Tourism NT has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging First Nations Territorians, young people and those living with a disability to work in local tourism.

The ‘NT Choose Tourism’ campaign, funded by a $450,000 grant from the Federal Government, highlights the rewarding nature of working in the Top End’s tourism sector by promoting various career opportunities such as tour guides, event planners, travel agents, and roles in hotel management and hospitality.

The campaign, which will run until June, makes use of social media, Google, Spotify and YouTube to raise interest and understanding of potential tourism careers, the NT Government said.

A $200,000 tourism workforce, training and ambassador program will also be delivered by the Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT) to boost the effectivity of the campaign, the government said.

“The Choose Tourism Grants is an important program which enables states and territories to develop new programs or extend existing activities aimed at attracting more workers to this exciting sector,” said federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell.

“The Northern Territory is home to stunning landscapes, spectacular wildlife and rich and diverse cultural activities, all of which is sought out by tourists who want to experience more of our amazing country.”

Tourism NT said tourism is an important economic driver in the Territory, contributing an estimated $1.5 billion to the local economy and supporting 12,500 workers.

Finding workers has become a challenge for NT tourism operators.

The Federal Government’s Choose Tourism Grants program aims to rebuild the country’s tourism workforce by offering state and territory governments and tourism bodies a share of $7.5 million for programs that will attract workers to the tourism industry.

ISACNT chief executive Amelia Nuku said the new partnership with the Federal Government would see a “new cohort of Territorians” considering careers in tourism.

“Through ISACNT’s career ambassador program we aim to inspire our young people, First Nations Territorians and those living with a disability to consider a job or study pathway they may have not realised is possible,” she said.

“Our targeted campaign will share success stories and personal testimonies of those who’ve gain successful employment in the industry.”