The development of indigenous tourism products and experiences is a core part of Tourism NT’s overall approach to tourism development.
This section contains information and resources for indigenous tourism businesses, including:
Indigenous people make up one third of the Territory’s population, own approximately half of the land in the Northern Territory and own a majority of the national parks that are jointly managed between government agencies and traditional owners. As such, indigenous people are essential stakeholders in developing tourism in the Northern Territory.
Tourism NT is committed to working with Indigenous people on a number of levels:
- To expand the range of indigenous cultural experiences that visitors to the Northern Territory can access.
- To explore opportunities for sustainable indigenous economic development through tourism.
- To build capacity for indigenous people to understand tourism and contribute to future decisions about tourism in their capacity as traditional land owners, protected area managers or business owners.
The Northern Territory has an Indigenous Tourism Strategy that contains an Action Plan, which is updated to reflect current development needs and initiatives.
Key priorities and initiatives for indigenous tourism development:
- Improving business practices in indigenous tourism enterprises.
- Cooperative program with the Northern and Central Land Councils.
- Use of the Stepping Stones for Tourism development program for indigenous communities.
- Working with traditional owners on the tourism development potential of jointly managed protected areas.
- Improving the link between the Aboriginal art sector and tourism.
- Supporting indigenous festivals and events.
- Supporting ‘welcome to country’ initiatives.
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