It is “business as usual” for Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge as the sale process continues for the operational assets of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation subsidiary, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.
“We have been listening closely to each community to learn more about their aspirations and we will continue to do so – keeping Indigenous benefit front of mind every step of the way and ensuring that benefit is delivered for generations to come,” ILSC group CEO, Joe Morrison, said.
“While there are still a number of steps to be taken following this decision, the ILSC remains committed to ensure the greatest possible outcome is delivered to Indigenous peoples.”
Voyages CEO Matt Cameron-Smith, said it was “business as usual at both Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre as we head into one of our busiest times of the year”.
“We welcome all guests to head to the Red Centre and immerse yourself in the unique cultural experience that we offer at Ayers Rock Resort,” he said.
“If you’re up for a cultural immersion experience in the tropics, then the team at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre welcomes you and your family with open arms.”
The ILSC formally launched the sale process for the operational assets of its subsidiary, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia Pty Ltd, which operates Ayers Rock Resort at Yulara in Central Australia, last month.
The Board also made the decision to consider including Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre (MGCC) in the sale.
However, at this stage no final decision has been made as to whether ARR and MGCC will be sold together or separately, the ILSC statement said.
After completing a strategic review first announced in February that involved understanding potential market interest, and ongoing rounds of engagement with community to identify their aspirations to deliver Indigenous benefit, the ILSC Board views a sale to be the best alternative for Voyages’ operational assets at both sites going forward.
“The ILSC’s primary objective remains to fulfil its statutory obligations of returning land to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and in doing so, create benefit for Traditional Owners at both Yulara and Mossman Gorge, as well as Indigenous people at local, regional, and national levels.
“The sale process will continue to involve the ongoing consultation and engagement with the local Indigenous peoples to ensure sustainable benefits are achieved and maximised. Working towards an outcome that amplifies Indigenous benefit will remain the ILSC’s utmost priority during this process.”
Greenhill and Gilbert + Tobin are assisting in the sales process for the operations.
Resurgence of domestic travel and use of travel experts, AAT Kings research shows
