The appointment of Ms Runyu-Fordimail  as chief executive of the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation’s tourism arm is a long-strived for achievement for the Jawoyn.

More than 250,000 tourists passed through Nitmiluk National Park against Kakadu's 180,000 last year.

“This is a huge milestone for our people—a great step forward,” Jawoyn Association chair and incoming chair of Nitmiluk Tours, Lisa Mumbin, said.

“Jane learnt at the feet of our major leaders back in the 1980s, and she was first appointed to the Nitmiluk Tours Board back in 1993.

“Since that time she has dedicated herself to learning about the business, and since 2012 has been manager of cultural services out at the National Park, and been mentored into the role she now takes on.”

In 1993, the association established Nitmiluk Tours as the tourism arm of the Jawoyn at Nitmiluk National Park.

Ms Runyu-Fordimail steps aside as chair of Nitmiluk Tours and into the CEO’s role.

Last year former Nitmiluk Tours chief Tony Clemenston won the George Dunne Award for “outstanding contribution by an individual in Tourism NT.

The 2016 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism awards were told Mr Clementson has had a long and successful career in the tourism industry in the Northern Territory for which he has earned a reputation as a “hands on” manager, an innovative leader, and a powerful voice for Indigenous tourism.

“He has implemented change, introduced new ideas and brought success to every role that he has held,” the awards were told.

The Katherine Times understands Mr Clementson is moving to a new role with Tourism NT.

Ms Mumbin today said the boards of both Jawoyn and Nitmiluk were united in their commitment to improving and expanding tourism services at the park, and in other areas in the region.

“This is the vision our Elders gave us when they lodged the land claim 39 years ago, a vision in which—through sharing our country with the world—we would also increase Jawoyn involvement in the future economic development of the region.

“Jane is a strong Jawoyn woman, and I am enormously proud of her achievements to date, and look forward to her growing in her new role with the wonderful staff at Nitmiluk Tours.”

More than 250,000 tourists passed through Nitmiluk National Park against Kakadu's 180,000 last year.

Cicada Lodge also won best hotel restaurant category in the Australian Hotels Association NT Awards.

Nitmiluk National Park has been jointly managed by the Jawoyn people and the Northern Territory Government since 1989, when the Jawoyn people won their land claim for the area.