ATA is the national peak body for Indigenous tourism. It is a non government, non profit organisation and operates on a competitive project basis. The organization was established in response to a recommendation of the draft National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Industry Strategy (NATSITIS) which was developed in response to recommendations arising from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCADIC). <p>
The RCADIC identified tourism as an industry that had potential to provide employment and economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people in areas where they live. The formation of a national body was unanimously supported by a national meeting of Indigenous tourism operators held in Alice Springs in 1995.
ATA is a Company Limited by Guarantee (no share capital) under the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) (ABN:70 093 174 380). <p>
In 2002, ATA released a new three year business plan developed by Sayers Consulting. During the development of the Business Plan comprehensive consultations took place across the industry to determine the level of support for a national body. The resulting Business Plan sets a new direction for the organisation which makes it more inclusive and potentially more robust. An essential element of ATAs operation is to ensure Indigenous representation at key industry forums, liaison with State and Territory tourism bodies and membership to peak industry organisations.<p>
<h2>Business Development Symposium</h2>
A key role of ATA is to bring Indigenous operators together for professional development.
ATA conducts an annual Aboriginal Tourism Business Development Symposium. The 2004 Symposium will be held at Macquarie University, Sydney 6-8 December 2004. The theme for the 2004 Symposium will have emphasis on Marketing and Promotion. The Symposium is conducted in a workshop format. Operators receive practical, usable information in a supportive workshop format. Individuals have the opportunity to discuss challenges in their own businesses and work on developing practical solutions. Resources will be provided to assist operators to easily transfer the information into their own situation. The aim of the workshop is to allow operators to leave the workshop with the ability to immediately implement improvements into their own businesses. Participation in the Symposium is awarded with a Certificate in Tourism (Indigenous Culture). The Symposium caters for around 40 operators from across Australia.<p>
The ATA Business Plan identifies that corporate sponsorship is critical to the ongoing viability of ATA and crucial to the continuation of projects initiated by ATA. The ATA Business Plan is available to potential investors upon request.