NT Government hands out grants to boost Territory tourism industry

Uluru ATV Adventures, a brand new indigenous-owned business venture, will unveil a unique visitor experience from Uluru by providing tours to Pantu (Lake Amadeus) for the first time

Pyndan Camel Tracks received $31,819 to enable the company to provide new short camel ride tours. PICTURE: Paddy Palin

Uluru ATV Adventures, a brand new indigenous-owned business venture, will unveil a unique visitor experience from Uluru by providing tours to Pantu (Lake Amadeus) for the first time.

Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Adam Giles said the joint venture with the local Anangu people would feature a four-hour tour in all-terrain vehicles through the outback and out to the lake.

“The Northern Territory Government is urging the tourism industry and operators to provide new products and services in the sector to keep growing our visitor numbers,” Mr Giles said.

“The new venture at Uluru will create job opportunities for the Anangu people and help entice new and repeat visitors to come to the area and gain a greater understanding of the Pantu area, and its cultural significance.”

The Government has provided the business with more than $160,000 in grants – $70,000 from the Tourism Infrastructure Development Fund and $91,000 from the Giles Government’s Boosting the Economy package.

In addition, almost 30 Central Australian businesses received tourism grants during the latest round of allocations including: Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park – pool shade structure – $25,000, Alice Springs Reptile Centre – improve reception area and install new technology to improve interpretation and appeal to new market – $60,000, Ross River Resort – electrical power system upgrades – $90,000 and Docker River – campground upgrades – $100,000.

Manager at the Ross River Resort, Jodie Solczaneuk said the money would help with her off-grid power generation.

“Power generation is a big one for us and the money will go a long way in helping with our infrastructure and freeing up capital,” Ms Solczaneuk said. “It will help us in attaining a reliable power supply that will grow as we grow.”

Mr Giles went on to champion the need for innovation and new ideas within the tourism sector.

“Tourism is a key driver of the economy and the challenge for operators is to constantly refresh and renew tourism products and services to deliver memorable tourism holidays,” he said.

“These grants are providing benefits to people and businesses in remote areas of the Territory who wish to establish new business opportunities, and to existing businesses seeking to expand and provide new tourism experiences.”