Grant launched to boost digital bookings for Northern Territory tourism sector
As part of this year’s October Business Month event, the Northern Territory Government will launch a $400,000 program – the new Book Now Digital Support Program - to offer eligible tourism businesses grants of up to $5,000 in matched funding to deliver business improvements that will make it easier for consumers to book online.
The new program aims to help tourism businesses evaluate their online presence and implement changes. Each eligible tourism business will undertake an online assessment, which will be further analysed by Tourism NT.
Being instantly bookable is a critical element of meeting customer expectations.
According to a recent Phocuswright study, 50.6% of Australian consumers are booking their travel online, suggesting that if businesses are not offering simple booking processes via their websites or social platforms including Google, Facebook and Instagram, they could be missing out on close to half of their potential revenue.
A series of seminars, called Tourism Connect will provide hands-on, practical assistance tailored for tourism businesses.
Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Natasha Fyles notes “the global pandemic has caused a lot of hurt for our tourism and hospitality operators. We know it’s been hard and as a government we are doing everything we can to support our operators.
“Following the launch of the Territory Tourism Voucher, we’ve learned that we need to improve our tourism industry’s ability to provide bookable products and experiences across all digital channels.
“The new Book Now Digital Support Program will deliver immediate benefits to the tourism sector, by helping tourism businesses to analyse and implement changes that will prepare businesses for the rebound and increase sales.”
Applications for the Book Now Digital Support Program open 1st October and close 30th October 2020. For more information and to apply, go to tourismnt.com.au
Image of Jim Jim Falls. Credit Tourism NT and Shaana McNaught
Related Articles
Published since 1997 - Australasian Leisure Management Magazine is your go-to resource for sports, recreation, and tourism. Enjoy exclusive insights, expert analysis, and the latest trends.
Mailed to you six times a year, for an annual subscription from just $99.
Get business and operations news for $12 a month - plus headlines emailed twice a week. Covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism, and venues.