Ayers Rock Resort Ownership Shift to US Firm Will Boost Indigenous Tourism in Uluru, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 5, 2025

Ayers Rock Resort, the only accommodation for visitors to Uluru, is about to undergo a significant change in ownership. The resort forms part of the larger tourism infrastructure that has sprung up around one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and will be sold to US-based experiential tourism company Journey Beyond. The deal promises to bring a wealth of benefits to Indigenous communities, with the land being returned to Traditional Owners and a commitment to creating more immersive Indigenous tourism experiences.

A Historic Sale: Ayers Rock Resort’s New Ownership
Currently owned by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) and operated by its subsidiary, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, the Ayers Rock Resort provides the only accommodation option for tourists visiting Uluru, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under the terms of the deal, the resort’s operational assets will be sold to Journey Beyond, a company owned by New York-based private equity firm Crestview Partners.

Journey Beyond is known for its luxury experiential tourism offerings across Australia, including the famed Ghan and Indian Pacific trains. The acquisition includes the Ayers Rock Resort and the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre in far north Queensland, both of which are significant Indigenous tourism sites. The sale marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between tourism and Indigenous land ownership, with both locations set to be transferred to the Traditional Owners.

Returning the Land to Traditional Owners
A key component of the deal is the return of land and buildings to the Traditional Owners of the region. The Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara people, the Traditional Owners of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, will gain control over the land, a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to return land to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The ILSC, established in 1995 following the landmark Mabo High Court decision, has long worked toward the goal of returning land to its rightful owners. However, a government agreement required the Anangu people to lease the park to the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service for 99 years. Now, through this partnership with Journey Beyond, the Anangu will see the land returned, with the company agreeing to pay rent for a 90-year lease for Ayers Rock Resort and a 10-year lease for Mossman Gorge.

This partnership represents the culmination of years of work by the ILSC to ensure that Indigenous communities benefit from tourism, with an estimated $500 million in benefits expected to flow to the First Nations community.

Impact on Indigenous Communities and Local Development
For the Anangu and Kuku Yalanji peoples, this agreement represents more than just a financial gain. The deal will help fund education, employment, and support for Anangu enterprises, which will create long-term sustainability for these communities. Joe Morrison, CEO of ILSC, expressed his satisfaction with the deal, stating that it brings the corporation closer to fulfilling its statutory obligations to return land to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Chris Tallent, CEO of Journey Beyond, emphasized the company’s commitment to working with Indigenous communities across Australia to create immersive, authentic, and uniquely Australian experiences. The acquisition aligns with Journey Beyond’s mission to offer visitors cultural experiences that are deeply connected to the land and the people who have lived on it for tens of thousands of years.

A New Chapter for Indigenous Tourism Experiences
The sale of Ayers Rock Resort is expected to usher in a new era for Indigenous tourism, with Journey Beyond planning to expand and enhance the resort’s offerings. The company’s involvement will help develop world-class Indigenous tourism experiences that share the language, culture, and rich landscapes of the Anangu people with visitors from all over the world.

The Yulara Anangu Corporation, the governing body for the Traditional Owners of the land, expressed their excitement about the future opportunities the deal would bring. The board said, “We look forward to working closely with Journey Beyond in the development of world-class Indigenous tourism experiences that will share our language, our culture, and our rich landscapes with visitors from all over Australia and around the world.”

This partnership is not just about profit, but about preserving and showcasing Indigenous culture while providing economic and social benefits to the community. With tourism increasingly shifting towards more meaningful and culturally immersive experiences, this acquisition is poised to set a benchmark for how Indigenous communities can take a more active role in managing and benefiting from tourism in their ancestral lands.

Impact on Travel and Tourism in Australia
The sale of Ayers Rock Resort represents a major shift in Australia’s tourism landscape. Uluru is one of Australia’s most visited and recognized landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year. The resort is an integral part of the tourism infrastructure surrounding the site, and the new ownership is expected to bring enhanced services and facilities for tourists, with a stronger focus on culturally enriching experiences.

Journey Beyond’s involvement will likely attract even more high-end travelers interested in combining luxury travel with cultural immersion. By working closely with the Anangu and Kuku Yalanji peoples, Journey Beyond will ensure that tourism at Uluru remains respectful of the cultural and spiritual significance of the site while offering modern amenities and experiences that cater to international visitors.

This move also highlights the growing trend of sustainable and ethical tourism in Australia, where more and more travelers are seeking experiences that are not only enriching but also contribute to the well-being of local communities.

A Milestone for Indigenous Tourism and Ownership

This agreement will set a new benchmark for Indigenous tourism around the world through immersive, authentic experiences that showcase Aboriginal culture, thereby engendering greater respect for the land and its people. This partnership represents a very major milestone in the ongoing effort to empower Indigenous communities through tourism, providing them with the tools for maintenance of cultural traditions, while at the same time reaping the benefits from the economic opportunities arising out of global tourism.