New round of Visitor Experience funding

The VEEP program provides support to local tourism operators to enhance their visitor offerings to attract positive online reviews and recommendations.

The program is part of the TURBO2 initiative and includes $3 million for two more rounds of funding.

Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate the greatest need for visitor enhancement, such as through customer feedback. Both for-profit and not-for-profit organisations can apply. For the first time, Local Governments can also apply. Applicants are required to provide matched funding.

As well as stimulating private investment, VEEP has flow-on benefits for other industry sectors, with applicants required to use local suppliers. The initial investment of $3 million from the Territory Government for the first VEEP unlocked an additional $11.6 million in private investment across the Territory.

The grants can be used for a wide range of projects. Previous grants have been awarded for projects including new air-conditioning, a kitchen upgrade, improved lighting, solar projects for tourism enterprises and better outdoor areas.

One Mile Brewery in Darwin is one business which has benefited from VEEP with $50,000 helping the local brewery expand its operation to include a food van and outdoor area for visitors to enjoy.

“The VEEP program is a fantastic idea. We wouldn’t have been able to do the works we have done without help from a VEEP grant," said co-owner Bardy Bayram.

“The extra funding gave us the capacity to go above and beyond what we wanted to achieve, and what we would have been able to achieve with our own funding.

“It’s great news VEEP is back for round three and I’d encourage businesses to apply.”

VEEP Round 3 opens on 1 July and closes on 1 October 2019.