Our Story

Empowering Aboriginal entrepreneurship in tourism

ATWA exists to fund the foundation under WA's Aboriginal tourism sector — built by Aboriginal leadership, governed for the long term.

Origin

Why ATWA exists

ATWA is a separate entity established to assist WAITOC in attracting philanthropic funding, donations and corporate sponsorships for Aboriginal tourism business development across Western Australia.

Registered as a charitable body, ATWA accepts philanthropic funding, donations and corporate sponsorships. We hold Charitable Collections Licence No. CC23582 and are endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient — all donations of $2 and over are tax-deductible within Australia.

Through WAITOC, ATWA empowers communities through advocacy, capacity building and marketing of tourism businesses — promoting authentic experiences, collaborating with stakeholders, and leveraging resources for sustainable growth.
Statewide reach

On Country, in region

Mentors and Support Hub Coordinators based where Aboriginal tourism happens.

  • Perth
  • Broome
    North West
  • Albany
    South West
  • Geraldton
    Mid West / Coral Coast
  • Kununurra
    North West
By the numbers

The contribution of Aboriginal tourism to WA

$0M

Contributed to State incomes by Aboriginal tourism businesses in 2021/22.

$0.0M

Contributed to WA's gross state product in 2021/22.

100+

New and existing businesses supported through our programs.

186

Youth in Tourism program graduates.

Milestones

Twenty years of building the foundation

  1. 2002

    WAITOC founded

    The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council is established as the peak body for Aboriginal tourism in WA.

  2. 2015

    ATWA created

    Aboriginal Tourism Western Australia is a separate entity established to assist WAITOC, set up to receive philanthropic and corporate funding.

  3. 2022

    AITC Cairns

    The Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference is co-presented with the Queensland Government, theme: 'The Time is Now — Let's Ignite'.

  4. 2022

    Funding diversified

    Government share of revenue moves from ~90% to 54%, with philanthropy and corporate partners filling the gap.

Our People

Aboriginal-led, by design

Robert Taylor
CEO — ATWA & WAITOC

Robert Taylor

Robert, a Nhanda Yamaji man from Western Australia, has worked for over 10 years as Chief Executive Officer for WAITOC. He has transformed the organisation from a marketing body into a full business development engine for Aboriginal tourism, securing funding at local, state and federal government levels.

Darren 'Capes' Capewell
Chair

Darren 'Capes' Capewell

A proud descendant of the Nhanda and Malgana Peoples of Gutharraguda (Shark Bay) in the Yamaji region. Capes is owner and operator of Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures and leads on-country eco cultural experiences as a Traditional Custodian and ambassador for his people and Country.

WAITOC — Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council

ATWA is the philanthropic and fundraising arm of WAITOC — the peak body for Aboriginal tourism in Western Australia.

To learn about Aboriginal culture first-hand, book a tour or experience through the WAITOC website.

Visit WAITOC