Strengthening First Nations tourism businesses in Victoria

FIRST Nations tourism businesses throughout Victoria can now apply for grants of up to $300,000 to expand their offerings under the new First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program.

The Victorian Government has allocated $3.6 million for the initiative, which aims to support tourism experiences that celebrate First Nations culture, community and connection to Country.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the grants would help expand opportunities for visitors to engage with First Peoples culture.

“People and families travelling to Victoria continue to visit our unique First Nations tourism experiences because they’re interested in learning about First Peoples’ culture and knowledge,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

“We’re backing the growth and expansion of First Nations tourism offerings and giving more people the chance to experience them – while backing local communities and First Nations jobs at the same time.”

Victoria is home to a wide range of Aboriginal tourism experiences including cultural walking tours, wildlife encounters, bush food experiences and art workshops.

The Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective, supported by Tourism Australia, showcases more than 40 unique experiences across the state, including Go West Tours along the Great Ocean Road.

More than 500,000 visitors participated in First Nations tourism experiences in Victoria in 2023, contributing $1.3 billion to the economy.

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said the program would build on that momentum. “This will support First Nations communities in Victoria, while also fuelling further growth across our tourism sector,” she said.

Applications are open to Victoria’s 12 Registered Aboriginal Parties, which provide cultural advice related to Aboriginal places and objects.

To explore Aboriginal tourism experiences in Victoria, head to discoveraboriginalexperiences.com.