The federal government's Revival and Resilience grant program is set to invest $1 million into businesses in Central Australia's Alice Springs and MacDonnell tourism regions.
Part of a $8.5 million support package, the grant is is designed to revitalise the region's economy which has faced challenges over recent years, including a downturn in visitation.
The program will support small tourism operators with fewer than 19 employees and an annual turnover of less than $5 million who are facing financial hardship.
Tourism NT reports there were 29 Aboriginal tourism businesses operating in the Alice Springs and MacDonnell tourism regions in June 2022, a reduction of four from the previous reporting period. More broadly, there were 119 Aboriginal tourism business throughout the Territory as of June 2022, a reduction of 24 from the previous year.
The government said grants will assist tourism businesses with operational costs, enabling them to continue operating while reaping the benefits of broader initiatives to attract visitors back to the Red Centre.
Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour, said the government is focused on delivering tourist operators across Alice Springs and the MacDonnell region.
"Central Australia is a place of unmatched natural beauty that has the potential to be a world class tourism destination," Ms Scrymgour said.
"A revitalised tourism industry will deliver more jobs while showcasing everything that makes the Red Centre special."
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the tourism support package is another way the Federal Government is investing in Central Australia and its people.
"Tourism and First Nations tourism is an important part of the economy in Central Australia, with the Red Centre welcoming visitors from around Australia and overseas," Senator McCarthy said.
"These grants are about backing local businesses, local jobs and strengthening communities."
In addition to the $1 million scheme, the government said two additional grant programs will be launched in the near future to assist with the development of new experiences, as well as promotion of the Red Centre to attract more domestic and international visitors.
Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, said the grant program honours the government's commitment "to keep the Red Centre at the heart of Australia's tourism offerings".
"The Alice Springs Revival and Resilience grants program is designed to assist businesses to keep doors open, support local jobs and welcome more visitors to the region," Mr Punch said.
"We're all about backing local businesses in a region that boasts some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world."
Grant guidelines, including eligibility criteria, can be found online.
