$1 million boost for Aboriginal Tourism in Northern Territory

The NT’s $1 million Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program aims to enhance Aboriginal tourism experiences with new infrastructure and products.

The Territory Labor Government is boosting the Northern Territory’s rich and unique Aboriginal tourism experiences with Round 7 of the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program opening today with a $1 million funding pool.

Aboriginal businesses and organizations can apply for grants between $30,000 and $100,000 to upgrade or build new infrastructure or develop new tourism products including on country accommodations, cultural tours and bush tucker experiences.

Aboriginal tourism is a significant drawcard for visitors to the Northern Territory with 80 percent of visitors to the Territory seeking an Aboriginal tourism experience as part of their itinerary.

To date, the grant program has supported 52 Aboriginal tourism businesses with grants worth over $2.3 million.

The last round supported Rulku Enterprises in Milingimbi with an infrastructure upgrade that delivered new ensuites to five rooms at Rulku Lodge to enhance the visitor experience and encourage visitors to stay longer.

This program is an initiative under the Northern Territory and Australian governments’ $6 million Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects, announced last week.

Quotes to attribute to NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden:

“The Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program is about stimulating and strengthening Aboriginal Territorians’ participation in Australia’s tourism industry and delivering strong economic outcomes for the Northern Territory.

“Aboriginal tourism contributes $383 million to our local economy annually and we want to increase this investment through strategic programs that grow and diversify our local Aboriginal tourism product and offerings.

“The Territory Labor Government is supporting the growth of the NT’s Aboriginal tourism sector through this grant program and many others that offer local businesses an opportunity to expand and diversify.”

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