Northern Territory tourism operators receive funding to enhance the visitor experience

Over 60 Northern Territory businesses are sharing in $1.5 million Government grants to enhance their visitor offerings. The funding is being delivered through the Territory Government’s Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP).

Round 4 tourism operators received up to $50,000 in grant funding, with businesses providing a matched cash co-contribution.

In a year which has had an unprecedented and unexpected impact on the tourism and hospitality industries, initiatives such as VEEP have become even more imperative for some businesses to be able to diversity and enhance their visitor offerings.

VEEP provides support to local tourism operators to allow for upgrades or improvements to their visitor experiences to attract positive online reviews and recommendations.

Available to operators across the Northern Territory the program will see grant funds flow across many businesses to enhance visitor experiences imminently.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Natasha Fyles notes “now more than ever it’s important to support our tourism industry and entice travellers who are not from currently declared hotspots to visit the Northern Territory.

“We look forward to welcoming even more Aussies back to the NT all going well as soon as next Monday with the regional Victoria hotspot being revoked.

“VEEP will see another $1.5 million in grant funding awarded to local operators to assist local tourism and hospitality businesses who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and has economic flow-on for other industries like construction.

“We know that word of mouth is extremely important. VEEP helps operators create truly unforgettable experiences so visitors recommend the Territory to family, friends and online.”

Red Centre highlights for Round 4 include upgrades to Wintersun Caravan Park, a new commercial kitchen at Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourism Facility, a new ticketing space for Julalikari Bush Foods Experience and a new canopy at World Expeditions’ camp for those trekking the Larapinta Trail.

Locals and visitors to the Top End will see upgrades to Aquascene Fish Feeding in Doctors Gully, improvements to Top End Safari Camp’s pool, deck and bar, the establishment of a barramundi feeding pond at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge, upgrades to lodge rooms at Bamurru Plains and an extension to Hanuman Darwin’s alfresco dining area.

The program has provided $6 million through four funding rounds, with additional private investment of $15 million, and a total of 239 businesses awarded grants for projects.

To find out more on the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP) click here 

Image of Larapinta Trail courtesy of World Expedition Trails