The sale of the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to US-owned tourism company Journey Beyond was finalised this week, paving the way for the company to stamp its own identity on the gateway to one of Australia’s most popular national parks.

As a condition of the sale, which also includes the other Voyages tourist centre at Uluru, Journey Beyond will be required to remove the word “Indigenous” from the corporate name, changing the name from Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia to Voyages Tourism Australia.

But Journey Beyond management issued a statement this week saying the name change “does not diminish in any way the continuing commitment both Voyages and Journey Beyond have to building great partnerships and better outcomes for First Nations people across the group”.

“The transaction follows extensive consultation led by (former owners) the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation with the Traditional Owners - Anangu of Yulara and the Kuku Yalanji of Mossman Gorge - and represents a significant step toward returning the lands at both sites to Community ownership,” the statement reads.

“Journey Beyond looks forward to welcoming these incredible new experiences and all of the Voyages team into its broader group.”

The group stated the acquisition of the Mossman Gorge centre and the Ayers Rock Resort “truly complements its existing portfolio of incredible rail expeditions, unique camps and lodges, cruises and touring experiences”.