From Outputs to Outcomes: How WAITOC is Growing Aboriginal Tourism in WA with Data and Story – Watch the Recording Now

On 24th September we heard from WAITOC on how they are evolving their approach to measuring and telling their story of impact. With the Seer Data platform WAITOC are reporting not just to existing funders, but to the wider public and new potential supporters. WAITOC’s shift from focusing on outputs to capturing meaningful outcomes is opening new opportunities to connect with philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector, and helping regional communities grow.

Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) is the leading voice for Aboriginal tourism in Western Australia. WAITOC promotes and supports over 150 authentic cultural experiences – from guided walks and bushfood trails to dancing, storytelling, and campfire feasts across Western Australia. With nearly a quarter‑century of experience championing Aboriginal tourism, WAITOC empowers communities through advocacy, capacity‑building, and storytelling – ensuring cultural experiences are told by Aboriginal voices, in their own words.

We heard from the inspiring Tony Wilton, Owner of Skywalk Cafe. Skywalk Cafe helps connect Aboriginal culture directly to visitors, who are shared traditional Nhanda knowledge by Tony and his team who are working on his ancestral land, contributing to cultural revival and awareness.

To grow and diversify funding, organisations are requiring more than reports on outputs – they need compelling evidence of impact. WAITOC is leading the way as the first tourism peak body in Australia to combine data and storytelling to capture the outcomes that matter most to their funders and community.

Key takeaways:

1. Aboriginal tourism is a driver of sustainable impact. WAITOC is helping Indigenous  tourism businesses in WA grow from advocacy to sustainable enterprise, creating long-term opportunities that benefit communities and culture.

2. Tourism is reconnecting people to their Country. Tony Wilson’s story is a beautiful example of returning to his ancestral land, creating economic and social wellbeing.

3. Impact is more than numbers. Aboriginal tourism delivers social and economic impact for tourism operators and for Aboriginal communities around WA.

4. Centralised impact reporting saves huge amounts of time. Through their interactive Seer Data Dashboard, WAITOC is centralising reporting and demonstrating impact in real-time, combining data with powerful member stories to give government, funders, partners, and visitors confidence in WAITOC and ATWA’s life changing work.

5. A national model is emerging. The new First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership builds on WAITOC’s leadership, setting the stage for stronger Aboriginal-led tourism across Australia and globally.