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Funding boost for Indigenous tourism

Tourism and Events Queensland is investing $200,000 to help grow existing Indigenous events in 2021 as part of the Year Of Indigenous Tourism.

The Festivals and Events Fund aims to generate local economic activity and support growth in regional tourism.

Events that are in at least their second year can apply for between $10,000 and $25,000 to go towards marketing, plan development, infrastructure, and other initiatives that will help the events to grow.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford says the funding hopes to support further growth for Indigenous tourism, which has already increased by 6.4 per cent in the past five years.

“More than 472,000 visitors have immersed themselves in the world’s

 oldest living cultures, right here in Queensland,” Mr Crawford says.

“Not only do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander festivals and events attract visitors seeking unique cultural experiences, they also deliver jobs and boost local economies.

“As more visitors seek out cultural experiences, Queensland is in a great position to be Australia’s leading destination for Indigenous tourism.”

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) Marketing and Communications Manager Jack Wilkie-Jans says the program can provide a significant and welcome boost for the Indigenous tourism sector.

“This year, being the Year of Indigenous Tourism, one of CIAF’s main pushes will be to the travel and tourist market. We’re really hoping that we can inspire some economic recovery for the Aboriginal communities that we showcase, as well as for the greater Cairns region.

“We’re a major event up here, and really we’re a drawcard on the tourism and events calendar for the whole country.”

The Year of Indigenous Tourism was initially set to take place in 2020, but Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced an extension through 2021 due to impacts of COVID. 

For more information on the Year of Indigenous Tourism and how to apply for funding, go to teq.queensland.com

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