NEW CHANGE FOR TERRITORY TOURISM AND MAJOR EVENTS BOARDS

Paul Ah Chee has been announced as chair of the Tourism NT board and may be known to many of you. As an existing serving board member, Paul has decades of experience across tourism, cultural institutions, and business leadership and is the current Chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Committee and founding member of the NT Aboriginal Tourism Advisory Council.

We also welcome Penny Priest, stepping up as the chair of the NT Major Events Company board. Penny is the CEO of Crocosaurus Cove and Fitzroy Island resort and the vice-chair of the Tourism Top End board with extensive experience in the tourism and events landscape in the Territory private sector.

Thank you to outgoing Chair Michael Bridge for his leadership and membership of both Boards over a number of years.

NEWS

GET INVOLVED IN THE 2025 DRIVE MARKETING CAMPAIGN

The 2025 Drive Market Campaign has launched! In partnership with TCA, TTE and the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, it includes paid media, PR, Caravan & Camping show promotions and trade partnerships. Check out the Drive Campaign Toolkit on our corporate website, to find out how to leverage the campaign for your business.

MORE DOMESTIC AIRLINE SEATS FOR MORE VISITORS!

Great news for more ways for visitors to head to the Territory with Qantas Group having put 95,000 new seats in 2025, including a new seasonal Gold Coast-Darwin route by Jetstar and the resumption of QantasLink’s seasonal Canberra route. Virgin Australia will also grow Darwin’s capacity by 15,000 seats driven by Brisbane and Melbourne routes. Alice Springs will see Airnorth’s new route to Cairns.

TOURISM TRADE READY FAMILIARISATION

Tourism NT hosted a familiarisation trip for seven distribution partners, showcasing NT experiences new to international distribution earlier this week. The tourism businesses featured took part in the Tourism Trade Ready Program, putting into action their understanding of trade distribution, showcasing their offering to product managers and building relationships with buyers.

For more information on working with trade visit the website.

THORNY DEVIL HATCHLINGS MAKE THEIR DEBUT

We are inviting operators to bring their guests to the park to view the new residents up close.

Alice Springs Desert Park celebrated the arrival of two baby Thorny Devils. Born after three months of incubation, these remarkable creatures are icons of Central Australia and now on display in the Nocturnal House.

PRODUCT UPDATES

ENHANCING VISITOR EXPERIENCES

Several NT tourism businesses have enhanced their visitor experiences through the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program Round 8. Arltunga Bush Pub visitors have a new pool, perfect for cooling off after exploring the region’s rich history. Dundee Beach Tavern has expanded its outdoor dining area, creating more space for visitors to relax and take in the ocean views. Meanwhile, Bamurru Plains has embraced sustainability, upgrading and installing new solar panels to power its luxury wilderness experience.

View the website for information on how you can improve visitor experience with round 9 opening in April.

DINE WITH THE STARS AND WALK WITH THE WILDLIFE

Alice Springs Desert Park’s Nocturnal Outback BBQ tour offers an exclusive Outback experience. Guests can enjoy a bushfood dinner at sunset, followed by a torchlit Mulga Walk to spot wildlife such as Bilbies and Malas. The tour highlights the Desert Park’s conservation efforts. This unforgettable experience is open to group bookings for tour operators.

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

MILITARY HERITAGE TOURISM ACTION PLAN

The Military Heritage Tourism Action Plan, developed in collaboration with the Military Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee was released on 20 February.

With the aim of boosting the profile of military tourism, the plan outlines key activities to develop and promote the Territory’s military tourism sites and experiences including how industry can be involved.

ATEC’S CHINA HOST WORKSHOP DARWIN

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) is delivering a China Host Workshop in Darwin this March. The workshop is designed to equip tourism businesses with market insights, Chinese traveller preferences, navigating the digital landscape, and trade distribution partnerships.

Date: Monday 10 March 2025
Time: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Location: Vibe Darwin or online

REGISTER NOW

MAXIMISE YOUR ATDW LISTING

Join Tourism NT and Brioney McGill from the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) for a collaborative webinar to help you discover how to maximise your ATDW listing and expand your business reach.
Date: Tuesday 25th March 2025
Time: 10:30am (NT time)

REGISTER NOW

ARE YOU THE NEXT… REAL PEOPLE, REAL TERRITORY STAR?

Tourism NT has launched a locally inspired content series called Real People, Real Territory highlighting the unique characters and experiences from across the NT via engaging and entertaining content. The series is being shared across our global consumer social media channels (Instagram, TikTok, domestic Facebook and where relevant our international social channels) and the northernterritory.com website. We are on the lookout for more NT locals to be featured – if you, or someone you know, would be suitable for this series – let us know via [email protected]

EVENTS

TOURISM TOWARDS 2030 CONFERENCE WRAP UP

Over 350 tourism and hospitality stakeholders from across the Territory came together in Alice Springs and Darwin this week for another successful Tourism Towards 2030 Conference. With the theme ‘Better Together’ this year’s conference connected industry leaders and stakeholders to highlight collaboration, innovation and commitment to the Territory tourism and hospitality industry in 2025 and beyond.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light returns to Alice Springs Desert Park this April for its 10th anniversary, celebrating First Nations cultures with stunning light installations, music, and storytelling. Country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley will headline the opening weekend with a free, all-ages performance on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Visitors can also secure tickets for a special one-night-only concert by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra.

TERRITORY’S LONGEST-RUNNING MUSIC FESTIVAL

BASSINTHEGRASS remains a key driver of tourism and economic growth in the Northern Territory, drawing thousands from across Australia. Now in its 22nd year, the festival not only showcases world-class music but also boosts local businesses, hospitality, and tourism. Held at Mindil Beach on Saturday, 17 May 2025, this year’s lineup includes Hilltop Hoods, LUUDE, Meg Mac, and Jax Jones (UK). Coinciding with two Gold Coast Suns AFL games, it cements Darwin as a premier events destination.

MXGP OF AUSTRALIA IS COMING THIS SEPTEMBER

The MXGP of Australia is set to make its Northern Territory debut in Darwin from September 19 to 21, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond. Returning to Australia for the first time in 25 years, this world-class motocross event will put Darwin on the map as a global sporting destination, boosting tourism, local businesses, and hospitality. Fans can experience the thrill with day passes starting at $45 or a 3-Day Hot Pass for $150.

LOGIN TO ATDW

VIEW VISITOR DATA

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

TOURISM NT WEB