The WA Government has committed an additional $18 million in State Budget 2026-27 to deliver the Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2026-2030, embedding Aboriginal tourism as a key pillar of the State’s tourism offerings.
The new plan aims to grow a strong, sustainable Aboriginal tourism sector that delivers lasting economic, social, and cultural benefits for Aboriginal people across Western Australia, said Tourism Minister, Reece Whitby.
“Aboriginal tourism is an integral part of Western Australia’s tourism sector, and the Cook Labor Government recognises the importance of these unique cultural experiences through the expanded support of the Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2026-2030,” Mr Whitby said.
“This Budget investment demonstrates the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to Western Australia’s Visitor Economy Strategy, which aims to grow visitor expenditure to $25 billion a year by 2033 by strengthening the tourism sector, diversifying the State’s economy, creating local jobs, and supporting local businesses.
“The new Jina Plan 2026-2030 ensures that Aboriginal people and their connection to Country are respected and supported, while sharing their unique and culturally significant experiences with the rest of the world.”
A total of $20 million will be spent delivering Jina Plan 2026-2030 initiatives to grow WA’s Aboriginal tourism sector, including funding to partners like the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) to deliver priority actions.
The support is in addition to continued funding of $3.6 million allocated to support WAITOC’s role as the peak industry body, bringing total government support for WAITOC to $8.54 million to 2030.
The Jina Plan 2026-2030 has been developed by the WA Government in partnership with WAITOC. The collaboration aims to deliver coordinated support for Aboriginal tourism, drive regional growth, and align policy and investment outcomes across the State.Â
There are currently more than 150 Aboriginal tourism businesses operating across Western Australia – up from 110 when the Jina Plan 2021-2025 launched. The Government said the inaugural plan supported this growth, with these businesses collectively employing 514 full-time equivalent workers.
In 2023-24, Aboriginal tourism businesses in Western Australia contributed $55.1 million to the State’s economy, an increase of more than 25% from 2021-22.
“The Cook Labor Government’s investment in the Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2026-2030 recognises the importance of enabling visitors to engage respectfully with Aboriginal cultures and experiences across Western Australia, while supporting strong outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Don Punch.
“Building on the success of the inaugural Jina Plan, the new plan continues to grow awareness of Aboriginal tourism by supporting experiences that share culture, language, knowledge, and connection to Country, and by strengthening sustainable, Aboriginal‑led businesses across the State.
“This investment supports lasting economic, social and cultural benefits for Aboriginal people, while further strengthening Western Australia’s Aboriginal tourism sector and its contribution to the visitor economy.”
