Northern Territory Government awards Aboriginal Tourism Grants

The Northern Territory Government’s Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program will allow thirteen Aboriginal owned and operated Territory tourism businesses to further enhance their cultural tourism offerings as they share over $200 000 in funding.

This is the first key action out of the Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 released last year. The grants will support economic development and local jobs in regional and remote communities as more Territorians and visitors seek authentic experiences with Aboriginal people on country.

Six projects in the Top End and seven projects from Central Australia will receive funding of up to $20 000 for infrastructure upgrades, future development opportunities and interpretation projects such as new signage.

The successful businesses will receive 50% of their funding prior to 30th June 2020, with projects delivered by 26th February 2021.

To accommodate the urgent demands placed on tourism businesses due to COVID-19, the Northern Territory Government extended applications and funding round dates for the program to support the local sector and Aboriginal tourism businesses.

NT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss notes “with the re-opening of our Territory borders on 17th July, this funding is vital to ensure Aboriginal tourism businesses can provide jobs for their people and support economic development in their communities.

Minister Moss added that over the next ten years, the Territory Government’s Aboriginal Tourism Strategy aims to underpin the development of a strong, sustainable Aboriginal tourism industry.

For more information on NT Government’s Aboriginal Tourism Strategy click here 

Image courtesy of Tourism NT