PERTH, Australia -- Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute $67 billion to the global economy by 2034, said the World Travel & Tourism Council, helping to drive economic growth in remote regions and serve as a vital contribution for cultural preservation and community empowerment.
A new WTTC report, "Supporting Global Indigenous Tourism," found that Indigenous tourism is rapidly emerging as a key economic driver, creating jobs and economic value in places where Indigenous people live and helping to promote and protect those cultures, languages and lands.
Released during WTTC's Global Summit in Perth this week, the report found that Indigenous tourism is being fueled by increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences in Canada, Australia and the United States, among other countries.
The summit aimed to highlight Indigenous tourism, with WTTC CEO Julia Simpson calling Western Australia "a shining example of how empowering Indigenous communities to tell their own stories and share their 60,000-year-old culture can create sustainable tourism opportunities while enriching the experiences of travelers."
In Australia, more than 1.4 million international visitors engaged in Indigenous tourism experiences in 2019. The report also found that Australia and the U.S. are increasingly incorporating Indigenous experiences into national and state tourism marketing.
"Indigenous tourism is not only about 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," 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."
Despite the growth of Indigenous tourism, many operators face challenges in securing funding, but efforts such as Canada's Indigenous Tourism Destination Fund aims to raise about $2 billion by 2030 to create 800 Indigenous businesses and over 21,000 jobs.
Such funds are critical to ensuring Indigenous communities benefit fully from the tourism industry and can continue to grow sustainably, WTTC said.