Letting go of tradition will move Aboriginal tourism forward
Marketing Indigenous tourism opportunities creates a tension between respecting cultures and responding to market demands. Mike Tamaki, co-founder of Aboriginal cultural experience, Spirits of the Red Sand, argues that letting go of some traditions will ensure that Indigenous cultures thrive.
Around the world, we see countries promoting Indigenous cultures as part of their tourism, and in many instances, Indigenous people are used as the face of a country in its tourism marketing efforts.
Unfortunately, in many cases, Indigenous people have been systematically excluded from both the benefits of tourism as well as any control over it. Not only is that a loss for Aboriginal communities, but it also doesn’t give visitors to Australia a genuine experience of the culture. In recent years, however, we’ve seen Indigenous communities becoming more involved in tourism and promoting their own history and culture, both to regain control of their stories and to provide tourists with a more authentic experience.
The growing global interest in Indigenous culture has also led to demand for products involving Australia’s First People. There are many tourists who seek spiritual experiences and adventure, keen to discover more about Aboriginal history and culture. In 2015, Tourism Australia launched its ‘Aboriginal Australia: Our Country is Waiting for You’ campaign, in an effort to boost the number of international visitors who participate in an Aboriginal cultural experience.
Conscious Capitalist business Intrepid Travel has this balance of cultural sensitivity just right and good inspiration here too. @Intrepid_Travel
This article sounds like a bit of “conscious whinging” Anne.
Why dont you chat to the indigenous folk around Peru, in close proximity to Machu Pichu, etc.
Its literally their livelihood.
Dude no. This is not cool.
Is this bloke Indigenous Australian? No.
Does he have the right to speak for Indigenous Australians and suggest they “let go of certain traditions”? No.
Another godforsaken white fella telling Indigenous Australians how to do business. Bugger off.
And no, you especially have no right to drive your bus full of unwelcome tourists into a sacred site. That’s never ever okay.
He isn’t speaking for anyone, he is just putting forward his opinion on the topic.
Interesting article and agree with comments. Having just returned from Uluru I don’t think the traditional owners have much to complain about. They own everything except for the police station, fire station, post office and Longitude 131 resort. Yep voyages who own the resorts is a venture owned by the traditional land owners and has several aboriginals on its board….. rightly so. So a little less whinging please.
One question, did you have permission to go onto sacred lands? The answer to this issue alone will indicate if your qualified to discuss the issue of First Australian tourism in a meaningful way