National Indigenous Tourism Mentoring Program

This program aims to help businesses gain practical advice from industry experts. It forms part of the Australian Government's $40 million Indigenous Tourism Fund which aims to encourage the development of new and expanding Indigenous-owned tourism businesses and community organisations through funding, capability development and facilitating Indigenous tourism sector leadership.

Through the program, mentors will help businesses develop an industry-specific business plan, refine business strategies and help implement the plan. This may involve:
- Identifying target markets
- Analysing existing demand and potential for new markets
- Product development
- Marketing strategies
- Identifying skill gaps
- Developing a roadmap for business investment priorities

Mentors will also be available to assist eligible businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19. This includes finding ways to operate in a COVID-safe way and navigating the range of support packages available for tourism businesses.   

A total funding pool of $10 million is available over four years.

Eligible applicants include Indigenous-owned tourism businesses (50% or more Indigenous owned) that operate on a profit or not-for-profit basis.