Walk with me, Taking Care of Country - Aust Indigenous Tourism Conference 2007

The Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2007 is not far away and we encourage you to get your registrations in as soon as possible. The registration form can be downloaded from www.aitc2007.com or contact the event manager on kmccarthy@eecw.com.au for more information.

Please book your accommodation early as Broome being a popular destination, accommodation will be very hard to find. Although at the end of the peak tourist season, there are still many events planned for October, 2007.

The program is very exciting with starting the event with a Youth Forum on Saturday 20th October 2007 encouraging young Indigenous people to consider a career in hospitality and tourism. Come and listen to Aden Ridgeway, Chair of Indigenous Tourism Australia who will be presenting along with young Indigenous tourism professionals who will be sharing their journey at the forum.

Also on the Saturday, 20th October 2007 we will be having the popular Indigenous Tourism Experience Exchange. In partnership with Tourism Australia, Tourism Western Australia, and ATEC, the ITEE will provide Indigenous tourism operators the opportunity to gain National and International exposure for their products. ITEE is the ideal way for you to discover a new range of authentic Indigenous tourism products and services. Each operator offers a culturally authentic experience specific to their location in Australia. Through the partnership with Tourism Australia, the first ten successful buyers to put their application in to WAITOC and then accepted by Tourism Australia will qualify covering travel costs to the value of $1500 So we encourage you to get your application in fast. For application forms and more information please contact waitoc@westernaustralia.com or Kirstie Lowe, Tourism Australia at kvlowe@tourism.australia.com.

Sunday, 21st October 2007 is the official opening to AITC 2007 with the Hon Minister for Tourism, Sheila McHale opening the conference. Other key presenters include Mr Aden Ridgeway, Chair of Indigenous Tourism Australia, Mr Richard Muirhead, CEO of Tourism Western Australia. We will also be hearing some excellent presentations by Indigenous operators on their product and hear of their successes and challenges. These presentations include Kooljaman at Cape Leveque who are now in the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame.

Gala Night the Gala Night will be a dinner under the stars incorporating the Gnunkai Awards at St Marys College.

Monday, 22nd October 2007 will continue with some key presentations. Mrs Cinzia Burnes, Managing Director, Australian Outback Travel will be presenting on the opportunities working with Inbound Tour Operators and accessing the overseas market. We will hear from keynote presenter Ms Maxi Louis who will be presenting on what is happening with Indigenous tourism in Namibia. We will also be hearing from Diane Below and Henning Prox who will be presenting on the European market and what overseas tourists are looking for.

Broome Chill Out Gathering delegates will be able to relax and listen to the talent that the Kimberley has to offer.

Tuesday, 23rd October 2007 will cover a PR and Marketing workshop in Tourism with Mr Gerry Gannon. Case studies will be presented by Aboriginal Tourism Victoria, Tourism NT, Coorong Wilderness Lodge and the Ardi Association. The keynote address will be presented by Lt General (Retd) John Sanderson AC, special advisor to the Premier on Aboriginal Affairs. Mr Gary ORiordan, Deputy Managing Director, ATEC and Ms Natalie Pickett, Managing Director, Southbound Australia will be presenting on how to work with Inbound Tour Operators, explain distribution channels and check whether youre product is ready for the overseas market.

For flight and accommodation details please visit the website www.aitc2007.com. Dont miss out and get in early.

We would like to acknowledge our partners and sponsors; Tourism Western Australia, Tourism Australia, Qantas, Tourism NT, Seashells, Department of Industry and Resources (AED), Newmont Mining, Indigenous Business Australia, Tourism Victoria, Woodside, Kelk Creek, Linneys Broome, and Kooljaman at Cape Leveque.

I look forward to welcoming you to Broome, Kimberley and hope youre able to stay a bit longer to appreciate the rugged beauty of our region.

Cheers

Maria Morgan

Chairperson

WAITOC