools
• Understanding the tourism industry and industry associations

For more info or to add to the site you can email ITA at ita@tourism.australia.com

Check out the ATE links…I’m sure you’ll be fascinated…as I was.