More funding will flow to First Nations tourism businesses to boost the Territory's reputation as Australia's number one destination for authentic Indigenous cultural experiences.
Six Indigenous tourist operators were given a slice of the Northern Territory government's $500,000 Aboriginal Tourist Grant Program, which it hopes will diversify tourism in the Territory and get visitors to stay longer.
Round 5 of the grant's program saw three businesses in Central Australia and three in the Top End get funding ranging from $30,000 to $100,000.
Darwin-based company Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation was awarded funding to build their Strategic Cultural Tourism Plan and deliver of a collection of Aboriginal cultural tourism products and experiences.
First Nations owned and operated tourism enterprise, 100% Finke River Culture and Adventure was given a grant to spruce up the Rodna campground facilities, including new toilets, showers, a kitchen, solar lighting, a rainwater tank and new shelters.
The NT government has forked out more than $1.7 million in grants to around 50 First Nations businesses since the funding program began.
The funding is part of the NT Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 which sets out to develop a sustainable Aboriginal tourism sector.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Nicole Manison said no other place in Australia lets you connect with Indigenous culture like the Territory.
"We want to support our local businesses to showcase their authenticity in the delivery of new and diverse Aboriginal cultural experiences," she said.
"Our Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 sets the goal to become Australia's undeniable leader in the Aboriginal tourism sector by 2030."
"Growing Aboriginal tourism offerings empowers Aboriginal Territorians, by assisting in the preservation of culture and offering a future of well-paying jobs across the entire Northern Territory."
