Eight indigenous tourism experiences not to be missed
Indigenous tourism came under the spotlight this week in Darwin, Australia, at the Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism Conference 2012. Here, a look at eight unique indigenous tourism experiences around the world.
AUSTRALIA
Ayers Rock Resort, Outback Australia
Ayers Rock, or Uluru, is one of Australia's most famous destinations and this luxury resort is now owned by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. Several hotels and a spa are on offer at this getaway, deep within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/
Karijini Eco Retreat, Western Australia
The widely praised Karijini Eco Retreat has won a clutch of prizes for its combination of adventure thrills and luxury lodgings deep in the Karijini National Park. The retreat is owned by the local Gumala Aboriginal Corporation.
http://www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au/
NEW ZEALAND
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Rotorua, NZ
This 'living' thermal village allows visitors a look at how Maori people have harnessed geothermal energy for centuries. Visitors can take a Maori-guided tour, see a cultural performance or stay overnight.
http://www.whakarewarewa.com/
Tamaki Maori Village, Rotorua, NZ
The authentic Maori village in Rotorua forest lays claim to being New Zealand's most-awarded cultural tourism attraction. Visitors can view traditional song and dance performances, share in meals with Maori hosts and stay the night in authentic accommodation.
http://www.maoriculture.co.nz/
UNITED STATES
Heard Museum, Phoeniz, AZ
The Heard Museum is renowned as among the best collections of Native American arts and cultures in the world and an unbeatable place to discover more about the Native Americans of the Southwest.
http://www.heard.org/
Navajo Reservation
The Navajo Nation extends into Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, and is the largest land area under Native American control in the US. Spanning some 27,000 square miles, it's got a lot of ground to cover, including highlights such as the Navajo National Monument and Monument Valley. A superb tourism website highlights the best experiences on the reservation.
http://discovernavajo.com/
CANADA
Cruise North Expeditions
Owned by the Inuit, Cruise North Expeditions offer Inuit guides through the Arctic, through millions of square kilometers of harsh conditions in near total isolation. The tours take in Inuit settlements and hunting grounds, past immense icebergs and among polar bears.
http://www.cruisenorthexpeditions.com/
Klahowya Village, Vancouver
The Aboriginal Summer Village is a great destination for those visiting Vancouver's Stanley Park. There are dance performances daily, abortinal crafts and cuisine, stories and the 'Spirit Catcher' train.
http://www.aboriginalbc.com/klahowya-village/
