Refreshed Aboriginal Tourism Strategy launched for Northern Territory

The Northern Territory Government is today launching a refreshed Aboriginal Tourism Strategy that outlines a new vision to inspire visitors to connect through immersive tourism experiences that sustain future generations.

The refreshed strategy has a mission to support Aboriginal Territorians participating in the tourism sector to benefit economically, socially and culturally.

Since its release in 2019 the Strategy has guided the growth of the Aboriginal tourism sector which is estimated to have contributed $383 million into the NT economy in 2021-22 and supports an estimated 1,440 tourism jobs.

Aboriginal Tourism Committee Chair Paul Ah Chee notes “The refreshed strategy ensures that Aboriginal people are at the centre of our mission and vision. We want to ensure that local Aboriginal people own the Aboriginal tourism narrative in the Territory and benefit economically, socially and culturally.

“The three yearly review enables us to reflect on progress made to date and ensure the strategy is on track to achieve our new goals and priorities.”

The updated strategy is backed by a $6 million investment to deliver strategic Indigenous tourism projects from the Northern Territory and Australian Governments announced in April with a number of grant programs currently open to Territory based majority owned Aboriginal businesses and organisations.

Grant funding is also currently available through Round 7 of the $1 million Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program; the new $1.4 million Aboriginal Tourism Development in NT Parks and Reserves Grants Program and the Unlocking Aboriginal Tourism Development Funding program which offers funding up to $150,000 for consultancy services to help unlock Aboriginal tourism development funding.

Aboriginal Tourism Committee Chair Paul Ah Chee notes “The refreshed strategy ensures that Aboriginal people are at the centre of our mission and vision. We want to ensure that local Aboriginal people own the Aboriginal tourism narrative in the Territory and benefit economically, socially and culturally.

“The three yearly review enables us to reflect on progress made to date and ensure the strategy is on track to achieve our new goals and priorities.”

Tourism is an important economic driver in the Territory, contributing around $1.5 billion to the NT economy and supporting around 12,500 workers. To view the updated Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 and annual progress reports head to tourismnt.com.au/research-strategies https://tourismnt.com.au/research-strategies