Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Northern Territory Showcase Sustainable Tourism Innovations

Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Northern Territory Showcase Sustainable Tourism Innovations

Budding Indigenous entrepreneurs across the Northern Territory have shared their innovative ideas for sustainable tourism operations after completing a specialist accelerator program designed to prepare them for launching their own businesses. Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Northern Territory Showcase Sustainable Tourism Innovations

Eight participants of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator program gathered on Larrakia Country this week to present at a showcase event, delivered by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) and the NT Government.

Southern Arrernte woman Stella de Cos, IBA’s community and customer experience director, lauded the transformative six-month journey and its lasting impact on the participants.

“This program has empowered our Aboriginal entrepreneurs, allowing them to develop their business ideas and skills,” she said. “We’re immensely proud of the great strides participants made in the development of their businesses or business ideas. They have each brought their deep cultural responsibility and connection, and infused them into their business models.”

The specialist business course was designed to help participants develop and grow strong, sustainable tourism businesses while promoting genuine Aboriginal cultural experiences in the sector.

Throughout the six months, the group of eight engaged in a wealth of knowledge and experiences facilitated by a curated team of business experts and guest speakers. Participants also traveled to Queensland, where they met with Aboriginal tourism operators in North Queensland (Cairns and Mossman) and Southeast Queensland (Minjerribah Island). These vibrant regions provided fertile ground for learning, connection, and inspiration.

In addition to in-person educational sessions, participants received intensive one-on-one business coaching, equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to propel their ventures. They will continue to benefit from ongoing coaching over the next three months to maximize the program’s impact and support sustained business growth.

Yanyuwa Garrwa woman Zoe Fitzpatrick plans to launch a tourism business with her family in Borroloola. She hopes the accelerator course will generate intergenerational wealth, ensuring that her people and culture not only survive but thrive.

“Our business model isn’t just about establishing a tourism enterprise on country; it is also about educating Australia’s future leaders and improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,” Fitzpatrick said. “We know people want to learn from us, and we can see potential to help educate our future teachers, lawyers, and decision-makers on Aboriginal culture while showcasing our breathtaking Northern Territory.”

Fellow participant Arian Pearson, from Bawaka Yolngu Fishing Tours, shared his experience of gaining invaluable insights into business planning and development.

“I learned my business strategies, honed my operational plans, and built a solid foundation for offering authentic fishing experiences in the rich cultural landscape of Bawaka,” Pearson said. “This not only enhanced my business knowledge but also my commitment to my family and cultural values. I now have the tools to turn my vision into reality and the confidence to one day own and operate my own fishing-guided business.”

NT Tourism and Hospitality Minister Joel Bowden praised IBA’s track record of delivering successful accelerator programs, highlighting the potential of this initiative to further promote the Aboriginal tourism industry and create Indigenous jobs.

“We look forward to seeing new and innovative business ideas from the program in the Territory,” Bowden said.

The Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator program is a testament to the power of culturally enriched education and support, paving the way for a future where Indigenous entrepreneurs can thrive in the tourism sector, sharing their unique cultural heritage with the world.

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Source:  https://nit.com.au/26-07-2024/12743/budding-nt-tourism-operators-now-primed-for-new-ventures

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