THE Territory Labor Government has launched a new grant program with a funding pool of $1.4 million. The program aims to develop Aboriginal tourism experiences and products within the Territory’s 33 jointly managed parks and reserves.
This grant program called the Aboriginal Tourism Development in NT Parks and Reserves Grant Program, is the first of its kind for the Northern Territory.
It aims to support Aboriginal Territorians to share their culture with visitors, and benefit both culturally and economically from it. Aboriginal-owned businesses and organisations can apply for grants ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 to develop Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and products.
The grant program is jointly funded by the Territory Labor and Australian Governments.
The new commitment of $6 million will be used to deliver strategic Aboriginal tourism projects.
This will strengthen Aboriginal Territorians’ participation in Australia’s tourism industry and deliver strong economic outcomes for the Northern Territory.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden said the program aims to connect visitors with one of the world’s oldest cultures through immersive tourism experiences that sustain Aboriginal tourism.
“This new grant program will spearhead Aboriginal tourism offerings in our national parks and allow visitors to discover the natural beauty of our landscapes while immersing themselves in one of richest cultural histories in the world.
“Ancient Aboriginal cultures are a significant draw card for international and domestic visitors. We’re proud to have co-invested with the Australian Government to deliver a total of $6 million in NT Aboriginal Strategic Tourism Projects, bolstering our Aboriginal tourism sector in the Territory.”
Minister for Parks and Rangers, Selena Uibo, said the Territory boasts 85 parks and reserves, 33 of which are jointly managed with Aboriginal Traditional Owners.
“The Aboriginal Tourism Development in NT Parks and Reserves Grant Program will help progress some of the major aims of joint management, including creating economic and employment opportunities for Traditional Owners and improving and creating more cultural tourism experiences for park visitors,” she said.
“From Top End parks along the coast such as Garig Gunak Barlu National Park to Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve in the Barkly to Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve in Central Australia, the Territory’s parks offer the perfect location to learn about and experience Aboriginal culture.”
To be eligible, applicants must be NT Aboriginal-owned businesses or organisations that aim to develop Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and tourism products for park visitors in one of the 33 NT joint-managed parks and reserves.
Applicants are encouraged to contact Tourism NT’s Aboriginal Tourism team to discuss ideas before submission by contacting 08 8999 7420.
The Aboriginal Tourism Development in NT Parks and Reserves Grant Program is open from 29 April 2024 and closes on 29 November 2024.
For more information and to view grant guidelines, head to grantsnt.nt.gov.au