Nyungar Tourism in the South West of Western Australia: A literature review of tourism

van Den Berg, R., Collard, L., Harben, S. and Byrne, J. (2005) Nyungar Tourism in the South West of Western Australia: A literature review of tourism. Centre for Social and Community Research, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia.

Abstract

Indigenous tourism is a form of ‘special interest’ tourism and depends on the primary motivation of the tourist (Hall & Weiler 1992). Harron and Weiler (1992) discuss ‘ethnic tourists’, and say that most Indigenous/ethnic tourists seek “first hand, authentic and sometimes intimate contact with people whose Indigenous and / or cultural background is different from the tourist” (Harron & Weiler 1992:84). They seek direct experience, the human element, more intimate and authentic contact than that classed as ‘cultural tourism’ (which involves culture in an indirect way as a backdrop). Indigenous tourism also links to environmental / nature-based tourism, arts and heritage, plus adventure tourism (Harron & Weiler 1992). Harron and Weiler (1992) suggest that the motives of Indigenous / ethnic tourists are poorly understood. There are a variety of reasons to seek this form of tourism; some are motivated by curiosity and seek elite peer approval, some only want short-time and not-too-close encounters. However demand is growing and influenced by marketing, the images of which create preconceived ideas in the tourist (Walle 1996). Harron and Weiler (1992) suggest that marketing is often half-true, perpetuating stereotypes of aboriginality as an “exotic, inanimate curio…” (p87), not as a complex living culture. The term ‘ethnic’ tourism is not commonly used in Australia, most marketing refers to Aboriginal or indigenous tourism.

Item Type:	Report
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	Centre for Social and Community Research
Publisher:	Centre for Social and Community Research, Murdoch University
Copyright:	Centre for Social and Community Research, Murdoch University
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/10940

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