Aboriginal tourism experiences in Northern Territory national parks given funding boost

The Northern Territory Government has launched a new grant program today allocating $1.4 million towards developing Aboriginal tourism experiences and product within the Territory’s 33 jointly managed parks and reserves.

The Aboriginal Tourism Development in NT Parks and Reserves Grant Program is the first of its kind for the Northern Territory and aims to ensure that Aboriginal Territorians sharing their culture with visitors are supported to benefit culturally and economically.

Aboriginal owned businesses and organisations can apply for grants between $30,000 up to $100,000 to develop Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and tourism products.

This grant program is jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Australian Governments with the new commitment of $6 million for the delivery of strategic Aboriginal tourism projects to strengthen Aboriginal Territorians’ participation in Australia’s tourism industry and deliver strong economic outcomes for the Northern Territory.

To be eligible, applicants must be a Northern Territory Aboriginal owned business or organisation with a goal to develop Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and tourism products for park visitors in one of the 33 NT joint managed parks and reserves.

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden notes “Ancient Aboriginal cultures are a significant draw card for international and domestic visitors. We’re proud to have co-invested with the Australian Government to deliver a total of $6 million in NT Aboriginal Strategic Tourism Projects, bolstering our Aboriginal tourism sector in the Territory.”

NT Minister for Parks and Rangers Selena Uibo advised “the Territory boasts 85 parks and reserves, 33 of which are jointly management with Aboriginal Traditional Owners, empowering decisions about their land and delivering employment and economic opportunities for local communities.

“The Aboriginal Tourism Development in NT Parks and Reserves Grant Program will help progress some of the major aims of joint management including creation of economic and employment opportunities for Traditional Owners and improving and creating more cultural tourism experiences for park visitors.

“From Top End parks along the coast such as Garig Gunak Barlu National Park to Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve in the Barkly to Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve in Central Australia, the Territory’s parks offer the perfect location to learn about and experience Aboriginal culture.”

Applicants are encouraged to reach out to Tourism NT’s Aboriginal Tourism team to discuss ideas prior to submission by contacting 08 8999 7420.

The Aboriginal Tourism Development in NT Parks and Reserves Grant Program is open from 29th April 2024 and closes 29th November 2024.

For more information and to view grant guidelines head to grantsnt.nt.gov.au.