annual report 2009-10 - Tourism NT

26
Tourism Performance
NT
ACTiONS
Indigenous Tourism Development
There are more than 110 Indigenous businesses operating
in the NT offering a diverse range of products and
services. Fostering Indigenous tourism development
remains challenging given land ownership and access
issues and the limited business capacity of many
Indigenous communities.
In recognition of the importance of Indigenous tourism
to the Territory, our Chief Executive chairs the Indigenous
Tourism Development Working Group, established
under the auspices of the National Long Term Tourism
Strategy. We are also represented on the National
Indigenous Tourism Government Forum, facilitated
by Tourism Australia.
Through funding from the Commonwealth Government
we delivered business mentoring and marketing support
to Indigenous tourism operators, delivered Indigenous
tourism hubs in Alice Springs, Darwin and Nhulunbuy and
delivered a successful tourism training program in Alice
Springs for local Indigenous people interested in tourism.
Over $1.1 million was spent on financial assistance to
Indigenous tourism projects and operators in 2009-10.
A breakdown of expenditure is located at Appendix 2 and
Appendix 3.
Nature Based Tourism Development
We have been working proactively with Commonwealth
and Territory park agencies and stakeholders, including
TTF Australia to progress accommodation developments
on the parks estate. We had numerous consultations with
possible investors to understand their requirements when
looking at developing land classified as non-freehold title.
Work has been complicated by the lease agreements
offered in the past; however we will continue work
next year.
Territory Discoveries
All Territory Discoveries packages highlight the nature,
culture or outback assets which speak directly to the
unique experiences on offer in the Territory.
Territory Discoveries concentrated on promoting small
to medium enterprises who specialise in signature
experiences such as Indigenous tours (eg RT Tours, NT
Indigenous Tours, Batji Tours), immersive alternative
accommodation (eg Eco Training Australia, Bamurru
Plains), and niche operators such as photographic safaris
(eg Wayoutback Desert Safaris) and birdwatching (eg
Connections, Gecko Canoeing).
tourism nt
Darwin indigenous
Tourism Hub
From painting
clapsticks, to talking
the talk and walking
the walk (walking
tours that is…)
Darwin’s Indigenous
Tourism Hub continues to hit the market.
With increased exposure to visitors after moving
into the historic Lyons Cottage, Aboriginal Bush
Traders is fast becoming a must see for visitors
and locals alike. A wide array of locally produced
arts and crafts and Indigenous tourism products
makes Aboriginal Bush Traders a focal point for
people wanting to access Indigenous culture
and experiences.
The Indigenous Tourism Hub continues to grow
as a highly visible promotion point for member
operators and as a key resource for conference
organisers and other industry sectors. It
continues to successfully respond to market
needs and market gaps due to our commitment
to the development of good networks and strong
sustainable relationships with operators. This
success is expected to continue in the coming year,
with more operators finalising their accreditation
arrangements and the implementation of
web-based booking services.
2010-11 priorities
• Develop new products from emerging
Indigenous entrepreneurs and support
existing Indigenous products
• Increase the number of Indigenous people
employed in the tourism industry
• Attract investment to the Territory via the
Signature Lodges initiative
• Highlight the Territory’s unique nature and
cultural assets in marketing to consumers