Overall, the funding will help increase Indigenous tourism operators and experiences in the NT.
Initiatives supported by the investment include development of a Northern Territory Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Framework and toolkit and delivery of Aboriginal cultural tourism entrepreneurs accelerator program in collaboration with Indigenous Business Australia and tailored to the NT.
In addition, $2 million more in funding will be added to the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program, which offers significant funding to Aboriginal-owned businesses or organisations to develop new Aboriginal cultural experiences for the visitor economy or to enhance existing offerings.
“With 80 per cent of visitors to the NT wanting an Aboriginal tourism experience we are excited to partner with the Australian Government on this significant investment in the territory’s Aboriginal tourism sector and deliver positive economic and socials outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians,” said NT’s tourism and hospitality minister, Joel Bowden.
“The Northern Territory offers unparalleled rich and unique Aboriginal tourism experiences and the Strategic Indigenous Tourism Program is a strong demonstration of our commitment to continuing to strengthen the NT’s Aboriginal tourism sector.
“We know that Aboriginal Tourism contributes $383 million to our local economy each year and we want to increase this investment through strategic programs that grow and diversify our local Aboriginal tourism product and offerings.”
Business events held in the Northern Territory will also benefit from a greater range of Aboriginal tourism experiences to incorporate in their programs or offer within partner or pre and post touring programs.
