Indigenous tourism projects in Northern Territory secure $6 million in new funding

April 3, 2024

The Northern Territory Government and Australian Government have announced $6 million in new funding to deliver strategic Indigenous tourism projects.

The investment is aimed at stimulating and strengthening Aboriginal Territorians’ participation in Australia’s tourism industry and deliver strong economic outcomes for the Northern Territory.

Aboriginal cultures are a significant draw card for international and domestic visitors to the NT, with people from all over the world coming to the Territory to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Aboriginal Territorians.

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden notes “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.

“With 80% 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.

“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.”

A range of projects to increase and diversify Aboriginal tourism products and experiences have been identified with some of the initiatives including:

$2 million towards the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program to help NT Aboriginal business and organisations develop and activate bookable Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and product and build stronger tourism experiences.
Development of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Framework and toolkit to assist in developing and growing sustainable businesses; and
Delivery of a Northern Territory tailored Aboriginal cultural tourism entrepreneurs accelerator program in collaboration with Indigenous Business Australia to empower Aboriginal businesses to foster innovation, enhance business skills, expand industry networks, and receive tailored support to boost business growth.

The delivery of these strategic projects will support increasing the supply of Aboriginal tourism product and/or create supply chain opportunities for Aboriginal tourism businesses, progressing our vision for the Northern Territory to be the undeniable leader in the Aboriginal tourism sector.

Tourism is an important economic driver in the Territory, contributing around $1.5 billion to the NT economy and supporting around 12,500 workers. To learn more about the Northern Territory’s Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 head to tourismnt.com.au/research-strategies

This investment builds on the recent launch of the NT Choose Tourism campaign, promoting tourism careers and training pathways for Aboriginal Territorians and the NT Government’s working holiday maker campaign Get Paid to do this, targeting hospitality and tourism workers to come to the NT ahead of the Territory’s peak tourism season. To learn more including current opportunities head to northernterritory.com/getpaid

Image: Aboriginal Tourism Committee member and Yibekka and Kakadu Rock Art Tours operator James Morgan. Credit: Tourism NT

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