8 February 2023
The Northern Territory government is investing in Aboriginal Territorians and Aboriginal owned businesses and organisations, to develop Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and products that encourage visitors to travel to the NT and stay longer.
The Aboriginal Tourism Development Support grant program is now open, with a funding pool of $200,000 released, to enable Aboriginal Territorians and business owners to engage professional services to assist with feasibility studies and business planning – an essential step in building sustainable tourism experiences.
The program will also assist eligible businesses to access professional services for the preparation of applications to relevant land council or other land management authorities to support the delivery of tourism experiences and product/s.
Individual applications can be made for between $10,000 to $30,000.
This is a non-competitive grant and applications will be assessed as received.
Applications are now open and close 28 April 2023 or earlier if funding is fully subscribed.
To be eligible, businesses must be an NT Aboriginal owned business or organisation with a goal to develop Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and products that encourage visitors to travel to the NT and stay longer.
The Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 mission is to develop a sustainable Aboriginal tourism sector and this grant program will support the Strategy’s focus to develop quality experiences, products and services.
To view the grant guidelines and to apply visit [https://www.grantsnt.nt.gov.au].
Tourism NT’s Aboriginal Tourism team encourages applicants to discuss ideas and applications prior to making a final submission by phoning 08 8999 7420.
To learn more about the Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 visit [https://www.tourismnt.com.au]
Quotes from Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Nicole Manison:
“The Aboriginal Tourism Development Support grants offer great support to Aboriginal businesses, throughout the essential steps towards building sustainable tourism experiences.
The Territory Labor Government is committed to growing the Aboriginal tourism sector, which is why the vision for the Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy is for the Territory to be the undeniable Australian leader in the Aboriginal tourism sector by 2030.
We know visitors travel to the Territory for unique Aboriginal cultural experiences, and a strong and supported sector will lead to well-paying local jobs right across the Northern Territory.”
Quotes from Chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Committee Paul Ah Chee Ngala:
“The Aboriginal Tourism Development Support Program is one of a number of initiatives being implemented in the continued roll out of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy.
This program is designed to foster the development of sustainable and prosperous Aboriginal tourism enterprises across the NT through shoring up the business foundations with sound business planning, feasibility studies and ensuring security of land tenure.
The success of this program will ultimately see more cultural tourism experiences available to visitors and importantly deliver positive economic and social outcomes for Aboriginal communities.”
Northern Territory Government
