Endemic Tourism To Inject USD 67bn Into Global Economy: WTTC

The World Travel and Tourism Council posted a landmark report at its Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia, highlighting how domestic tourism will contribute USD 67BN to the global economy by 2034.

As per the report, the sector drives maximum economic growth, especially in remote regions, and contributes to cultural preservation and community empowerment.

Endemic tourism has become a critical economic driver, creating jobs and economic value in remote areas. It promotes and protects indigenous people's cultures, languages and lands and gives travellers a distinctive opportunity to experience and learn about indigenous history and traditions. With the global Indigenous tourism market set to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% over the next decade to reach USD 67BN, this sector empowers communities to take control of their economic futures.

The interest and participation tourism market is set to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% over the next decade to reach USD 67BN. This sector is empowering communities to take control of their economic futures. Interest and participation in Aboriginal tourism experiences continue to grow in Western Australia, with the highest results recorded to date this year. As per the Visitor Experiences and Expectations

Research, almost nine in 10 visitors are interested, and more than a third participated in Aboriginal tourism in WA in 2023-24. The economic contribution of Aboriginal tourism businesses continues to improve, with the sector adding $63.8 million to the gross State Product in Western Australia in 2021-22.

In Canada alone, the Indigenous tourism sector supports nearly 2000 businesses and over 39,000 jobs, contributing CAD 1.7BN to the economy in 2017. Similarly, in Panama's Guna Yala region, tourism is the main economic driver that sustains the Guna people and their culture while creating a self-sufficient economy. The increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences in Canada, Australia, and the

The United States fuels this economic boom.

More than 1.4MN international travellers in Australia engaged in indigenous tourism experiences in 2019, marking a 6% year-on-year growth since 2010. Speaking at the global tourism body's 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australi, Julia Simpson, President and CEO WTTC, said, "Indigenous tourism is not only showcasing rich cultural traditions, it's about empowering communities, creating sustainable jobs and ensuring that indigenous people are in control of their own stories and economic futures."

"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 rises, we must support Indigenous businesses and ensure they can access the resources and funding needed to thrive."

Western Australia Indigenous Tourism Operators Council CEO Robert Taylor highlighted the reliance on authentic Indigenous experiences. WAITOC has worked closely with Tourism Western Australia to develop an action plan supporting 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.

"Western Australia is well on its way to becoming the premier destination for authentic Aboriginal experiences in the country," Taylor said.

"Our camping with Custodians is just one example of the continued growth of Aboriginal tourism in Western Australia. This Australian first program develops high-quality campgrounds on Aboriginal lands," he said.

"In May, we celebrated the launch of the seventh site in Lombadina on the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome. These campgrounds are owned and operated by the respective Aboriginal community, which brings funding and employment opportunities. "We are also seeing a strong growth in product offerings, including several women's only experiences," he said.

 Conserving Culture Through Tourism

The report Supporting Global Indigenous Tourism showcases that Indigenous tourism is crucial in preserving cultural heritage, languages, and traditional practices. For example, the Sami people of Northern Europe have developed certification that marks them as Sami Duodji to protect their rich traditions.

 Sustainable Carrer Paths and Inclusivity

Domestic tourism is also a career path exemplified by Canada's Native Tourism Association of Canada, which empowers communities to control their future through tourism. At the same time, countries like Australia and the US are increasingly including experiences in national tourism marketing to ensure authentic representation.

Accessing Funding and Development

Apart from the growth of Indigenous tourism, the company faces challenges in getting funding. However, efforts such as the Canada Indigenous Tourism Development Fund aim to raise CAD2.6BN by 2030 to create 800 new businesses and over 20,000 new jobs. These funds are critical for ensuring Indigenous communities benefit fully from the booming tourism industry and can continue to grow sustainably.

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