The Territory Labor Government is boosting Aboriginal Tourism, to increase visitor numbers and grow the sector.
Round 6 of the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program opens today with $500,000 in grants available to Aboriginal owned businesses or organisations to develop or enhance Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences.
Grants are between $30,000 and $100,000 and may be used to upgrade or develop new infrastructure or develop new products such as on country accommodation or cultural evening experiences.
To date, the grant program has supported 45 Aboriginal tourism businesses with grants totalling over $1.74 million.
The initiative aims to build on the Territory’s renowned Aboriginal tourism industry by supporting new bookable tourism experiences and products.
Last year, Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation was awarded a grant for their Angkerle Atwatye Cultural Centre located in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
The grant supported the cultural centre, which was a single room facility, to be upgraded to a fully enclosed and air-conditioned space capable of accommodating groups of up to 50 guests.
The upgrade has significantly improved the visitor experience, providing a more comfortable and engaging environment to conduct cultural presentations.
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.
Applications open on 6 September 2023 and close 4 October 2023 – to apply visit [https://www.grantsnt.nt.gov.au].
Quotes from Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Nicole Manison:
“The Northern Territory is a premier destination for authentic Aboriginal tourism experiences, and we want to be the undeniable Australian leader in the Aboriginal tourism sector by 2030.
“Our government is supporting the growth of the Territory’s Aboriginal tourism sector through this grant program, which gives local businesses an opportunity to expand and diversify.
“By backing our Aboriginal tourism sector we are creating well-paying jobs in all regions of the Northern Territory and preserving and sharing important cultural experiences.”
Northern Territory Government
