Fifteen local businesses will share nearly $500,000 in funding support under the latest round of the ACT Government’s Tourism Development Fund, with Beltana Farm receiving the largest share.

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

The fund aims to boost tourism in the ACT by supporting projects that create new attractions, improve visitor experiences and contribute to economic growth, while also promoting Canberra as a top travel destination.

More than $4 million has been invested over three years through the program to support projects that develop the visitor economy by enhancing infrastructure in the tourism, hospitality, and events sectors.

Other recipients from this round include:

• $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 for transportation
• $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 Canberra’s tourism sector post COVID and its success has resulted in a continuation of the program.

Over the past years many businesses have been successful in receiving co-investment for their projects. Some 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; The Canberra Distillery for a Distillery Education Facility.