Support for Aboriginal tourism in the NT

By PETER ROWE

The Northern Territory’s second round of the Aboriginal Tourism Business Accelerator Program, backed by the IBA, will begin in February.

Indigenous Territorians and Northern Territory-based majority-owned Aboriginal businesses are invited to apply for the program where participants will benefit from business and tourism related training introductions to industry networks to help build stronger businesses.

The Accelerator, modelled from IBA’s ‘Accelerate with IBA’ program, is designed to empower Aboriginal entrepreneurs with the tools and skills needed to grow and create new and innovative Aboriginal tourism product and experiences.

The inaugural program earlier this tear saw seven participants develop leadership skills, innovative ideas, and practical business strategies to strengthen the NTs Aboriginal tourism industry.

“The Northern Territory is a premier destination for unique Aboriginal tourism experiences,” Executive Director, Tourism NT Valerie Smith said.

“By nurturing Aboriginal tourism ventures, we’re not only celebrating culture but also driving economic growth, creating jobs, and boosting local communities.”

The Accelerator program is backed by the Australian Government’s Strategic Indigenous Tourism Project funding program which supports a range of projects in the Northern Territory to strengthen Aboriginal Territorians’ participation in the tourism industry.

“We are extremely proud of the success of our first program and to have worked with and supported such a strong group of Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs – their businesses and vision held family, country, sea, and community at the centre of their purpose,” Director, Community and Customer Experience, Indigenous Business Australia, Stella de Cos said.

For more information or to apply, visit www.iba.gov.au/ntaccelerator