FED: $4 million indigenous tourism package launched

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2003
FED: $4 million indigenous tourism package launched

BRISBANE, Dec 12 AAP - Australia's indigenous tourism industry is set to expand with
a $4 million program launched today to assist in the development of the sector.

The Indigenous Tourism Business Ready Program is part of the recently released Tourism
White Paper and will fund the employment of mentors or business advisers to assist Indigenous
tourism start-ups.

Emphasis will be placed on development of management skills, business and strategic
planning, market research and understanding tourism distribution networks and commercial
practices.

Federal Tourism Minister Joe Hockey said international and domestic visitors were expressing
a clear interest in experiencing Australia's indigenous cultures.

"Last year, almost 500,000 international visitors had an indigenous tourism experience," he said.

"This program is designed to meet market demand by increasing the diversity and availability
of indigenous tourism products."

AAP ch/sc/jlw

KEYWORD: TOURISM INDIGENOUS

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