Alice Springs is set to enhance its tourism offerings with a $2.5 million federal grant shared among 17 local operators, including the creation of an Indigenous Tourism Hub at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden. The garden, surrounded by native flora such as quandong trees and acacias, will provide a dedicated space for Indigenous and First Nations tourism activities, including cultural bird and plant walks, painting, and Indigenous food workshops.

Samantha Hussey, general manager of the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, described the initiative as "really exciting" and emphasized the region's strong position to support Indigenous tourism businesses.

This funding is part of an $8.5 million federal election promise made in 2025 to boost tourism in Central Australia, with $1 million already allocated to assist tourism businesses with operational costs.

In addition, the Tourism Central Australia (TCA) is launching a "Fly free to Alice Springs" campaign to encourage interstate visitors. TCA chief executive Danial Rochford highlighted that no other Australian region is taking such a step and expressed hope that the campaign would attract at least 1,000 tourists. He noted the campaign is specifically designed to promote direct flights to Alice Springs, distinguishing it from broader Central Australia travel options.

Rochford acknowledged the tourism industry and region have endured their toughest period in six years, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, perceptions of crime in the outback town, and fuel shortages as key challenges.

Other new tourism ventures supported by the funding include bus tours to culturally significant sites in Mparntwe/Alice Springs and e-bike tours.

"It's really important that we do build the economy, it's not just about mining operations and putting funding in critical minerals," Hussey added, underscoring the broader economic benefits of tourism development.

Sources