Aboriginal tourism a bridge between cultures

Mark Saddler of NATOC with his didjeridoo PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Bourke and Brewarrina are poised to take advantage of a surge in demand for Aboriginal tourism, according to a leading indigenous tourism operator and trainer.

Mark Saddler is director of the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council (NATOC) and operates Bundyi Tours in Wiradjuri country. He was part of a recent workshop in Dubbo which focussed on the skills and qualifications required to make the most of these new opportunities for Aboriginal tour operators.

“Two years ago, NSW overtook Queensland in visitations to Aboriginal tourism,” Mark said. “We’re on a wave but we don’t have the operators.

“NATOC is the main driver for Aboriginal tourism and we deal directly with Destinations NSW and the Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres. We have just hosted a forum in Dubbo and another in Wagga Wagga where we talk to all stakeholders, in particular focusing on Aboriginal communities, Lands Councils and operators.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.