In the local Bardi language of the northern part of the Dampier Peninsula, “Ardi” means heading north. Translating words from traditional languages to English is not always an exact science. Some interpret “Ardi” as meaning northeast.
From the point of view of tourism operators and tourism operations on the Dampier Peninsula, Ardi is a word that represents collectively the people of the area. Ardi Bound is to be headed for the Dampier Peninsula.
Ardi Indigenous Tourism Operators Incorporated (Ardi for short) was established in 2006 to represent the interests of tourism and the interests of tourism operators from the Dampier Peninsula. Ardi is a membership organisation whose aim is to grow and market quality tourism product and tourism experiences to the benefit of visitors to the area, in the long term interests of local residents.
The Dampier Peninsula
The Dampier Peninsula itself is an area undergoing change. A little known part of the world up until recent times, it is now becoming increasingly popular for visitors seeking something special. This increasing popularity is brought on by a number of factors. The Dampier Peninsula is on the doorstep of the fast growing tourist destination of Broome. The main access route to the area, the Cape Leveque Road, has undergone considerable upgrade and sealing over recent years. In short, it is now easier for more people to get to a better known visitor destination.
Ardi Strategy
Ardi has its own strategy for tourism on the Dampier Peninsula. It is committed to providing a range of national industry standard experiences for visitors to the area. It is committed to growing the area as a unique visitor destination where tourism is an integral part of the wider natural, economic and cultural environment.
Ardi wants visitors to the Dampier Peninsula to share the environment and the lifestyle of local people. It aims to do this in a way that adds to but does not detract from life as it is now.
This approach by Ardi will ensure that visitors to the Dampier Peninsula will continue to experience the environment and the culture of a people who will continue to enjoy their own unique traditional way of life for generations to come.
Membership on Ardi Indigenous Tourism Operators Incorporated means commitment to these principles and a voice in achieving the long term economic and community goals for the area.
