Tourism and Events NT has launched two programs to support Aboriginal Territorians, majority Aboriginal-owned businesses and organisations to explore and develop new Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences across the Northern Territory (NT).
The programs will provide specialist consultancy support across two focus areas: wellness, food and drink experiences, and tourism experiences and products within the 85 parks and reserves managed by the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT.
The Wellness, Food and Drink Program will work with up to three participants interested in developing Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences focused on wellness, or food and drink. Through tailored workshops, planning and business development support, participants will explore tourism opportunities, identify potential experiences, strengthen business foundations and develop concepts aligned with the Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Framework.
The NT Parks and Reserves Program will provide consultancy services to support the exploration and planning of new and enhanced visitor experiences within NT Parks and Reserves. Participants will receive face-to-face workshops, a tailored tourism business development action plan and up to 24 hours of implementation coaching.
Tourism and Events NT CEO Suzana Bishop said cultural tourism was one of the NT's greatest strengths.
"Aboriginal cultural tourism offers visitors meaningful opportunities to connect with the world's oldest living cultures through experiences led by Aboriginal people," Mrs Bishop said.
"These programs will provide practical, tailored support to help Aboriginal Territorians explore their ideas, build strong foundations and identify culturally appropriate pathways to develop compelling, visitor-ready experiences.
"By supporting opportunities across wellness, food and drink, as well as our parks and reserves, we can grow the diversity of Aboriginal tourism experiences available while creating meaningful economic opportunities for Aboriginal people, businesses and communities."
The initiatives support the growth of authentic, Aboriginal-led tourism and contribute to the NT Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 and the NT Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030.
Both initiatives are Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects supported by the NT Government and the Australian Government, a $6 million partnership to increase Aboriginal tourism opportunities.
Applications for both programs will be assessed as they are received through an open, non-competitive process and will remain open until 12 March 2027, or sooner if the allocated funding pool is exhausted. Coaching support must be completed by 15 May 2027.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to contact the Aboriginal Tourism team at [[email protected]] or (08) 8999 7420 team to discuss their tourism concept before submitting an application.
