We support the establishment and ongoing operation of sustainable Aboriginal-owned and operated tourism experiences in our national parks.
We do this through a collaborative business development approach with Aboriginal communities and individuals.
Our support will:
Parks Eco Pass is the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service program for licensing operators who conduct tours and recreational and educational activities in parks.
We recognise the importance of increasing the number of Aboriginal-owned businesses within the parks. We have waived the annual licence fee for the first 2 years of the licence term for Aboriginal operators.
We encourage you to contact the Business Development Team if you require assistance completing your application.
For more information about the Parks Eco Pass program for commercial tour operators, please refer to the Parks Eco Pass program webpage or the NSW Parks Eco Pass: Operator Handbook.
An authentic Aboriginal tourism experience can only be developed and delivered by or in association with Aboriginal people. We are committed to ensuring that on-park Aboriginal tourism experiences are developed and delivered in a culturally sensitive way; that is, experiences respect the authenticity and integrity of local Aboriginal people and their culture, adhere to cultural protocols, and recognise that Aboriginal culture is the cultural intellectual property of Aboriginal people.
For more information about Aboriginal cultural heritage and interpretation requirements for Parks Eco Pass licensed operators, please refer to the NSW Parks Eco Pass: Operator Handbook.
The handbook has information for licensed Parks Eco Pass operators, including how to protect park values and encourage visitor enjoyment, general and reporting rules, licence fees, Aboriginal cultural and heritage interpretation, and activity- and area-specific licence conditions.
