TOURISM NT INDUSTRY UPDATE - KEEPING YOU INFORMED || VIEW ONLINE

2020 The Year That Was

2020 has been a challenging year for many, particularly the tourism industry with the

COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions affecting so many. In February Tourism NT initiated a $2 million Immediate Tourism Resilience Package for the NT to minimise the impact from the Australian bushfires and impending COVID-19 outbreak. The package redirected funding towards a New Visitor Experience Program, doubled the incentive for applications to the NT Business Events Support fund, increased the Education Tourism Incentive, developed the ‘Time to be a Territorian’ intra-Territory campaign and planned the delivery of the Territory Tourism Voucher.

From March until April 2020 Tourism NT contacted more than 800 tourism operators to offer guidance and information on assistance packages and grants. Further support was provided through the Tourism Fast Track Support program delivered through the Business Enterprise Centre NT to assist our tourism businesses with survival, revival and growth. If you haven’t already done so, you can download Your Tourism Business Support Guide 2020-21.

Throughout the year Tourism NT has continued to proactively market and promote our destination nationally with major campaigns promoting the Territory Arts Trail, the Territory is the Answer, the NT Summer Sale and two rounds of the Territory Tourism Voucher, with Round 1 generating more than $9.6 million in sales for Territory tourism operators.

Round 4 of the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program was completed with $1.5 million awarded to 67 Territory tourism businesses.

Round 1 of the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program provided more than $200,000 to 13 recipients, with Round 2 open until 29 January 2021.

As part of the NT Government’s recovery efforts the Territory Small Business Roadhouse to Recovery grant program also remains open during the festive season with applications closing 14 January 2021.

In 2020 Tourism NT joined the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade and collectively we are working to achieve a $40 billion economy by 2030 through the growth of sustainable business and industry. We wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we look forward to continuing to work together in 2021.

NEWS

Tourism NT Insta-hits for 2020

The stunning turquoise of Bitter Springs, the spring-fed thermal pools found in Elsey National Park was the most liked image on Tourism NT’s Instagram channel @NTaustralia for 2020. Followers of @NTaustralia loved this slice of paradise so much it received over 10,000 likes to take out Tourism NT’s number one spot on the Top 10 most liked photos of the year.

Litchfield Scenic Route Complete

Construction is now complete on a scenic tourist loop through Litchfield National Park allowing all year-round access. As one of the most loved destinations in the Top End, attracting around 340,000 visitors annually, year-round access is sure to attract more visitors and locals to the region.

Regional Destination Management Plans provide investment roadmap Regional Destination Management Plans for Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges, Big Rivers, Barkly, and Lasseter regions in the Northern Territory have been released, with a further two Destination Management Plans for East Arnhem Land and the Greater Darwin region to be developed and released in 2021.

Tourism Digital Booking Recipients Announced

Fifity Territory tourism businesses are participating in the Book Now Digital Support Program to learn more about creating an easier way for consumers to book online with local tourism operators.

Today Show Tours the Territory

Katherine, Kakadu, Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru featured on Channel 9’s Today Show in the first week of December, with weather host Tim Davies on the road beaming live weather crosses from some of the best NT locations as part of Tourism Australia and Tourism NT’s Holiday Here This Year campaign.

Territory Check In app available

The Territory Check In app is available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and is free to use. The app assists local businesses and organisations to collect visitor data providing a contactless, secure and easy way for customers and visitors to sign in.

Festive season reminder for licenced venues

With end of year festivities well under way across the Territory all licensees and staff are reminded of their obligations in selling and providing alcohol responsibly. All staff who have not obtained a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate must do so within 7 days of commencement of their employment. RSA practices aim to minimise harms associated with the misuse and abuse of alcohol and to ensure responsible practices towards the sale, service and supply of alcohol. It is important that licensees and staff meet their RSA obligations so all patrons can enjoy end of year celebrations safely.

PRODUCT UPDATES

Darwin Gourmet Tours

Darwin Gourmet Tours guides you to the best of Darwin’s food and drink scene including gourmet brunch and dinner tours showcasing some of Darwin’s top restaurants including Hilton's PepperBerry, Wharf One, Snapper Rocks, Chow, Hanuman, Phat Mango, Little Miss Korea, Ruby, Moorish, and more! Tours feature a range of local ingredients and Aboriginal bush foods, and even include interpretive chef experiences.

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Travel Agents can apply for COVID-19 payment

Applications are open for travel agents and tour arrangement service providers impacted by COVID-19 to apply for a one-off payment from the Australian Government. Under the $128 million COVID-19 Consumer Travel Program, eligible businesses will be able to apply for a taxable payment of $1,500 for a business with a turnover (gross income) of $50,000 and up to $100,000 for a business with a turnover of $20 million.

List your deals and offers on ATDW

Do you have a special festive offer you’d like to promote on the northernterritory.com website? Add it to your Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) listing under Deals & Offers - it could be a discount, special rate, bonus offer or even a package. For assistance contact [email protected]

EVENTS

New Year's Eve 2020 at Darwin Waterfront

The NT Government and Hot 100 FM present ‘Tones & I’ and ‘Sheppard’ for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve at the Darwin Waterfront on Thursday 31 December. Supported by local artists, a national children’s act, roving entertainment, food stalls, an outdoor bar and two fireworks displays it’s a New Year’s Eve event bigger than ever before.

Epic BASSINTHEGRASS Line-Up

The BASSINTHEGRASS line-up was confirmed last week, and it’s been receiving rave reviews from all over the country. With some of Australia’s hottest acts set to perform over two stages at Mindil Beach on 15 May 2021, there will be plenty of interstaters heading to the Territory.

Darwin Triple Crown 2021

The Darwin Triple Crown is locked in for 18-20 June 2021 and next year’s program is bigger than ever, with the Australian Superbikes, Stadium Super Trucks and Nitro Up North all included, plus a Saturday night concert. Fans will flock to the Territory, so get your Supercars tickets now.

Parrtjima - A Festival in Light 2021

Parrtjima will return to illuminate the Red Centre from 9-18 April next year, following another successful production that concluded on 20 September. This year’s event attracted more than 17,000 attendees. Parrtjima returns to its usual April timeslot after being moved this year due to COVID-19. That’s just over six months away, so plan your Parrtjima 2021 trip now.

Million Dollar Fish Season 6

Season 6 of Australia’s richest fishing competition kicked off on 1 October, providing an incredible SEVEN chances for fishos to snag a barra worth $1 million. Million Dollar Fish Season 6 is bigger than ever – there’s even a new Double Tag barra that scores the angler $10,000, plus $5,000 for a mate who’s had a tough year. Jump on board the Million Dollar Fish juggernaut!

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