TOURISM AND EVENTS NT INDUSTRY UPDATE - KEEPING YOU INFORMED || VIEW ONLINE
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Message from Suzana Bishop
CEO, Tourism and Events NT
Dear industry colleagues,
I want to acknowledge the pressure many of you are feeling as the tourism environment continues to shift at pace. Global uncertainty, fuel costs and recent weather impacts have created real challenges for our industry across the whole Territory. At the same time, our latest insights give us reason for confidence – people still want to travel, and the Northern Territory remains strongly positioned to capture emerging opportunities.
Internationally, while conflict is influencing travel behaviour, it is not resulting in widespread cancellations. Instead, travellers are adapting: booking closer to departure, choosing destinations perceived as safe, or travelling closer to home. Australia continues to perform well as a long-haul destination, and the NT is well placed to benefit from this shift. For us, this reinforces the importance of flexible, value-driven messaging and short-lead offers that respond to how travellers are now making decisions.
Closer to home, fuel prices and supply concerns are understandably front of mind. Encouragingly, we are not seeing a material decline in demand for the NT. Flight bookings remain ahead of last year, with travellers still prioritising holidays – often opting for shorter stays, airline sales and value-focused itineraries.
As outbound travel softens, domestic demand presents a strong opportunity for our sector. We know the recent flooding across central Australia, Katherine, Kakadu and parts of the Top End has had a localised but significant impact. While visitation has temporarily declined, yields have remained resilient. As access is restored, recovery and reassurance messaging will be critical, and we will continue to work closely with affected operators on flood recovery efforts to support a confident return to market.
There is also important work happening behind the scenes. The Northern Territory Government has established a fuel taskforce, and advocacy is underway with the Federal Government to prioritise fuel supply for the Territory. The NT Government has also enacted the Price Exploitation Prevention Act for the first time, since its inception in 1949, if retailers do the wrong thing during the fuel crisis.
Under this Act the Government can request an open-ended amount of data from retailers, prohibit transactions, and if there is evidence of price exploitation intervention is possible. These are extreme powers which the Government hopes not to use because retailers will do the right thing.
On the marketing front, we have targeted domestic activity planned, alongside local and interstate confidence campaigns once recovery is underway. We are also continuing our direct engagement with industry, including webinars and tailored support for operators most affected.
The key message I want to reinforce is this: demand is still there. The NT is seen as a safe, compelling destination, and with clear communication, flexibility and a strong focus on value, we can navigate the short-term headwinds together. Domestic and local markets will play a critical role in our near-term recovery, and we remain committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Thank you for your resilience, adaptability and ongoing partnership. We will continue to share timely updates as conditions evolve and look forward to working closely with you in the months ahead.
Warms regards,
Suzana Bishop
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Industry Webinar: Navigating Current Global Impacts
Tourism and Events NT will host a short Industry Webinar on Thursday 9 April, from 5.00–5.45pm, delivered via Microsoft Teams, to share the latest market intelligence on impacts arising from the current Middle East situation.
REGISTER HERE
With global conditions continuing to shift, this session will provide a timely overview of travel behaviour, booking patterns and market sentiment, and what this means for the Northern Territory tourism sector.
This session is also an opportunity to hear from you. We are keen to understand what you are seeing on the ground, the questions you are receiving, and what information or support you would find most valuable from Tourism and Events NT going forward.
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NT Experience Fund open to drive new tourism products
Tourism and hospitality operators are encouraged to apply for the NT Experience Fund, supporting the development of new and enhanced visitor experiences across the Territory.
The fund aims to grow and diversify tourism offerings, helping businesses create bookable, high-quality experiences that connect visitors with the NT’s people, stories and landscapes, while strengthening end-to-end itineraries.
Priority will be given to projects aligned with key focus areas, including adventure tourism, business event delegate experiences, cruise and cultural tourism, dark skies, domestic education, fishing, food and drink, major event experiences, military tourism and night-time offerings.
A dedicated zero-contribution funding stream is also available for projects that enhance visitor experiences linked to the Territory’s World War II history, supporting the Northern Territory Government’s focus on showcasing this unique part of the NT story.
Operators with innovative ideas that align with the Territory’s value proposition are encouraged to apply.
APPLY HERE
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The Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 has been launched
The Northern Territory Government has unveiled the next phase of the Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 in Alice Springs, setting a clear path for sustained tourism growth and industry development through to 2028.
The Strategy is designed to grow the visitor economy to $3 billion by 2032 with 1.7 million trips. The target, shared between the Top End and Central Australia regions, will support an estimated 6,000 new jobs, 228,000 additional aviation seats and 200,000 extra room nights across the Northern Territory by 2032.
Tourism Research Australia data released today, showed the NT has continued double-digit growth, with visitation +17 per cent higher to December 2025 compared to the same period over the previous year.
The NT welcomed 1.25 million visitors in total including 995,000 domestic visitors, an increase of 18 per cent. Internationally there were 255,000 visitors with key markets being US, UK, China, Germany and New Zealand.
Co-designed with industry over 12 months, the updated Strategy outlines action plans across five key priorities - perception, experiences, workforce, infrastructure and access - alongside dedicated regional plans for the Top End and Central Australia.
Major events remain a cornerstone of this growth, driving visitation and supporting local jobs across both regions.
VIEW THE NORTHERN TERRITORY VISITOR ECONOMY STRATEGY 2032
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The new Tourism and Events NT corporate website is now live
The new site delivers a refreshed look and feel, clearer structure, and more intuitive navigation tailored to our key audiences - from industry and event organisers to partners and stakeholders.
Designed to better showcase the breadth of what we do, the platform makes it easier to access information, explore opportunities, and connect with the Territory’s tourism and events ecosystem.
This launch reflects a strong cross-team effort, with collaboration across multiple areas to align content, improve usability, and create a more cohesive and user-focused experience.
A great result and an important step forward in how we present and engage with industry.
CHECK IT OUT HERE
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Tourism and Events NT launches military heritage campaign
The Northern Territory Government unveiled a bold new national Military Heritage campaign, positioning the NT as Australia’s leading destination for military tourism.
Anchored by Darwin, the site of the nation’s largest bombing during World War II - the campaign invited visitors to “Plot Your Course Through History” and explore frontline wartime sites, powerful local stories and contemporary defence activity, including Exercise Pitch Black, hosted biennially by the Royal Australian Air Force.
Delivered by Tourism and Events NT in partnership with industry, the fully integrated campaign spans paid, digital, trade and earned media, with targeted promotion ahead of ANZAC Day.
Supporting the rollout was the Military Heritage Tourism Action Plan, a long-term framework to grow and enhance the sector.
Bringing the story to the streets, the Darwin Street Art Festival launched a commemorative mural trail map, featuring a dedicated Military Mural Trail connecting striking artworks across the city.
VIEW THE TOOLKIT HERE
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Parrtjima launches 2026 program
Striking new light installations and a rich program of art, story and culture will headline Parrtjima 2026, bringing the festival’s theme of Language to life in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) from 10–19 April.
The free 10-night festival will once again transform Arrernte Country into a celebration of Aboriginal culture, creativity and technology under the desert sky.
Major new works include The Language of Soaks by Corban Clause Williams of Martumili Artists, exploring the significance of hidden desert water sources, and The Language of Goolarrgon Bard by Darrell Sibosado, translating carved Kimberley knowledge into contemporary illuminated forms.
Reggie Uluru’s immersive The Language of Wati Ngintaka honours the Perentie Creation Story, while Nina Fitzgerald returns with a reimagined textile installation featuring artists from Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Ikuntji Artists, Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists and Papunya Tjupi Arts.
Festival favourites also return, including the iconic MacDonnell Ranges Light Show and Grounded, alongside hands-on workshops, talks, film screenings in the Parrtjima Dome, Night Markets and a vibrant live music program featuring Electric Fields, 3%, BARKAA, Drifting Clouds and Emma Donovan.
Delivered by Tourism and Events NT, Parrtjima continues to showcase the depth, strength and continuity of Aboriginal culture through light, sound and story.
VIEW THE PROGRAM HERE
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2026 Destination NT dates
The Northern Territory’s premier tourism, events, and hospitality event, Destination NT, is coming to Alice Springs from 11–14 November 2026.
Following a successful inaugural event in Darwin in 2025, Destination NT brings together industry leaders, businesses, and stakeholders for forums, workshops, networking, and insights into the Territory’s visitor economy.
The four-day program wraps with the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards, celebrating excellence across the sector.
Tourism, events, and hospitality professionals are encouraged to save the date and sign up to the Industry Update newsletter for ticket info.
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Adventure Tours launches Red Centre astronomy experiences
Adventure Tours Australia has announced a series of special departures on its popular 5-Day Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon & West MacDonnell Ranges Tour (AR5/AR5Y) featuring exclusive astronomy experiences in the Red Centre.
Available on select 2026 departures, travellers will enjoy a complimentary guided stargazing experience with telescope viewing at the historic Arltunga Bush Pub on Night 4 of the itinerary.
Timed around the new moon phase, the experience offers some of the clearest night skies on earth, with next-to-zero light pollution in one of Australia’s most remote regions.
The Northern Territory is more than six times the size of the UK yet home to around 300 times fewer people, creating some of the darkest skies and best stargazing conditions anywhere in the world.
Guests will have use of a 70mm Astronomical telescope to observe the sky and the Milky Way in greater detail whilst learning about the Southern night sky in a truly unforgettable outback setting.
The astronomy experience is included free of charge for travellers booked on the following 2026 departures:
- 10 May 2026 (Arltunga viewing 13 May)
- 14 June 2026 (Arltunga viewing 17 June)
- 12 July 2026 (Arltunga viewing 15 July)
- 9 August 2026 (Arltunga viewing 12 August)
- 6 September 2026 (Arltunga viewing 9 September)
With iconic landscapes by day and some of the world’s most spectacular star-filled skies by night, these departures offer an even deeper connection to the Australian outback.
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Parks access
With more than 80 parks and reserves to explore across the Northern Territory, adventure is never far away - but planning ahead is essential.
Park access, road conditions and weather warnings can change quickly, sometimes at short notice.
Before setting out, don’t forget to check the Park Access page to see which parks and sites within a park are currently open.
Visit nt.gov.au/parks for all updates and the Road Report NT to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Department of Tourism and Hospitality
GPO Box 1155, Darwin NT 0801
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