Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Product

Project Overview

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Product project concluded in June 2017. Research in this project aimed to develop a stronger and more resilient remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism sector by delivering appropriate outcomes that build the strategic capacity of remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in tourism. The project examined ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises can adapt to remain resilient in the challenging contexts and restricted tourism market environments of remote Australia. It developed an understanding of the complexity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote tourism enterprises at the local community level. It also highlighted the role of tourism in ‘Closing the Gap’ and identified strategies for tourism to remain important in the Reconciliation process. The project worked closely with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in tourism and with other stakeholders to help develop the understanding that can build a stronger and resilient remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism sector. As a result, the project has been able to boost the outcomes and benefits of tourism for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Impact from this research were:

• More profitable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned and controlled tourism businesses
• Micro-businesses and small-to-medium-sized enterprises can derive additional income
• New tourism businesses linked into local and international tourism markets
• New insights which maximise the potential contribution of tourism to bridging the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Outputs from this research included:

• New Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism products and markets identified and effective value-chain structures and business models developed to take advantage of these new opportunities
• Training material to support new market opportunities and business models developed for tourism businesses
• At least three postgraduate students; 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders trained as paid field researchers; one honours, VET or vacation student.

Research results from this project were disseminated widely, with the project publishing 7 journal papers and theses, presenting at 5 conferences and creating 52 other end-user publications.

For more information about this research, please contact Dr Damien Jacobsen: damienj43@outlook.com.