Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, has welcomed the outcomes from the first grant round for the Australian Government's $40 million Indigenous Tourism Fund.

More than $2.9 million will go towards supporting 60 Indigenous-owned tourism businesses and community organisations across Australia to increase the number of Indigenous tourism products available and support the start-up, stabilisation and growth of operators in the sector.

The interest received in this grant round reflects the wide range of cultural experiences on offer from Indigenous led tourism operators. Businesses like Tarntipi Homelands Aboriginal Corporation will use the grant to further develop their unique tourism experiences of learning Tiwi culture on Country. 

Koomal Dreaming Pty Ltd in Busselton, Western Australia, another business supported by this grant, will use the funds to help promote their cultural tours where people can learn about Wadandi and Bibbulman Country through the eyes of Traditional Owners.

With Indigenous tourism growing in Australia, these grants will also allow Indigenous tourism businesses and community organisations to expand and employ more people in the long-term.

The Indigenous Tourism Fund's grant program will provide up to $12 million over four years to help the sector invest in developing new products, equipment, business planning and marketing with Indigenous businesses able to receive up to $50,000 per grant and Indigenous community organisations able to receive up to $100,000 per grant.

For a list of all the successful applicants in this grant round, read Minister Wyatt's media release.

For more information about the Indigenous Tourism Fund, and details on future funding rounds, please visit the Indigenous Tourism Fund webpage.

Image credit: Nitmiluk Tours, NT