The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has promoted Australia's Indigenous tourism opportunities to an audience of travel media and trade representatives in New York and said an increasing awareness of the unique experiences on offer in Australia can help counter the effects of the global financial crisis upon the local industry.
Speaking at the Tales from Oz function - as part of Australia Week events in New York and Los Angeles - Minister Ferguson said Australia's Indigenous cultural experiences will increasingly be sought by, and promoted to, Australia's international visitors and that "you cannot fully understand the Australian story without learning more about our Indigenous cultures".
Tales from Oz is an interactive showcase of Australian storytellers with performance and demonstrations from prominent names in the world of literature, arts, food, music, and travel.
Minister Ferguson said: "Australia's Indigenous culture is the oldest in the world, dating back more than forty thousand years. The stories of the Dreaming are part of how Indigenous Australians understand their history and their relationships to each other and the land.
"The opportunity for international visitors to learn more about Australia's Indigenous culture is set to become an increasingly important part of the Australian tourism experience."
Tourism Australia and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism will this financial year spend more than $3 million on developing and promoting specifically Indigenous tourism product, while Indigenous tourism is increasingly being woven into Tourism Australia's broader marketing activities.
Minister Ferguson said: "The Government has been showcasing Australia's Indigenous tourism opportunities during Australia Week in Los Angeles and also here in New York.
"Australia now has more than 250 Indigenous tourism experiences providing important employment and training opportunities to Indigenous Australians throughout remote Australia.
"I am very pleased to see these enterprises are increasingly owned and operated by Indigenous Australians who are telling their own stories to visitors from around the world. These are stories which can inspire travellers to discover more about Australia and the opportunities it offers."
Minister Ferguson said that in what is shaping up as a very tough year for tourism internationally, the US remains a key market for Australia.
Minister Ferguson said: "We are committed to growing our market share in the United States and the Government's support for Indigenous tourism will play an important role in attracting new visitors from the USA."