Northern Territory Government boosts Aboriginal cultural experiences, products and services 

In an effort to ensure the Northern Territory remains the preferred destination for authentic Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences, the Territory government has announced the recipients of Round 4 of the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program.

The Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program plays an important part in assisting Aboriginal owned businesses and organisations to boost their existing products or develop new ones.

10 organisations across the Territory have received funding for the development of their products. Each organisation will receive between $30,000 to $100,000 to support their tourism venture.

Chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Committee, Paul Ah Chee Ngala shared “It is important that we keep developing and strengthening our cultural experiences and products for tourists to enjoy, and the Aboriginal Tourism Grants contribute to this in a valuable way.

"This year’s funded projects range from improving accommodation facilities to helping an Aboriginal enterprise establish a sustainable off grid power system.”

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Nicole Manison notes “The Territory Government is a proud supporter of our Aboriginal tourism sector – we know the authentic Aboriginal cultural experience brings tourists to the Territory and we want to keep boosting our products.

"In the year ending June 2022, 31% of interstate visitors participated in Aboriginal cultural activities during their Territory holiday, and through investment in developing and marketing the breadth of cultural tourism experiences available, domestic and international demand is set to grow.

"This round of funding will see the development and expansion of exciting cultural experiences right across the Territory, which is good for our economy and it’s good for local and remote jobs."

The Round 4 recipients are:

•Standley Chasm – Upgrades to the existing cultural centre building

•Arltunga Bush Pub and Eco Retreat – Delivery of new infrastructure  to create a new visitor entrance

•Watjan Guided Tours – Establishing a sustainable off-grid power system

•Tarntipi Homelands Aboriginal Corporation – Water infrastructure for Tiwi cultural tourism experience

•Gong-Dal Aboriginal Corporation – Gurrambalk self-catering accommodation

•Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation – Development of event space

•Luwungunji – Construction of new five room accommodation facility at Seven Emu Station

•Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation – Delivery of Bawinanga homelands

•Kurt Tipungwuti – Develop new Aboriginal cultural tours in Ranku, Tiwi Islands

•Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation – An automated booking system for Welcome to Country, cultural awareness services, and to support future cultural tourism activities.

Image. Credit: Arltunga Bush Pub and Eco Retreat