Los Angeles, CA, February 1, 2012 - Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and the Indigenous Land Corporation have begun the largest transformation of Ayers Rock Resort since its opening in 1982. Stage one entails an extensive refurbishment of all guest rooms and public areas at the five star Sails in the Desert Hotel.

All rooms will feature new furniture, curtains, linens, LCD TVs, carpet inspired by the topographical map of Uluru and artwork commissioned by local aboriginal artists. Refurbishment at Sails in the Desert is scheduled to conclude in May 2012. Renovations will then extend to the other four hotels: Desert Gardens, Outback Pioneer, Lost Camel and Emu Walk Apartments.

On the reinvention of Ayers Rock Resort, Managing Director of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, Koos Klein, said "We are committed to exceptional guest experience and therefore we are looking forward to all the changes being made at Ayers Rock Resort. We have a new vision, new activities, with new directions - all complimented by the dramatic improvements and upgrades that are being made in 2012 on the property."

Historically committed to community development, Ayers Rock Resort will now offer an indigenous training and employment program to attract employees locally and from across Australia. Furthermore, the Indigenous Land Corporation has committed to raising Indigenous employment at the resort to 50 percent by 2018, providing over 300 jobs for Indigenous Australians.

Additional developments at Ayers Rock Resort include a new under-the-stars dining experience, Tali Wiru or Beautiful Dune, relocation and transformation of the Mulgara Art Gallery, a spa focusing on spiritual healing and desert meditation and a Welcome to Country Ceremony in the Ayers Rock Airport arrival hall.

About Ayers Rock Resort
Ayers Rock Resort provides a variety of accommodation from the premium Sails in the Desert Hotel, and Australian Tourism Award-winning Desert Gardens Hotel, to the self-contained Emu Walk Apartments, the modern Lost Camel Hotel, the authentic Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge, and Ayers Rock Campground, offering powered campsites and air conditioned cabins. Ayers Rock Resort is managed by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and owned by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) www.ayersrockresort.com.au