Aboriginal-owned businesses can apply for grants to develop products and experiences that will encourage visitors to extend their stay in the Northern Territory.

The invite comes as the NT Government opens the latest round of its Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program.

“We are working hard to rebuild the economy, and we know that tourism is one of the Territory’s biggest economic contributors,” minister for tourism and hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said. “Investing in Aboriginal tourism through grant programs enables local operators to develop cultural products that will attract more visitors and help our tourism businesses thrive.”

Aboriginal tourism injects about $383 million into the NT economy annually, with many domestic and international visitors seeking authentic Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences.

To date, the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program has supported 60 Aboriginal businesses with grants totalling more than $2.97 million.

Round 8 of the program funding pool amounts to $1 million. A minimum of $30,000 up to a maximum $100,000 is available to eligible applicants.

“The program will ultimately see more cultural tourism experiences available to visitors and, importantly, deliver positive economic and social outcomes for Aboriginal communities,” Boothby said.

Applications – which close on Friday 7 March 2025, or earlier, if funding for the program is fully subscribed – can be made via grantsnt.nt.gov.au.

In a further bid to boost business, the government has extended the Territory Tourism Discount Scheme.

Between now and 31 March 2025, Territorians can access a discount voucher of up to 25% to spend on tourism products and experiences booked across the state.

“We are extending the Territory Tourism Discount Scheme from two months to six months, and I encourage Territorians to plan ahead by making early bookings,” Boothby said.

Available for transactions of up to $5,000, the discount applies to eligible bookings made through Visitor Information Centres in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Yulara. Territorians can use the discount as many times as they wish during the booking period.

“Our tourism industry work incredibly hard,” Boothby said, “and this is a great way we can support them to get locals and visitors alike back out enjoying the Territory we know and love.”