Through the Territory Labor Governments record $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package, Territory tourism operators have been provided $3 million in grants to improve tourism experiences for visitors and boost industry investment.
Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool and the VEEP program is assisting businesses make improvements that will lead to all-important positive visitor reviews and perceptions of their offerings.
Round two of the program will see 57 tourism operators receive up to $50,000 in grant funding to support improved customer experiences to attract more visitors to the Territory. The works include upgrading kitchens and ablutions, creation of childrens playgrounds, virtual reality experiences, multi-lingual signage, new bike trails and much more.
One Mile Brewery is one of the local businesses to receive a VEEP grant. Co-founder Bardy Bayram will use his grant to develop an outdoor entertainment area at the brewery.
The VEEP grants have supported 115 Territory businesses in 2018. The programs total direct investment is $3 million and this has been matched with additional private investment of $11.6 million.
The program has stimulated the economy throughout the Territory, creating jobs, getting people here and keeping people here.
Attachment: VEEP Round 2 Recipients
As stated by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss:
Turbocharging Tourism is providing a critical boost to the Territory economy supporting thousands of local businesses and jobs.
The work from these grants will give tourists more reasons to visit and stay longer and that means more money into the pockets of Territorians.
The works will also be a welcome boost for local tradies.
The response from tourism and hospitality operators to both rounds of the program has been extremely positive. A total of 115 operators from across the Territory have taken advantage of the grants to improve their visitor experience.
One Mile Brewery co-founders, Bardy Bayram:
The VEEP grant means that well be able to create an outside entertainment area to accommodate up to 80 people. Most of the works will be carried out by other local Darwin businesses.
Were throwing in almost $100,000 of our own money at this project but with the VEEP grant we can achieve so much more and improve the quality of our offering.
Were supportive of this initiative because its helping businesses lift the quality of their experiences and its clear in our case that it has stimulated private investment.
