Grants up to $250,000 to support tourism operators in the development of new and enhanced nature-based tourism attractions and experiences in regional New South Wales.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
- An overview of the Nature-Based Visitor Experience Development Grants
- Every detail you need to know
- Resources and help to get the grant
What is the Nature-Based Visitor Experience Development Grants?
The NSW Government has announced that $3.5 million in Nature-Based Visitor Experience Development grants is available in 2022-23 to support the development of new and enhanced nature-based tourism attractions and experiences in regional NSW.
NVED level of support
Grants
- The minimum grant amount is $100,000
- The maximum grant amount is $250,000 (excluding GST)
- On a matched dollar-for-dollar basis for eligible project costs
Projects can be of a much greater value; however, all additional costs will need to be covered by the applicant.
NVED important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
NVED important details that you will need to know
NVED objectives and outcomes
The aim of the program is to help tourism operators develop nature-based attractions and experiences in regional New South Wales.
Organisations eligible for NVED support
New or existing tour, accommodation or attraction providers based and operating in regional NSW, and local councils and landholders can apply.
All applicants must be registered for GST and the existing or proposed tourism business must be located in NSW.
If the applicant is an existing tourism business, the tourism offering must:
- have a current GetConnected (ATDW) listing
- be bookable online
- agree to update their GetConnected listing to reflect the new attraction or experience when it is open to visitors.
If the applicant is a new tourism business, they must agree to:
- create a GetConnected (ATDW) listing once the attraction or experience is open to visitors
- make the tourism offering bookable online
See the guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible organisations.
Projects and activities eligible for NVED support
Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Visitor attractions delivering a new or upgraded visitor experiences focusing on the natural elements of the attraction and area
- On-property storage, end-of-trip and bike maintenance facilities in proximity to rail trails and mountain bike parks
- Storage facilities for equipment related to walking and cycling experiences, such as transfer vehicle garaging or kayak storage
- Post-experience wellness facilities for cyclists and walkers e.g. float baths
- Viewing platforms and walkways e.g. for wetlands and wildlife viewing
- Facilities, structures and observatories for stargazing experiences
- Nature accommodation including caravan parks, cabins and glamping accommodation in a nature setting.
Note that only static facilities, which cannot be moved, will be considered eligible for funding.
See the guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible projects and activities.
Information to prepare for the NVED application
Supply the necessary information and attachments in the application form. The forms can be accessed on the Tourism Product Development Fund page.
Only online forms submitted through the online portal will be accepted. Application forms sent via email, post or fax will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to read the guidelines carefully and to answer each question.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the NVED
Applications are submitted online via the Tourism Product Development Fund page.
Book a no obligation discovery session with GrantHelper to increase your chances of success.
NVED assessment considerations
| Ref | Criteria |
| 1 | Project Proposed and supporting evidence – Is the project description clear? Has enough information been supplied to understand what the new nature-based attraction or experience to be developed is? – Is it a new nature-based attraction or experience for NSW, the Destination Network area, the Local Government Area or is it duplicating or similar to existing offerings in the area? – Has evidence been supplied to demonstrate the need or demand for the type of attraction or experience proposed? – If the project requires a DA (Development Approval), has this been obtained and a copy of the approval and the Council stamped plans attached to the application? – Is the budget detailed, reasonable and compliant? The application ‘Project Budget’ template will be considered under this criterion. Attaching a more detailed budget for the work with explanations of budget line items may strengthen the response. |
| 2 | Economic Impacts – The anticipated number of local, intrastate, interstate and international visitors – Their estimated daily expenditure – The opportunity for the activity to result in new long-term jobs in NSW. |
| 3 | Strategic and Marketing Impacts/Benefits – How strongly the project aligns with the VES 2030 – How strongly the project aligns with the relevant Destination Management Plan – The project’s alignment with other relevant regional or local strategic plans – Appeal to domestic markets – Appeal to international markets – Likelihood of the project being an iconic/hero destination or experience – Sustainability and accessibility initiatives or mitigations incorporated into the new attraction or experience and/or across the business more broadly. |
| 4 | Capacity to deliver the project – A successful business record – Adequate dedicated human resources – Adequate systems and processes – Corporate Governance – Secured project funding – Investment in project planning and preparation – Any reporting for projects previously funded |
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment considerations.
NVED resources
How do I get the NVED?
Applicants should read and understand the guidelines.
Speak to your Destination Network: Before you apply, contact your Destination Network to advise them of your intent to apply, ask any questions relating to the Grants, and to seek a letter of support.
You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Applicants will also need to address Assessment Considerations and complete submission of your application through the online portal.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- a robust project plan with well-defined timelines and logical sequencing of activity that identifies and manages risk and the necessary resources/approvals to succeed
- a sound project budget that justifies funding and demonstrates the commitment of all partners
- the benefits to be generated by the project and the viability of maintaining these beyond the funding period
- the necessary capacity, capability and experience to deliver the project in full within the agreed timeframe
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