The $2 million Experience Nature Tourism Fund (ENTF) aims to spur investment in nature-based tourism experiences and make South Australia more competitive in luring domestic and international tourists.
Experience Nature Tourism Fund Grant Details
Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 for new and improved nature-based tourism products and experiences in or near a national park, reserve, wilderness protection area or marine park.
Round three applications are now open and close 16 August 2024.
Applications will only be received via this online form.
Funding Streams
There are two funding streams through Round Three of the ENTF:
STREAM 1 – QUICK ACTIVATION PROJECTS GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM $10,000 TO $20,000
- Small grants for projects that are ready for activation.
- Upfront funding upon execution of a grant agreement.
- Project completion by 30 June 2025.
STREAM 2 – INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
- Larger grants for larger projects which may have a higher cost, be delivered with longer durations and/or multiple components.
- Funding disbursed after completion.(i.e. as a reimbursement of eligible expenditure).
- Project completion by 31 December 2025.
Experience Nature Tourism Fund Assessment Criteria & Questions
Projects will be assessed on a set of weighted criteria. We’ve outlined the criteria below, and highlighted some of the questions in the application form that connect to each of these criteria:
The extent to which the project connects the visitor with South Australia’s national parks.
- Describe how your project will activate and/or facilitate visitation to national parks
- Describe how your project will engage visitors and/or educate them about nature and place
The extent to which the project demonstrates innovation in nature-based tourism.
- If you do not have a business plan, describe how the project aligns with the overall goals of your business and how the project will help you reach these goals?
The benefit the project delivers for conservation and sustainability of nature, parks and places, community, visitors, and Aboriginal peoples.
- Demonstrate sustainable initiatives that you will implement throughout the delivery of your project
Alignment with the South Australian Regional Visitor Strategy 2025 and the South Australian Visitor Economy Sector Plan 2030.
- How does the project align with the South Australian Visitor Economy Sector Plan 2030 and the South Australian Regional Visitor Strategy 2025?
Capability and capacity of the applicant to deliver the project.
- Describe how you will deliver the project, including your capability and capacity to deliver the project within the timeframe.
Example Responses for Addressing Experience Nature Tourism Fund Criteria
Example Business: EcoAdventures SA
Project Name: EcoAdventures Wilderness Trail Experience
Grant Stream: Stream 1 – Quick Activation Projects
Grant Amount Requested: $20,000
Question: Describe how your project will activate and/or facilitate visitation to national parks.
Answer: The EcoAdventures Wilderness Trail Experience is designed to immerse visitors in the natural beauty of South Australia’s national parks. Our project will activate visitation by offering guided tours that explore the hidden gems of the Flinders Ranges National Park. These tours will include hiking, wildlife spotting, and educational talks about the park’s ecology and cultural significance. By collaborating with local accommodation providers and promoting our tours through digital marketing campaigns, we aim to attract both domestic and international tourists. Our goal is to increase park visitation by offering unique, memorable experiences that showcase the natural and cultural heritage of South Australia.
Question: Describe how your project will engage visitors and/or educate them about nature and place.
Answer: Our guided tours will be led by experienced naturalists who will provide in-depth information about the flora, fauna, and geology of the Flinders Ranges. We will engage visitors through interactive activities such as bird watching, plant identification, and Aboriginal cultural heritage walks. Educational materials will be provided both digitally and in print, offering insights into conservation efforts and the importance of protecting natural habitats. Additionally, we will partner with local Aboriginal communities to deliver authentic cultural experiences, including storytelling sessions and traditional land management practices, ensuring visitors leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world and its cultural connections.
Question: If you do not have a business plan, describe how the project aligns with the overall goals of your business and how the project will help you reach these goals?
Answer: EcoAdventures SA aims to be a leading provider of sustainable, nature-based tourism experiences in South Australia. The Wilderness Trail Experience aligns with our goal by expanding our portfolio of eco-friendly tours and attracting a broader audience. This project will help us establish a strong presence in the Flinders Ranges, increase our brand recognition, and promote eco-tourism. It supports our mission to educate the public about the importance of conservation while providing high-quality, immersive nature experiences.
Question: Demonstrate sustainable initiatives that you will implement throughout the delivery of your project.
Answer: We will implement several sustainable initiatives, including:
- Using electric vehicles for transportation to reduce carbon emissions.
- Promoting zero-waste practices by providing reusable water bottles and minimising single-use plastics.
- Partnering with local conservation groups to support habitat restoration projects.
- Educating visitors on Leave No Trace principles to minimise their environmental impact.
- Offsetting our carbon footprint through tree-planting programs in the Flinders Ranges.
Question: How will the project support job creation and/or retention within your business?
Answer: The Wilderness Trail Experience will create several new jobs within our business, including tour guides, marketing staff, and administrative support. Additionally, it will provide ongoing employment for existing staff by expanding our range of services. The project will also stimulate the local economy by partnering with accommodation providers, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. By increasing our visitor numbers, we will ensure stable, year-round employment for our team, contributing to the overall economic health of the region.
Question: How does the project align with the South Australian Visitor Economy Sector Plan 2030 and the South Australian Regional Visitor Strategy 2025?
Answer: The Wilderness Trail Experience aligns with the South Australian Visitor Economy Sector Plan 2030 by promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing the state’s reputation as a premier eco-tourism destination. Our project supports the goals of increasing visitor expenditure, improving regional dispersal, and enhancing visitor satisfaction. By offering high-quality, nature-based experiences, we contribute to the diversification of tourism products and encourage longer stays. Additionally, our focus on sustainability and collaboration with local communities aligns with the objectives of the South Australian Regional Visitor Strategy 2025, which emphasises the importance of sustainable growth and community engagement in the tourism sector.
Question: Describe how you will deliver the project, including your capability and capacity to deliver the project within the timeframe.
Answer: EcoAdventures SA has a proven track record of delivering successful tourism projects. Our experienced team includes project managers, tour guides, and marketing professionals who are well-equipped to handle all aspects of the Wilderness Trail Experience. We will follow a detailed project plan, with clear milestones and timelines, to ensure the project is completed by June 2025. Our existing relationships with local suppliers and stakeholders will facilitate a smooth implementation process. Additionally, we have secured preliminary agreements with key partners, ensuring we have the necessary resources and support to deliver the project on time and within budget.
We hope these example responses have helped you understand what sort of information to include in your Experience Nature Tourism Fund grant application.
If you need help with this application, please contact our grant writers.