Fifteen local businesses will receive a share of almost $500,000 in funding under the latest round of the ACT government’s Tourism Development Fund.

The fund is designed to encourage co-investment in tourism-related infrastructure, products and experiences that deliver improved visitor experiences.

More than $4 million in total funding, over three years, has been spent through the program for projects that assist development of the visitor economy through infrastructure investment in the tourism, hospitality and events sectors.

Recipients include:

• $100,000 to Beltana Farm, Pialligo, to include a shop focused on the truffle industry and other local produce, as well as a training and tasting room.
• $10,000 to Canberra Glassworks to upgrade its public sound system.
• $50,000 to National Capital Educational Tourism project for the addition of The Dinosaur Museum and Canberra Glassworks to the Book Canberra Excursions booking platform.
• $11,000 to High Country Hikes for the purchase of a vehicle to establish a new walking tour.
• $38,659 to the Gang Gang Cafe upgraded outdoor dining infrastructure to host live music and cultural events.
• $25,000 to Abode – The Apartment Hotel Murrumbateman to develop a conference space.
• $30,000 to the Yarralumla Play Station to build “The Canberra Maze”.
• $35,000 to Share-A-Bike to establish a Lakeside Bike Hire pop-up bicycle rental facility.
• $20,000 to Wilma for establishment of the new Canberra Region Wine Room.
• $10,000 to the Australian Outward-Bound Foundation for the purchase of a larger bus.
• $25,000 to Capital Brewing Co. for the enhancement of an outdoor seating structure.
• $25,000 to Canberra Racing Club for the installation of wi-fi at Thoroughbred Park.
• $20,000 to Lunetta Trattoria to establish a Red Hill lookout, ground floor wine bar.
• $20,000 to Midnight Hotel to establish the “Mark” brand art hub.
• $80,000 to The Truffle Farm to construct an additional Luxury Cabin.

The Tourism Development Fund was introduced in 2021 to assist the recovery of the tourism sector post covid.