Voyages Indigenous Tourism is pleased to launch an Indigenous Encounters program to work in with their new conference facility, the Uluru Meeting Place
at AIME this year.  The program offers conference organizers a range of Indigenous themed tours and activities that are unique in Australia.

The new Uluru Meeting Place was officially opened in November 2012 together with the stunning total refurbishment of the premium Sails in the Desert hotel. The new facility interiors reflect the indigenous heritage of the location, the facilities include a new ballroom that can comfortably seat 420 people but that can also be sub-divided into separate smaller meeting spaces.  There is also a second ballroom that seats over 300 that can also be split to create an integrated conference arena. When combined these two rooms create a large area that is ideal for events and trade shows.

"There has been a constant stream of enquiries from both PCOs and corporate clients alike asking for an Indigenous Engagement Program since we announced we were opening the Uluru Meeting Place, and we are delighted to present this program to the market," said Voyages Managing Director Koos Klein.

The program offers a diverse range of options, from interactive cultural dance performances, spear and boomerang throwing lessons, didgeridoo playing, bushtucker and traditional weaponry, yarns and more.

"One of the keys to the program is that is can be tailored to meet a group's individual requirements.  Its offering of authentic Indigenous experiences is unique in the professional meeting marketplace," said Koos.

The range of Indigenous Encounters includes a fascinating Bush Tucker Tasting Tour with an Aboriginal host who during a walk through country teaches guests the intricacies of how the local people lived in such a hot desert climate.

Other inspiring options for groups include the newly launched option of riding a camel at Sunset to dinner at the iconic Sounds of Silence dinner or for smaller groups an exclusive option at the premium Tali Wiru dining experience.

The www.ulurumeetingplace.com.au micro-site features an interactive tour as well as conference, incentive and events itineraries, a range of experiences including sunrise, sunset and indigenous tours and full details about all the conference venues and accommodation options.

AIME delegates and media alike are encouraged to visit Voyages stand number 1932, and meet with a member of the Voyages Business Event team.  On
Wednesday we will also have a special guest, Waylon Boney from the Indigenous Guest Experiences team, who will be sharing a taste of the program at the Resort.

Media enquiries: Karena Noble, karena.noble@voyages.com.au, 0408737982 

About Ayers Rock Resort

Ayers Rock Resort provides a variety of accommodation from the premium Sails in the Desert Hotel, and Australian Tourism Award-winning Desert Gardens Hotel, to the self-contained Emu Walk Apartments, the authentic Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge, and Ayers Rock Campground, offering powered campsites and air conditioned cabins. Ayers Rock Resort is managed by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and owned by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC).

About Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) and manages tourism and resorts on its behalf. Voyages offers unique experiences and cultural immersion in spectacular locations around Australia including Ayers Rock Resort and Longitude 131° in the Northern Territory, Home Valley Station in The Kimberley in Western Australia and the Mossman Gorge Centre, in Tropical North Queensland. One of the key responsibilities of Voyages is to promote and sustain eco tourism, protecting pristine sites for many years to come. Voyages works collaboratively with local communities to assist them to exercise sustainable environmental tourism practices, respecting and supporting the local Indigenous cultures and offering employment and training opportunities to the local and broader Australian and Torres-Strait Islander Indigenous communities Profits from all business activities are re-invested in the Indigenous and resort experiences and through the various training and development programs in place around Australia.