A new round of the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program has opened in the Northern Territory, recently announced by NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby.

The $1 million in grant funding has been released in efforts to support NT-based Aboriginal businesses and organisations. It will enable them to develop their product and experiences to encourage visitors to travel and stay in the Territory for longer.

To date, the program has supported 60 Aboriginal businesses with grants totalling over $2.97 million.

Aboriginal tourism injects about $383 million into the NT economy annually, with many domestic and international visitors seeking authentic Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences.

Minister Boothby said the Territory's tourism industry was a huge economic contributor, keeping Territorians in jobs and creating work opportunities for small to medium businesses.

"We are working hard to rebuild the economy, and we know that tourism is one of the Territory's biggest economic contributors," she said.

"Investing in Aboriginal tourism through grant programs enables local operators to develop cultural products that will attract more visitors and help our tourism businesses thrive.

"The Aboriginal Tourism Grant program will ultimately see more cultural tourism experiences available to visitors and importantly deliver positive economic and social outcomes for Aboriginal communities."

The Round 8 of the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program funding pool consists of $1 million, with a minimum of $30,000 up to a maximum $100,000 available to eligible applicants.

Applications can be made via grantsnt.nt.gov.au, and close on Friday 7 March 2025 - or earlier, if funding for the program is fully subscribed.