$40 million funding support announced for Indigenous Tourism

The Federal Government recently announced new support for Indigenous tourism offering business support and grants under the $40 million Indigenous Tourism Fund.

The funding includes up to $12 million in tourism grants to help Indigenous businesses and organisations develop new products, and purchase systems and equipment.

The fund also includes $10 million towards a mentoring program to offer businesses individualised support, and up to $17 million for states and territories to co-invest with the Commonwealth on significant Aboriginal tourism projects.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt said Indigenous tourism businesses have been hard hit by the combined impact of bushfires and COVID-19 and that the funding had been “designed in consultation with the Indigenous tourism sector who have told us clearly what they need to recover and grow their businesses."

To ensure the fund is Indigenous led, $1 million will be provided for the establishment of a National Indigenous Tourism Advisory Group consisting of successful Indigenous experts from a variety of fields to advise on priorities for the sector and the implementation of the fund.

The National Indigenous Tourism Advisory Group will be chaired by Professor Deen Sanders with Helen Martin as Deputy Chair.

Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan, said the package would support Australia’s diverse tourism market adding "we want tourists to share and enjoy Australia’s rich Indigenous history, culture and traditions.

"Australia’s health and economic success at managing COVID-19 means we are well-placed to recover and grow our domestic and international tourism sector and we want Indigenous tourism to be a key part of the Australian visitor experience."

Applications for the first round of the grants close on 22nd March 2021

For more information on the Indigenous Tourism Fund, visit www.niaa.gov.au/ITF

Image: Kimberly Wilderness Adventures Bungle Bungle National Park WA Courtesy ecotourism.org.au/