Transforming tourists and "culturalising commerce": Indigenous tourism at Bawaka in Northern Australia

摘要: There is currently an increasing interest in Indigenous tourism Australia. Policies Australia often use the rhetoric of sustainability, but position as a means for economic growth and development (Whitford & Ruhanen, 2010). This study shows that interpersonal relationships, cultural social interactions, learning are key to achieving goals providers or “hosts,” experiences tourists. article explores tourist activities run by Indigenous-owned tour company Bawaka Cultural Enterprises (hereafter BCE) North East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. BCE example business aims achieve change sharing ways being, knowledges, practices with non-Indigenous people during tours, whilst also ensuring sustainable manageable family who runs it. In this sense, BCE’s can be understood attempt “culturalise commerce,” rather than commercialising culture (Bunten, article, we contribute growing literature on transformative theory considering tourists’ narratives their BCE. We focus way which tourists transformed increased connection hosts country. argue consciously introduce different being visitors. A awareness, understanding, respect these inspire sense collective purpose identity, deep emotional response tours. Connection, however, not always smooth easy. Central process outlined Mezirow’s (1978) encounters engagements other unfamiliar contexts, may lead disorienting feelings experiences. practical aspects at Bawaka, combined new skills, task requirements, political realities commitment bring, disconcerting The availability spaces processes reflect points disorientation determine whether challenge and/or personal transformation. These factors highlight areas further exploration developing context, need policies move beyond narrow consider educational both ventures themselves.