Territory Government gives aboriginal tourism major boost

The “already thriving” Aboriginal industry will be given a major boost, Minister for Tourism Joel Bowden has revealed.

Aboriginal tourism has received a major lift with the Territory Government providing $590, 000 worth of grants.

Minister for Tourism Joel Bowden said the grants, given to eight recipients, would help position the Territory as the “undeniable leader” in Aboriginal tourism.

“We know that the Territory is the best destination to experience Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences in Australia,” he said.

“The Territory Labor Government is committed to growing our Aboriginal tourism industry to become the undeniable leader in unique Aboriginal tourism experiences.”

Intended for new infrastructure or to develop new product such as Aboriginal cultural experiences, Minister Bowden said the grants would “diversify” the “already thriving” Aboriginal tourism industry.

“The Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program provides an excellent opportunity for Aboriginal businesses to expand and diversify their tourism experiences and product, building on our already thriving Aboriginal tourism industry,” he said.

A total of 52 Aboriginal tourism businesses have benefited from the program in its lifetime - more than $2.3 million in value.

One recipient, the Larrakia Development Corporation, received $46,700 which it confirmed would go towards developing the Larrakia Cultural Centre which will be built at the base of the Larrakia sacred site at Stokes Hill, overlooking Darwin Harbour.

The development of the Larrakia Cultural Centre will benefit from the grant.

Acting chief executive of Larrakia Development Corporation Mark Motlop said the grant would help showcase Larrakia Country.

“This funding will assist the Larrakia Cultural Centre to develop experiences that cater to all tourists visiting Darwin and local Territorians,” he said.

“This project is important to Larrakia Development Corporation and to all Larrakia as it is the opportunity for us to share, celebrate and showcase Larrakia Country, language, culture, art and knowledge with the world.”