The 2005 Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC) – Connecting Cultures Through Tourism – will be held from June 25 to 29 at the Sheraton Hotel, Perth.
AITC 2005 will address the key issues and needs that impact on indigenous tourism in Australia and the opportunities that exist for culturally authentic indigenous tourism product. It will provide an educational forum to reinforce the need for sustainable indigenous tourism that will benefit the community and create a sense of pride and long-term employment.
Federal Small Business and Tourism Minister Fran Bailey and state Tourism Minister Mark McGowan will open the conference and Channel 10 reporter Narelda Jacobs and Mutujulu Foundation John Morse will be masters of ceremonies.
The keynote speakers are Lonely Planet publisher Tony Wheeler, hotelier Bert van Walbeek, Centenary Medal winner Paul Ah Chee, Maori entrepreneur Richard Te Hurinui Jones, Indigenous Business Australia chairman Joseph Elu, television star Ernie Dingo and Canadian indigenous tourism practitioner Wally Samuel.
Program highlights include:
• Aboriginal culture – what you need to know to build a successful relationship with indigenous tourism operators;
• Stepping into business – product development, finance, business plans and training;
• How to enter the international market;
• Risk management, accreditation and insurance; and
• Creative economy – practical business and marketing tools.
The conference also incorporates the inaugural Gnunkai Awards, which have been established to formally acknowledge exceptional commitment and contribution to indigenous tourism.
For more information on AITC 2005, please visit www.aitc2005.com or contact the conference conveners on 9574 2002 or AITC2005@bigpond.com.