ATEC announces inaugural Pacific-Asia Indigenous Tourism Conference

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) is pleased to announce the inaugural Pacific-Asia Indigenous Tourism Conference (PAITC) will be held in Darwin on 27-28 September 2011, gathering together some of the leading identities in Indigenous tourism from around the globe.

The conference is a joint initiative of ATEC,andnbsp; the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Tourism Northern Territory, with the strong support of the UN World Tourism Organisation.

One of the significant outcomes of the conference is expected to be the adoption of the Darwin Declaration establishing the principles for developing Indigenous tourism in the Pacific Asia region.andnbsp; It aims to create partnerships between the tourism industry and Indigenous tourism operators and ensure Indigenous experiences become mainstream aspects of each destination’s tourism offering.

ATEC Chair, John King OAM, said the conference will allowandnbsp; local Indigenous cultures across the regionandnbsp; to showcase their achievements and share their experiences in growing and developing Indigenous tourism products.

“There are many great examples of successful and inspiring Indigenous tourism operations both in Australia and throughout the world and this conference is an opportunity to celebrate these achievements, overcome some of the impediments and encourage new Indigenous operators into the market,” Mr King said.

“The conference theme, Tourism and Indigenous People – Enriching Our Future Together, emphasises how everyone involved in the industry must work together to establish the role of indigenous participation in enriching tourism.”

Mr King said the conference would feature a strong line up of international Indigenous, tourism industry and academic speakers and will focus on some of the lessons that can be learnt from successful examples of Indigenous tourism.

“Indigenous tourism not only highlights some of the unique features of local culture, but it differentiates destinations and delivers significant economic benefits to the local community.“This conference will help our industry learn from successful examples and discover ways to support the development of profitable Indigenous business.”

Mr King said the conference was an important event for everyone working in the tourism industry including Indigenousandnbsp; tourism operators, industry bodies, government, NGO’s, Universities and research and development agencies.

The conference will feature expert speakers from across the globe, the launch of insightful research from the UNWTO andandnbsp; PATA on the role and importance of Indigenous tourism, working groups and networking opportunities.andnbsp; There will also beandnbsp; a two day optional field trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Area, Kakadu National Park.

As a partner, PATA is committed toandnbsp; ensuring the conference continues around the Asia-Pacific region on a bi-annual basis, and following its conference next week in Beijing will be calling for expressions of interest to host the following conference inandnbsp; 2011.

Source = etravelblackboard