Funding: The Cultural Tourism Accelerator

The Cultural Tourism Accelerator Program is a $5 million targeted measure announced by the Australian Government as part of the Regional Arts Tourism package, which will enable arts organisations to promote and develop cultural events for tourists across regional Australia. The program will increase tourism visitation in regional, rural and remote communities across Australia by providing financial support for arts and cultural activity. The program recognises that the cultural and creative industries play a critical role in contributing to the creativity, diversity and prosperity of Australia’s regional and rural economy.

The Cultural Tourism Accelerator Program aims to:

1. Support place-based programs to increase visitation

2. Build consumer confidence and activate engagement

3. Drive engagement across communities and between regions

4. Support sector-led responses

There are four grant categories in the program:

Flash Marketing Campaign: $2,500

A competitive quick response grant for upcoming projects to extend digital or grassroots marketing into a new visitor market.

Targeted Marketing Campaign: $10,000

A strategic and targeted marketing campaign to achieve a particular visitation outcome. The campaign will accompany an existing project, event, festival, venue or annual program.

Experience Initiative: $10,000

An initiative that adds an offer or experience to an existing program, to increase visitation or extend the visitor experience of ‘place’.

Partnership Initiative: $15,000

An initiative that develops a partnership with hospitality, accommodation, retail or events businesses to increase visitation and develop cross markets.