Northern Territory Aboriginal tourism development grants on offer

The Northern Territory Government has opened its Aboriginal Tourism Development Support grant program 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.

With a funding pool of $200,000 released, 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.

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Nicole Manison notes “The Aboriginal Tourism Development Support grants offer great support to Aboriginal businesses, throughout the essential steps towards building sustainable tourism experiences.

“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.”

Chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Committee Paul Ah Chee Ngala adds “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.”

This is a non-competitive grant and applications will be assessed as received.

Applications are now open and close 28th 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.

To view the grant guidelines and to apply visit https://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 www.tourismnt.com.au

Image. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and surrounds. Credit: Tourism NT