WTTC has launched its Supporting Global Indigenous Tourism report at its 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia, highlighting how indigenous tourism is projected to contribute US$67 billion to the global economy by 2034.
The report shows how indigenous tourism plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, languages, and traditional practices, and showcases the sector’s role in driving economic growth, particularly in remote regions.
Indigenous tourism is rapidly emerging as a key economic driver, creating jobs and economic value in remote areas. It promotes and protects indigenous people’s cultures, languages and lands, and gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience and learn about indigenous history and tradition.
With the global indigenous tourism market set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.1 per cent over the next decade to reach US$67 billion, this sector is empowering communities to take control of their economic futures.
Interest and participation in Aboriginal tourism experiences continues to grow in Western Australia, while the indigenous tourism sector in Canada supports nearly 2,000 businesses, and over 39,000 jobs. In Panama’s Guna Yala region, tourism is the primary economic driver, sustaining the Guna people and their culture while creating a self-sufficient economy.
This economic boom is fuelled by increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences, in countries such as Canada, Australia, and the US, among others.
In Australia, more than 1.4 million international visitors engaged in indigenous tourism experiences in 2019, marking a six per cent year-on-year growth since 2010.
Western Australia Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) CEO Robert Taylor highlighted the importance of authentic indigenous experiences. WAITOC has worked closely with Tourism Western Australia to develop an action plan to support the continued development of indigenous tourism in the state – The Jina: Western Australia Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025 supports new businesses and encourages more Aboriginal people to work in the tourism industry.
Taylor remarked that “Western Australia is well on its way to becoming the premier destination for authentic Aboriginal experiences in the country”, naming programmes like Camping with Custodians as an example of “the continued growth of Aboriginal tourism in Western Australia”, along with a strong growth in product offerings, such as women-only experiences.
In Northern Europe, the Sámi people have developed certification marks such as Sámi Duodji to protect their rich traditions, while Peru’s innovative Kipi robot helps preserve endangered languages like Kukama, spoken by just 2,000 people.
Indigenous tourism is also a sustainable career path, exemplified by Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, which empowers communities to control their futures through tourism.
Meanwhile, countries like Australia and the US are increasingly incorporating indigenous experiences into national tourism marketing, ensuring authentic representation.
WTTC president and CEO Julia Simpson said: “This report demonstrates the immense potential of indigenous tourism to drive economic growth, particularly in remote regions, while preserving invaluable cultural heritage. As global demand for authentic experiences continues to rise, it is crucial that we support indigenous businesses and ensure they have access to the resources and funding needed to thrive.”
The full report can be viewed here.
