TRC Tourism was engaged by Tourism NT and the Aboriginal Tourism Committee through the Northern Territory Department of Tourism and Hospitality to develop an Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Framework and Drive Market Toolkit.
One of the first of it’s kind in Australia, this initiative was to develop a culturally focussed guideline and resources designed by and for Aboriginal Territorians that strengthened the Northern Territory’s Aboriginal cultural tourism sector. The success of the project was driven by the collaboration between our partners Ayal Aboriginal Tours Kakadu, Coolamon Creative, Indigenous Community Television – ICTV who ensured the resources and tools developed clearly balanced the importance of ‘cultural way’ and ‘business way’ when planning and developing Aboriginal cultural tourism products and experiences. The Framework provides culturally designed resources to support Aboriginal Territorians at each stage of their cultural tourism business journey. The resources are also designed for use by tourism partners and support providers to ensure cultural tourism is developed meaningfully and respectfully. Our innovative collaboration and approach to delivering this project received a Planning Institute of Australia Award for Excellence in Planning with Country (NT) in October this year. The PIA judges commenting ‘The NT Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Framework is an outstanding example of planning with Country. This groundbreaking framework exemplifies thoughtful, effective planning and serves as an important milestone in the cultural tourism space.’
This model is an excellent example of how culturally appropriate tourism frameworks can support the development of Aboriginal tourism. It is a valuable resource that we recommend other destinations and industries review and consider when planning First Nations led and designed frameworks, guidelines and tools.
Contact us for more information on how to start this journey.
