Tourism businesses will benefit from a new round of the Territory Labor Government’s Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP), with a further $3 million available in grant funding under the second Turbocharging Tourism stimulus.
Word of mouth is becoming an increasingly powerful marketing tool; recommendations from family, friends and through social media are reported to be up to eight times more powerful than advertising when it comes to encouraging people to travel to a destination.
The VEEP program provides support to local tourism operators to enhance their visitor offerings to attract positive online reviews and recommendations.
Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate the greatest need for visitor enhancement, such as through customer feedback. Both for-profit and not-for-profit organisations can apply. For the first time, Local Governments can also apply. Applicants are required to provide matched funding.
As well as stimulating private investment, VEEP has flow-on benefits for other industry sectors, with applicants required to use local suppliers. The initial investment of $3 million from the Territory Government for the first VEEP unlocked an additional $11.6 million in private investment across the Territory.
The grants can be used for a wide range of projects. Previous grants have been awarded for projects including new air-conditioning, a kitchen upgrade, improved lighting, solar projects for tourism enterprises and better outdoor areas.
VEEP grants complement the business-focused grants offered and administered by the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation and applications under this program will be considered with reference to other NT Government funding applicants may have accessed or qualified for.
VEEP Round 3 opens on 1 July and closes on 1 October 2019.
To find out more, visit www.tourismnt.com.au/en/industryresources/grants-and-funding.
NOTE: Commencing VEEP round three, all successful businesses will be expected to provide a matching cash co-contribution. In-kind contributions are not considered matching funds.
Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
“TURBO2 is continuing the Territory Labor Government’s investment in the tourism sector, boosting the Territory economy, supporting thousands of local businesses and creating jobs.
“We know VEEP is popular with Territory operators as the first two rounds were over-subscribed. We have listened to industry and our TURBO2 initiative includes $3 million for two more rounds.
“VEEP helps operators create truly memorable experiences for visitors, who then leave the Territory and tell others what an amazing time they had here.
“The program also supports and creates jobs in other industries, as applicants need to provide evidence they will use NT suppliers and NT content.
“The first two rounds of VEEP saw 115 Territory businesses receive grants and injected $11.6 million into the economy through private investment.”
Media Contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242