In a landmark move for the Australian travel industry, 16 leading organizations have come together to form the first-ever Tourism Reconciliation Industry Networking Group (RING). This innovative new group aims to support and further reconciliation efforts with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia, with a focus on the travel and tourism sector.
With the support of Reconciliation Australia, the Tourism RING was convened by Tourism Australia and Intrepid Travel. It will act as an informal and industry-led network that provides a platform for businesses with a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to connect, collaborate and share their experiences. Despite over 2,200 organizations having a RAP, only a limited number of travel and tourism businesses have one.
The Tourism RING is an important step forward in the reconciliation movement. Phil Lockyer, Head of Indigenous Affairs at Tourism Australia, explains that “our industry’s role in reconciliation is vital. As RAPs grow across the industry, being able to come together and support each other, learn from diverse Indigenous voices, and build on our RAPs and challenges or ambitions, will help us to make a real impact.”
Celebrating and Sharing the Rich Cultures of First Nations Peoples
Tourism has a unique opportunity to celebrate and share the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and peoples with the rest of the world. Brett Mitchell, Intrepid Travel ANZ Managing Director, says, “Australia is home to the oldest continuing culture in the world and tourism is ideally placed to learn from, share, and celebrate First Nations peoples.”
The Tourism RING will share challenges and opportunities, identify best practices in reconciliation, and listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities on topics related to reconciliation, culture, and tourism. This will help to build strong, positive relationships with First Nations peoples, an important part of the mission to create positive change through travel.
Leading Organizations Join Forces for Reconciliation
The Tourism RING is comprised of a diverse range of leading organizations from across the travel and tourism sector, including:
- Airbnb
- Expedia Group
- Experience Co
- Flight Centre Travel Group
- Intrepid Travel
- Merlin Entertainments
- NRMA
- Qantas
- South Australian Tourism Commission
- Tourism Australia
- Tourism Holdings Australia
- Tourism Western Australia
- Virgin Australia
- VisitCanberra – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (ACT)
- Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
- YHA Australia
The Tourism RING will meet quarterly, with the inaugural meeting taking place on 30 November 2022.
The formation of the Tourism Reconciliation Industry Networking Group marks a new era in the travel and tourism sector in Australia. With 16 leading organizations coming together to support reconciliation efforts with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we can be confident that progress will be made in this vital area.
The Tourism RING provides a platform for businesses with a Reconciliation Action Plan to connect, collaborate and share their experiences, helping to build strong, positive relationships with First Nations peoples and celebrate the richness of their cultures.
Written by: Stephen Peters
