The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released a new report at its Global Summit in Perth, Australia, forecasting that Indigenous tourism will inject $67 billion into the global economy by 2034. The report emphasizes the sector’s role in economic growth, cultural preservation and community empowerment, particularly in remote areas.
Indigenous tourism is increasingly recognized as a significant economic driver, promoting job creation and generating economic value in less accessible regions. It also plays a crucial role in safeguarding Indigenous cultures, languages and lands, while offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with Indigenous histories and traditions. The global Indigenous tourism market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% over the next decade.
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“Indigenous tourism is not only about showcasing rich cultural traditions; it’s about empowering communities, creating sustainable jobs, and ensuring that Indigenous people are in control of their own stories and economic futures,” said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC.
In Western Australia, interest in Aboriginal tourism experiences is at an all-time high. Visitor Experiences and Expectations Research (VEER) indicates that 87% of visitors express interest (with 36% actively participating) in Aboriginal tourism activities in 2023-24. This sector contributed $63.8 million to the Gross State Product in Western Australia in 2021-22. In Canada, the Indigenous tourism sector supports nearly 2,000 businesses and more than 39,000 jobs. In Panama’s Guna Yala region, tourism serves as a primary economic driver, sustaining the Guna people’s culture and fostering a self-sufficient economy.
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Robert Taylor, CEO of Western Australia Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), emphasized the importance of authentic Indigenous experiences. WAITOC collaborates with Tourism Western Australia to implement the Jina: Western Australia Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025, aimed at fostering new businesses and increasing Aboriginal participation in the tourism sector. One success story is the “Camping with Custodians” program, which has launched several high-quality campgrounds on Aboriginal lands.
More information and the full report are available online.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by WWTC. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
