TOURISM & EVENTS NT ABORIGINAL TOURISM UPDATE - KEEPING YOU INFORMED    ||   VIEW ONLINE

NEWS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

EVENTS

Aboriginal Tourism Forum expressions of interest are open 

The Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal Tourism Forum will be held in Alice Springs on 12 November 2026. The Department of Tourism and Hospitality is providing limited support for regional or remote (100km outside of Alice Springs) based NT Aboriginal individuals, who are operating a tourism business or are interested in starting a tourism business, to attend the Aboriginal Tourism Forum.

Photo credit: Akeyulerre Healing Centre 

Read more

NEWS

Karlu Karlu receives International Dark Sky Sanctuary status

Karlu Karlu Conservation Reserve, one of the NT's most remarkable natural landmarks, has been designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International, recognising the exceptional quality of its nights skies commitment to protecting its nocturnal environment. 

Read more

Reconciliation at the heart of Tourism Australia 

Tourism Australia has launched its 6th Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), recognising the organisation's commitment to reconciliation and the significant value of First Nations tourism to the businesses, regions and communities they support, as well as enriching the visitor experience. 

Read more

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

The Yolngu Host - Traditional Spear Making & Cultural Experience

Set entirely at Galaru, a well-known destination and costal area in East Arnhem Land, you'll spend the afternoon learning to make a traditional Yolŋu hunting spear incorporating skills and cultural knowledge passed down through generations. 

Read more

Discover Aboriginal Experience - Kakadu Cultural Tours, Guluyambi Cultural Cruise

The cruise is a unique boat tour on Kakadu National Park's scenically spectacular East Alligator River. Take in the wonderful pristine wilderness of this World Heritage landscape as your leisurely cruise up stream. 

Read more

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES 

Territory Events Program

The program supports events across the Territory through four funding streams: Major Events, Tourism Enablers, Community and Lifestyle Events and the new Activation Fund, with information sessions and industry briefings available to assist applications. A virtual session on 22 September 2026 will give organisers the opportunity to reconnect after reviewing the guidelines and starting their application.

Read more

Apply today! Aboriginal Tourism Trade Ready Program 

The program is a tailored development opportunity designed to support NT Aboriginal tourism businesses to build the knowledge, skills and industry connections needed to grow through tourism trade distribution. 

Whether you're just starting your tourism journey or looking to reach more visitors, this program will help you better understand how the tourism trade industry works, prepare your business to work with the tourism trade and build confidence in accessing new markets.

Applications close 1 October 2026.

Read more 

Aboriginal Tourism Development in Northern Territory Parks and Reserves Grant Program Round 2

Tourism and Events NT are providing a non-competitive funding pool of $300,000 (excluding GST) to support the development of Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and tourism products within NT parks and reserves. The grant is open to NT majority owned Aboriginal tourism businesses and organisations. Applications can be submitted for a minimum amount of $10,000 and maximum of $50,000 (excluding GST).

Read more

Aboriginal Tourism Conceptual Exploration and Planning for Wellness, Food and Drink Program

Tourism and Events NT are providing funding for professional services to support Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Territorians and majority Aboriginal-owned business and organisations to explore and develop new Aboriginal tourism experiences focused on wellness, food and drink. 

Read more

Aboriginal Tourism Conceptual Exploration and Planning for NT Parks and Reserves

Tourism and Events NT will provide funding for professional services to support Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Territorians and majority Aboriginal-owned businesses and organisations to explore and develop Aboriginal tourism experiences across the 85 parks and reserves managed by the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission. The program aims to inspire, educate, identify and support Aboriginal tourism businesses, communities and individuals to develop their own tourism product and experiences. 

Read more

Aboriginal Tourism Product Distribution Grant Program Round 2

Tourism and Events NT are providing a non-competitive funding pool of $30,000 (excluding GST) for online booking systems and for expert distribution advice including pricing structures and rate sheets. The grant is open to NT majority owned Aboriginal tourism businesses and organisations. Applications can be submitted for a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $5,000 (excluding GST).

Read more

Strong Women Strong Business

Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) has commenced co-designing and engagement activities across the country with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to better understand the needs, priorities and aspirations in business. The activities are being delivered through a range of channels, including an online survey, online workshops, and in-person workshops. 

Read more

EVENTS

G'Day Australia 2026

Tourism and Events NT in partnership with Tourism Australia will host G'day Australia in Darwin/Garramilla from 13-15 October 2026. The event program features B2B business appointments, networking events and familiarisations programs providing an opportunity to highlight the very best of Darwin and the NT. 

Read more 

Australia Indigenous Tourism Conference 

The conference will explore current and emerging trends in travel and tourism, with a strong focus on the innovation, leadership and cultural strength driving Aboriginal tourism forward. The conference will be held in Perth from 3 - 5 November 2026.

Read more 

Aboriginal Tourism Forum 2026

The forum will be held in Alice Springs on 12 November 2026, bringing together Aboriginal tourism operators, industry, government and community partners to celebrate the NT Aboriginal tourism sector, share knowledge and experiences, and strengthen partnerships across the sector.

Read more 

Destination NT

Destination NT provides an opportunity for tourism, events and hospitality businesses, government and industry stakeholders to gain valuable insights while celebrating industry excellence. The event will be held in Alice Springs from 11-14 November 2026.

Read more

2026 Brolga Awards 

Join the NT tourism industry for a night of celebration, recognition and inspiration at the 2026 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards on 14 November 2026.

As the premier awards program for the Territory's tourism sector, the Brolga Awards honour the outstanding businesses, experiences and individuals who continue to showcase the very best of the NT to visitors from around Australia and the world. 

Tickets on sale soon.

Read more

LOGIN TO ATDW

VIEW VISITOR DATA

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

TOURISM & EVENTS NT WEB

This email has been sent by Tourism & Events NT. You have received this email because you have subscribed to a Tourism NT mailing list.

Department of Tourism and Hospitality

GPO Box 1155, Darwin NT 0801

 To change your Subscription Preferences to Tourism NT communications click here

Click here to unsubscribe from all communications from Tourism NT.