Destination NSW works closely with Aboriginal communities across NSW to help share stories, support truth-telling and grow Aboriginal participation in the visitor economy.
Aboriginal tourism offers a profound connection to the world’s oldest continuous culture. By sharing their deep relationships with land, waters and skies, Aboriginal communities bring an unmatched cultural depth to NSW, inviting visitors to engage with living history.
NSW has more Aboriginal-owned businesses involved in tourism and exports than any other state or territory – and we’re committed to building on that leadership by backing both established and emerging operators to develop, promote and sell their experiences.
During the 2024–25 financial year Destination NSW delivered the Aboriginal Tourism Business Activation Program, which comprised the Aboriginal Tourism Experience Development Pathway and Trade Events Participation Program.
The Aboriginal Tourism Experience Development Pathway was delivered in collaboration with NATOC. The Pathway supported 22 businesses across three tailored pathways in the Central West, Southern NSW and Sydney Surrounds North Destination Networks.
The Trade Event Participation commitment supported Aboriginal-owned and led businesses to attend domestic and international trade events as first-time delegates, helping to raise their profile and expand their networks.
Destination NSW supported eight Aboriginal businesses to visit and observe the Australian Tourism Exchange – the nation’s largest annual travel buyer/seller event – delivered by Tourism Australia.
A post-event survey reported 100 per cent satisfaction, highlighting the importance and positive reception of initiatives that support Aboriginal businesses to build distribution capability through access to travel trade events.
Destination NSW continued to deliver the Trade Event Participation commitment through the Aboriginal Trade Event Support – Australia Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Initiative.
The ATEC initiative supports seven Aboriginal-owned and -led
businesses with membership, onboarding, dedicated liaison and support, travel expenses; and participation in ATEC trade events and activities through to June 2026.