Voyages set for growth
THE new Wintjiri Wiru lighting and drone experience at Uluru ( TD yesterday) is expected to become “a major drawcard for visitors to the spiritual heart of Australia,” according to Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO Matt Cameron-Smith.
“It gives our guests a very meaningful cultural exchange… sharing a very ancient story, but telling it with cutting edge technology," Cameron-Smith told Travel Daily.
"It’s yet another reason to come, but also a great reason to come back, and to stay longer.”
Cameron-Smith believes the region is poised for an exciting period of growth, with the international market beginning to return, and strong confidence evidenced by increased Qantas flights to the destination from Cairns ( TD 14 Apr).
Voyages hopes Wintjiri Wiru will serve as a complementary component to the existing offering at Uluru Ayers Rock Resort, with the CEO explaining that “we don’t want guests to have to choose, we want them to stay longer, and do it all”.
Since Wintjiri Wiru’s conception five years ago, Voyages has consulted and collaborated closely with a group of 10 senior Anangu from Kaltukatjara and Mutitjulu, to bring it to life and make sure that the story is told in the right way.
This working group plays into Voyages’ longer term growth strategy, explained CameronSmith, adding “the power we have is that the Anangu are a part of it, and as we move forward and plan more experiences, we’ll consult with the group to ensure that they will be culturally appropriate”.
Close collaboration with Indigenous Australians is of critical importance to Voyages, with the company also firmly committed to local employment.
Currently Indigenous Australians represent 31% of the entire workforce of the company, and 24% of the leadership team.
“It’s not just about a job, it’s about a career,” explained Cameron-Smith.
Trade partners can now book Wintjiri Wiru and other Voyages tour and accommodation options online via the new Tjuta booking platform - CLICK HERE.