The Queensland Government has pledged $200,000 in new funding to support Indigenous festivals, events and jobs across the state.
The funding forms part of Queensland’s Year of Indigenous Tourism (YOIT), led by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.
Originally slated for 2020, the Year of Indigenous Tourism has been extended until the end of 2021 due to COVID-19 delays.
The YOIT Festivals and Events Fund aims to support and grow existing events and festivals that showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in 2021.
Organisers can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to support their event and cover initiatives such as marketing and strategic plan development, hire of temporary infrastructure, transport, securing talent and more.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said Indigenous tourism had increased by 6.4 per cent over the last five years.
“More than 472,000 visitors have immersed themselves in the world’s oldest living cultures, right here in Queensland,” he said.
“Not only do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander festivals and events attract visitors seeking unique cultural experiences, they 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.”
Applications for event funding are now open online.
