Aboriginal owned tourism businesses can now apply for a new $200,000 funding program to help improve business sustainability, enhance the Northern Territory’s unique Aboriginal tourism offerings and further strengthen its position as the undeniable leader in the Aboriginal tourism sector.

A key component of the Labor Government’s Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 released last year, the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program will expand the Territory’s Aboriginal tourism offerings by helping to improve existing experiences, develop new products and improve the sustainability of Aboriginal owned tourism businesses.

By supporting our Aboriginal tourism we are supporting economic development and local jobs in regional and remote communities.

Aboriginal owned tourism businesses can apply for one-off funding of up to $20,000 towards small infrastructure upgrades, contributions towards business and feasibility planning for future development or interpretation projects such as new signage.

Applications are now open and close on 3 April 2020 for projects which can be delivered by 31 December 2020. To apply, go to grantsnt.nt.gov.au

Quotes from Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Eva Lawler:

“We know that visitors will travel to the Northern Territory specifically to experience authentic interactions with Aboriginal people on their country and learn more about the world’s oldest living culture.

“Our recently released Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 showed that 80% of visitors to the Northern Territory would like an Aboriginal tourism experience which is great news for existing and new Aboriginal tourism owned businesses.

“This funding will provide a helping hand to ensure Aboriginal tourism businesses can continue to provide jobs for their people and support economic development in their communities.

“It is also an exciting opportunity to unearth new experiences which will celebrate and share Aboriginal culture with visitors from all over the world.”

Quotes from Nova Pomare, General Manager Angkerle Atwatye – Standley Chasm:

“We are looking forward to applying for the new grant program and welcome the Government’s investment in growing Aboriginal tourism products like our Standley Chasm cultural experiences.

“We hope to gain funding for a cultural display and information area which will help our business by providing visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture, in particular Western Arrernte people and the history of Angkerle Atwatye.”

Media Contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858