Northern Territory to Host Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2006

Press Release from WAITOC

WAITOC is pleased to announce that the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC) 2006 will be held in the Northern Territory and hosted by the Northern Territory Tourist Commission and the NT Aboriginal Tourism Association which is currently being formed. The conference will continue to build on the foundations set by WAITOC convening the previous two highly successful AITC's in Western Australia.

WAITOC Chairperson, Karen Jacobs said that the AITC is convened to promote cross cultural awareness and understanding of Aboriginal Australia to further enhance the opportunities for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences in Australia, bringing social and economic benefits to local communities for a sustainable future.

"The conference is aimed at Indigenous tourism operators, Regional Tourism Organisations, State and Federal Tourism Organisations and Federal Organisations dealing with Aboriginal Economic Development," she said.

"It provides a great opportunity to exchange ideas on growing Indigenous tourism and promoting Indigenous tourism success stories.

"The Conference also provides a forum to showcase Indigenous art and culture, and an opportunity for delegates to develop partnerships with mainstream tourism.

"Having the AITC 2006 in the Northern Territory is an acknowledgement of the Northern Territory Tourist Commission's support of WAITOC and the sponsorship and assistance it has provided for NT Indigenous operators attending the conference in the previous two years.

"With over 400 delegates at the AITC 2005 in Perth, WAITOC is looking forward to working with the NT to convene a wonderful conference in 2006."

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Ms Maree Tetlow, Managing Director of the Northern Territory Tourist Commission welcomed the decision by WAITOC to hold the AITC in the Northern Territory in 2006.

"The conference has proven to be very beneficial to the Indigenous people we have supported to attend the previous two events and full credit must go to WAITOC for developing a program that has met the needs of the conference delegates," Ms Tetlow said.

"The NTTC is committed to supporting the sustainable development of a vibrant Indigenous tourism industry throughout the NT and through hosting the conference in 2006 with WAITOC we will be able to expose more people to the opportunities available to them," Ms Tetlow said.

The AITC will be hosted outside WA every two years, and all States and Territories are invited to register their interest for the hosting of AITC 2008 by contacting WAITOC for an Expression of Interest document at www.waitoc.com , or by contacting Ms Angelique Fransen, Executive Officer, WAITOC on (08) 9262 1746 or email: waitoc@westernaustralia.com.

Media contact: Angelique Fransen (08) 9262 1746 - WAITOC
Richard Austin (08) 8999 3817 - Northern Territory Tourist Commission

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