Fifteen local businesses will share in $500,000 under the latest round of the ACT Government’s Tourism Development Fund.

The Fund was introduced in 2021 to help Canberra’s tourism sector recover after COVID. It encourages co-investment in tourism-related infrastructure, products and experiences that can drive economic growth, improve visitor experiences, and enhance Canberra’s reputation as a tourism destination. The government has invested more than $4 million over three years.

Beltana Farm in Pialligo will receive $100,000 to include a shop focused on the truffle industry and other local produce, as well as a training and tasting room.

“Thanks to the support from the Tourism Product Development fund, we have been able to expand our business offerings, turning our farm into a multifaceted destination,” Alice O’Mara, owner of Beltana Farm, said. “Visitors will soon be able to enjoy engaging experiences complemented by curated farm tastings and a boutique shopping experience featuring our farm-made products as well as other Canberra made produce and items.

“I am sincerely grateful for the support we have received to grow our business and continuing to contribute to Canberra’s tourism landscape.”

Other recipients include:

• The Truffle Farm: $80,000 to construct an additional Luxury Cabin
• National Capital Educational Tourism project: $50,000 to add the Dinosaur Museum and Canberra Glassworks to the Book Canberra Excursions booking platform
• Gang Gang Cafe: $38,659 to upgrade outdoor dining infrastructure to host live music and cultural events
• Share-A-Bike: $35,000 to establish a Lakeside Bike Hire pop-up bicycle rental facility
• Yarralumla Play Station: $30,000 to build ‘The Canberra Maze’
• Abode – The Apartment Hotel Murrumbateman: $25,000 to develop a conference space
• Canberra Racing Club: $25,000 to install Wi-Fi at Thoroughbred Park
• Capital Brewing Co.: $25,000 to enhance an outdoor seating structure
• Lunetta Trattoria: $20,000 to establish a Red Hill lookout, ground floor wine bar
• Midnight Hotel: $20,000 to establish the ‘Mark’ brand art hub
• Wilma: $20,000 to establish the new Canberra Region Wine Room
• High Country Hikes: $11,000 to purchase a vehicle to establish a new walking tour
• Australian Outward-Bound Foundation: $10,000 to purchase a larger bus
• Canberra Glassworks: $10,000 to to upgrade their public sound system

Past recipients include Squeaky Clean, Big River Distillery, Mount Majura Wines, Edgar’s and The Jetty for the enhancement of food and beverage spaces; Go Boat for Go Boat Charters; Australian National University Mt Stromlo Observatory for an Astro Tourism Facility; Dynamic Motivation, Cycle Canberra, and Woodlands & Wetlands Trust for Mountain E-bike Tours in Canberra; Cubby and Co for new vineyard accommodation; Capital Woodland and Wetlands Conservation Association for the development of the Majura Treetops Adventure Park; and the Canberra Distillery for a Distillery Education Facility.