NT tourism aiming high thanks to IBA initiative

Eight participants in the Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator program met on Larrakia Country last week to present their final showcase and celebrate some amazing achievements.

The meeting marked the end of a six-month program delivered by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) in partnership with the Northern Territory Government.

“This transformative journey has been nothing short of remarkable,” Southern Arrernte woman Stella de Cos, Director, Community & Customer Experience, IBA, said.

“The program has empowered our Aboriginal entrepreneurs and allowed them to develop their business ideas and skills.”

The partnership was part of a commitment to bolster the Northern Territory’s Aboriginal tourism experiences and expand the opportunities for our Aboriginal businesses to share culture and country with the rest of the world.

“We’re immensely proud of our participants, and the great strides they’ve made in the development of their businesses or business ideas, they have each brought their deep cultural responsibility and connection and infused them into their business models,” Ms de Cos said.

“We are excited to see how they develop over the coming year.”

IBA’s commitment to the Northern Territory also follows our new office opening in Darwin late last year which was officially opened by then Assistant Minister Malarndirri McCarthy.

The specialist business program, called the NT Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator Program, was delivered to support Aboriginal entrepreneurs to create and grow strong and sustainable tourism businesses.

The program was open to Aboriginal Territorians and NT based Aboriginal businesses and organisations (greater than 50 per cent Aboriginal owned).

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden said the NT Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator Program was another example of the NT Government’s commitment to the growth and development of the Aboriginal tourism industry and Aboriginal workforce.

“We’re pleased to have partnered with Indigenous Business Australia who have an excellent track record in delivering successful accelerator programs,” Minister Bowden.

“We look forward to seeing new and innovative business ideas for the Territory come from the program.”

The entrepreneurs on the program immersed themselves in a wealth of knowledge and experiences of a team of business experts and guests.

During the journey, the participants met with Queensland Aboriginal tourism operators, exploring tourism experiences in both North Queensland (Cairns and Mossman) and Southeast Queensland (Minjerribah Island).

These regions provided fertile ground for learning, connection, and inspiration.

Zoe Fitzpatrick, a Yanyuwa Garrwa woman was one of the program participants.

“I am doing this accelerator with my family to start a tourism business on country in Borroloola
to generate inter-generational wealth, so our people and culture don’t just survive but we thrive,” she said.

“Our business model isn’t just about establishing a tourism enterprise on country, it is also about educating Australia’s future leaders and improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Kirsty Moore (IBA), Senator McCarthy, and Sean Armistead (IBA) at Darwin office opening.

“We know people want to learn from us and we can see potential to help educate our future teachers, lawyers and decision makers on Aboriginal culture while showcasing our breathtaking Northern Territory.”

Between the in-person learning block sessions, the entrepreneurs undertook intensive one-on-one business coaching. This personalised guidance has equipped them with the tools and strategies needed to propel their ventures forward. But the coaching doesn’t end at the showcase.

The graduates are now well-equipped to move onto the next stage of their business, and for the next three months, will receive ongoing coaching.

Arian Pearson of Bawaka Yolngu Fishing Tours, was another excited participant.

“The IBA program provided me with invaluable insights into business planning and development, equipping me with the tools to turn my vision into reality,” he said.

“Through the course, I learned my business strategies, honed my operational plans, and built a solid foundation for offering authentic fishing experiences in the rich cultural landscape of Bawaka.

“My experience has given me insight into my future career. It has given me confidence in one day owning and operating my own fishing guided business in the near future.”