Fifty Territory tourism businesses are participating in the Territory Labor Government’s Book Now Digital Support Program.

Many of these businesses will also share in $400,000 in grants to create an easier way for consumers to book online with local tourism operators.

The program supports Territory tourism businesses with individual grants of up to $5,000 in matched funding to deliver business improvements in the digital space.

The successful grant recipients will be matched with a one on one support officer who will work with the business to initially evaluate the businesses online presence and then develop a tailored action plan.

The action plan will assist the businesses to make online improvements in spaces such as online booking systems, or digital marketing to drive bookings.

The successful businesses include accommodation, attractions, cruise, event, fishing, scenic flights and tours from across the Territory’s regions including Alice Springs, Arnhem Land, Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Uluru.

On Tuesday 8 December tourism businesses across the Territory, including the Book Now Digital Support Program recipients, will be taking part in a free online bookability workshop.

The workshop, as part of the stimulus program provides opportunities to businesses to learn more about how to become instantly bookable and catch every booking.

To learn more about the program and recipients visit https://www.tourismnt.com.au/industry-toolkit/grants-funding/book-now-digital-support-program

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Natasha Fyles:

“With more than half of Australian consumers booking travel online, being instantly bookable is a critical element of meeting customer expectations.”

“As the tourism industry continues to navigate its way through COVID-19, consumers are choosing to book online now more than ever.

“Following the launch of the Territory Tourism Voucher, a significant gap was exposed in the broader NT tourism industry’s ability to provide bookable products and experiences across all digital channels.

“This is a targeted grant program that will deliver immediate benefits to the tourism sector, by helping tourism businesses to analyse and implement changes that will prepare businesses for the rebound and increase sales.”

Media contact: Hannah West - 0436 641 108