The long-mooted deal has now been signed and sealed.
The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Journey Beyond for the sale of the operational assets of its subsidiary, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia Pty Ltd, operator of Ayers Rock Resort at Yulara in Central Australia and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre in Far North Queensland.
The deal will be completed by the sale of the shares in Voyages currently held by the ILSC and is the first in a series of transactions that will, once completed, formalise the transfer of land and buildings at both sites for the benefit of the respective Traditional Owners: the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara of Yulara and the Kuku Yalanji of Mossman Gorge.
Commenced in August 2024 following an extensive strategic review into the future ownership of Voyages, the sales process focused on maximising Indigenous benefit, securing ongoing opportunities for the local Indigenous communities and supporting their long-term success.
The sale agreement between the ILSC and Journey Beyond will only pass control of the operational assets of Voyages to Journey Beyond. Land and buildings at Yulara and Mossman Gorge will ultimately be transferred to the appropriate Community corporations representative of the relevant Traditional Owners.
Journey Beyond CEO Chris Tallent said, “Journey Beyond is thrilled to be working with ILSC, Anangu of Yulara, Kuku Yalanji of Mossman Gorge and the Voyages team.”
“This marks an exciting expansion and perfectly aligns with Journey Beyond’s central purpose of creating amazing iconic experiences, that are immersive, authentic and uniquely Australian.”
More details in today’s issue of Travel Daily.