Tourists enjoying the Djilpin Arts Cultural Tour in Kakadu National Park. Photo: Northern Territory Government.
The Northern Territory Government has announced a new partnership with Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) to bolster the Territory’s Aboriginal tourism experiences.
The NT Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator program is a specialist business program delivered by IBA to support Aboriginal entrepreneurs create and grow strong and sustainable tourism businesses.
Announced today (15 November) at the second annual Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Forum held in Alice Springs, the NT Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator program is open to Aboriginal Territorians and NT-based Aboriginal businesses and organisations (greater than 50 per cent Aboriginal owned).
“The NT Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator Program supports the Territory Labor Government’s commitment to the growth and development of the Aboriginal tourism industry and building an Aboriginal workforce,” Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden said.
“The Northern Territory is a premier destination for authentic Aboriginal tourism experiences, visitors to the NT have an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic stories, artworks and history spanning more than 60,000 years.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Indigenous Business Australia who have an excellent track record in delivering successful accelerator programs and supporting Aboriginal business development, and look forward to seeing new and innovative business ideas come from the program.”
Participants will undertake formal training, learn practical skills and have access to advisors, coaches and networks.
The IBA’s Director of Community and Customer Experience, Arrernte woman Stella de Cos, said the NT Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator Program was more than just a program.
“It’s about empowering our First Nations entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and preserving our deep cultural heritage that is infused in the land, sea and sky of this country,” she said.
“Expanding the opportunities for our Aboriginal businesses to share culture and country with the rest of the world is ultimately a success for everyone involved.
“Our people are the original and ongoing custodians of this land, and the deep understanding and knowledge they have is what makes these opportunities so important.”
Applications open today and close 1 December with the program commencing in 2024. Find out more and apply here.
More than 100 participants attended today’s NT Aboriginal Tourism forum in Alice Springs, which celebrates the NT’s Aboriginal tourism sector and provides an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences as well as network with other Aboriginal entrepreneurs, industry and government.
