Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson MP today officially opened the $30 million Uluru Meeting Place and complete renovation of Ayers Rock Resort’s premium Sails in the Desert Hotel.

The Uluru Meeting Place, named in acknowledgement of the local Anangu people who have used the area as meeting place for tens of thousands of years, has a striking modern Indigenous design with facilities that include a new ballroom seating 420 people that can also be sub-divided  into smaller meeting spaces.  There is also a second ballroom that seats over 300 which can also be split to create an integrated conference arena. When combined these two rooms create a large area ideal for events and trade shows.

“We believe that the creation of a modern, state of the art Conference Centre will establish the Uluru Meeting Place as an important new option in Australia for meeting planners,” said Voyages Indigenous Tourism Managing Director, Koos Klein.

Ayers Rock Resort’s premium Sails in the Desert Hotel is now a flagship of modern Indigenous design with a complete re-fit of all 231 rooms in the hotel including 2 suites and 16 terrace rooms.  The entire reception area offers a cool oasis and houses an integrated bar and restaurant area that is the ideal place to rest in-between tours of Uluru and nearby Kata Tjuta.

“The complete renovation of Sails in the Desert sets the scene for our guests at this iconic location from the moment they check in and engages with them throughout their stay.  From the Indigenous artworks to the specially designed carpet in the rooms that mimics the topography of the region, the hotel echoes the environment around them in quiet luxury,” said Koos.

This event marks a period of intense change and development at the Resort since Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia took over the management on 23 May 2011.  Not only have there been physical changes to the Resort, Indigenous employment has risen from two employees to over 170.  Other initiatives have included the introduction of a suite of free Indigenous Guest Activities that include yarns, garden walks and cultural performances. A  new premium under-the-stars dining experience Tali Wiru has commenced as well as new Outback Sky Journey tours that are an easy and affordable way to discover our solar system are offered two times a night.

“When we took over the Resort our mandate was very clear; to increase Indigenous employment and training as well as cultural engagement for our guests.  As well as to increase financial results so that this in turn could be returned to our parent company, the Indigenous Land Corporation, so thatcould re-invest in further Indigenous Training and Development programs,” said Koos.

“We have already seen great interest in the Uluru Meeting Place and see the conference market as an important one.   Conference delegates have been drawn to the unique team-building activities such as Indigenous dot painting projects as well as the opportunity of experiencing a sunrise over Uluru on camel back or enjoying a dinner under the starry outback sky at an exclusive Sounds of Silence. Delegates can also take part in the suite of Indigenous experiences, such as performances and boomerang painting that are available to all guests at the resort,” said Koos