Journey Beyond today announced the completion of its acquisition of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, including its iconic businesses Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre in Far North Queensland

The transaction follows extensive consultation led by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) with the Traditional Owners - Anangu of Yulara and the Kuku Yalanji of Mossman Gorge, and represents a significant step toward returning the lands at both sites to Community ownership. 

For Journey Beyond, the addition of Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge truly complements its existing portfolio of incredible rail expeditions, unique camps and lodges, cruises and touring experiences. 

Chris Tallent, CEO of Journey Beyond, said: 

“This is an incredibly important and exciting moment for Journey Beyond. Voyages aligns perfectly with our purpose - to create amazing, connected and authentic experiences.  Our ambition continues to bring together the most distinctive, experience-led brands that celebrate the very best of Australia's and New Zealand's landscapes and cultures.”

Journey Beyond brings a strong track record of partnering with First Nations communities across its business, including through its Outback Spirit network, rail expeditions and wilderness lodges. The company will continue Voyages' commitment to respectful cultural tourism and to partnering with and delivering tangible economic outcomes for Indigenous Australians.  The National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) will continue to play an important role in developing education and employment pathways and growing First Nations representation and participation across the broader tourism industry. 

A condition of the sale includes Journey Beyond's commitment to remove the word “Indigenous” from the Voyages corporate name, to reflect that it is no longer owned by the ILSC. Whilst its name will change from Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia to Voyages Tourism Australia, it does not diminish in any way the continuing commitment both Voyages and Journey Beyond have to building great partnerships and better outcomes for First Nations people across the group.   

Journey Beyond looks forward to welcoming these incredible new experiences and all of the Voyages team into its broader group. 

- ENDS - 
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Images |  https://journeybeyond.canto.global/b/GH4KK 

Photo credits: 

• All images courtesy of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia  

• Images of Uluru and Ka 

• ta Tjuta may be used with permission from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park media office. Please contact Uluru Media ulurumedia@dcceew.gov.au. 

• Images of Wintjiri Wiru (drone show) must be accompanied by the following acknowledgment: “As custodians of the land, Anangu hold the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru. To share their story, RAMUS designed and produced an artistic platform using drones, light and sound to create an immersive storytelling experience.” Please refer to the media guidelines for image use here. 

Media contact | Cheree McEwin - Group Manager, PR & Communications| cheree.mcewin@journeybeyond.com 

About Journey Beyond  
Australia's leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 20 brands spanning the country and New Zealand, connecting guests to the land, and to each other. Headquartered in Adelaide, Journey Beyond formed in 2016 and now comprises tourism brands including: iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxury lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Sailaway Port Douglas, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89; the historic Vintage Rail Journeys; The Telegraph Station in Alice Springs; Monarto Safari Resort; Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo, New Zealand coach tour specialist Grand Pacific Tours, and Voyages Tourism Australia. 
www.journeybeyond.com