With climbing being gradually phased out at Uluru, Parks Australia and Tourism Australia are working with locals to establish new cultural tourism ventures.
The Uluru climb has been a contentious topic, but in 2010 the board of management decided access would be phased out when climbing rates fell below the 20 per cent mark.
The number of climbers has fallen since tourism surveys began in the mid-90s.
“Most people say it's out of respect for our traditional owners that they choose not to climb,” said Park Resources Manager, Kerry Benison.
Parks Australia and Tourism Australia say they are working with the local Anangu people to devise new cultural tourism activities at Uluru instead.
“Our clientele have told us that they are after more contact with Indigenous people and they want to learn more about the culture when they get here,” Benison said.
“So we are hoping that it may actually increase visitor numbers when there are those new opportunities for people when they come to Uluru.”
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