FIRST NATIONS CULTURAL TOURISM
is now an integral part of Australia’s tourism product offering. It is one of the key experiences which underpins Tourism Australia’s global marketing activities, however participation in First Nations tourism experiences on the Great Barrier Reef has until now been minimal.
Land based cultural tourism properties have long been a mainstay of First Nation’s tourism product, yet sea country involvement has remained out of reach.
Purchasing an established reef tourism business has, until now, been beyond the financial means of most first nation groups. There were two challenges faced by those who wished to pursue opportunities in reef-based marine tourism – financial resources and business management capacity.
WIDER APPRECIATION OF FIRST NATIONS CULTURE
can be delivered through land and sea based tourism businesses which are either wholly owned and operated, or have substantial First Nation control and involvement.
The Cairns region has more than 2.4 million visitors per year, contributing $3.1 Billion to the economy, with the Great Barrier Reed as it’s core attraction.
REEF VISITATION TO THE CAIRNS/COOKTOWN
GBRMPA management area continues to grow, averaging just over 116,600 visitors monthly. This represents a major proportion (63%) of the monthly average 185,250 overnight domestic and international tourists visiting the region.
The industry employs 16,700 people directly, creates 6,600 indirect jobs and has a total employment impact of 24,300 people.
Yumpla’s plan to construct a new fit-for-purpose vessel, based on hard-learned lessons during the operation of Boatel, will enable First Nation’s tourism development to flourish.
Marine tourism has become the leading contributor to Australia’s “blue economy” with projections it will grow to be worth $100 Billion within 30 years.
For the first time, marine tourism has eclipsed the offshore oil and gas industry as the leading contributor to Australia’s Blue Economy, now estimated to be worth almost $70 Billion, according to a 2019 Australian Institute of Marine Science industry report.
THE POTENTIAL OF THE SEA
The recent report showed the sustainable use of our oceans was vital to Australia’s future Prosperity, supporting 393,000 jobs.
“The sea is part of our national identity, and of deep cultural significance to our First Nation peoples, the report stated.
‘It is home to a wondrous and amazing diversity of life, including our iconic coral reefs. But our marine estate is also a significant and growing source of wealth for all Australians’
Tourism activity associated with the Great Barrier Reef generated $5.7 billion in value-add to the Australian economy. Maximising First Nations engagement and participation within the Blue Economy is a core strategy behind the inception of Yumpla.
OUR OPERATIONAL SCOPE
Yumpla’s initial scope of operations will be invested in the Torres Straits to Cairns geographic area. The region services will include Cape York lands, GBR islands and specifically identified TUMRAs [Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement).
Ongoing development of the business will extend its operational coverage across the length of the Reef to the Southern Great Barrier Reef/Bundaberg/Fraser Coast region.
We will work closely with First Nation communities in this operational area to develop, invest in and initiate joint ventures in ‘tourism, hospitality, and aquaculture plus training and employment opportunities in maritime and dive industry skills.