Two new tourism packages announced for Northern Territory local governments

The Northern Territory Government has announced $1.1 million in funding for two new packages to support regional and town councils with their tourism development.

Local Governments are eligible to apply for up to $100,000 in grant funding to improve the tourism experience for visitors to town centres under the $1 million Tourism Town Asset Program.

The Territory Government will provide 75% funding for identified projects while councils will be required to provide a minimum of 25% of the cost.

Successful projects must demonstrate how the new experience will deliver benefits to the region and align with a relevant regional Destination Management Plan or tourism strategy.

Meanwhile, the Territory Government is launching a $100,000 Tourism Evening Experiences grant program to incentivise Territory tourism operators to develop tourism experiences after the sun sets.

This competitive grant round will offer funding up to $14,500 to a single successful operator in tourism regions including Darwin, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Lasseter, Kakadu and Arnhem Land.

Successful projects must be a new visitor experience that can accommodate unmet demand in the region, provide a seasonal offering, deliver positive visitor reviews and increase visitor numbers.

Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate the greatest need for visitor enhancement and align their experience with a regional Destination Management Plan or tourism strategy including the NT Drive Strategy 2021-2030, the Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 or the NT’s Tourism Industry Strategy 2030.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Natasha Fyles notes “the focus of the Tourism Town Asset Program is to help local governments benefit the visitor experience with support for potential projects like upgrades to welcome signage or new technology such as ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging stations.

“We are also seeking to encourage Tourism Evening Experiences that diversify the tourism offerings in every Territory tourism region. Possible projects could include an evening light show, after dark attraction or evening food or walking tour.”

Applications for the Tourism Evening Experiences program close on 31st January at 4pm with projects to be completed by 30th June 2022.

Applications for the Tourism Town Asset Program close on 11th February at 4pm with projects to be completed by 30th June 2022.

For more information and to apply visit www.grantsnt.nt.gov.au 

Image: Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 courtesy Tourism NT