Welcome to the Tourism NT Industry Update providing you with the latest news, information about grants and programs, events and training opportunities.

DESTINATION NT

We are excited to announce a dynamic new event initiative - Destination NT.

Get ready for a refreshed program of industry and public facing events to support, inspire, connect businesses, government and key community stakeholders and celebrate the
Northern Territory’s drivers of visitation.

Destination NT has been developed in response to industry feedback and runs from 4-8 November 2025.

The theme for 2025 being: Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate.

The program includes a public-facing session on tourism’s contribution to liveability and jobs, the annual industry conference, the Aboriginal Tourism Forum, Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards and sector-specific forums, workshops and networking opportunities.

FIND OUT MORE

NEWS

INDUSTRY OUTREACH

It’s been another busy month with our marketing team spending time out in region, connecting directly with operators, local businesses, and tourism partners. From regular trade engagement to recent strategic planning sessions and consultation on the upcoming low season campaign, we’re actively listening and collaborating to ensure our work aligns with industry needs. These conversations are vital, they shape our direction and ensure we’re delivering meaningful outcomes that reflect the Territory’s unique tourism landscape.

In the Industry Development area our Enterprise Officers continue to provide support to tourism businesses regarding a range of opportunities offered by government and industry partners. Our Enterprise Officers travelled to East Arnhem Land, Yulara and Watarrka (Kings Canyon) last month, meeting one on one with over 20 businesses to provide connections that help strengthen the visitor economy across the NT.

Tourism NT, in partnership with Developing East Arnhem Land, also delivered a Pricing and Product Packaging workshop to 16 participants in East Arnhem. If you would like to meet with an Enterprise Officer in your region and find out more about how to work with Tourism NT, reach out to the team at [email protected]

LITCHFIELD PARK EXPANSION

Territorians will soon have more places to camp, swim, 4WD, hunt and explore following a purchase by the NT Government. The Government has secured the stunning “Silkwood” property - a 30,000-hectare parcel of land, equivalent to around 15,000 TIO Stadiums. The landmark $7.5 million deal will see Litchfield National Park expanded by 20 per cent, making it bigger and better than ever. Litchfield already receives more than 250,000 visitors each year, with popular sites including Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls. The regional town of Adelaide River is expected to benefit from increased visitation, creating new opportunities for local tourism, services, and economic growth.

GUNLOM FALLS REOPENS

Today, Gunlom Falls, one of Kakadu National Park’s most iconic attractions, reopens after an extended closure. Famous for its stunning infinity pool and breathtaking views, Gunlom is a major tourism drawcard and is set to attract more visitors to the region.

NEW WALK EXPERIENCE

In other news the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk received a $10m business concessional loan ahead of their launch in the 2026 walking season. The walk will offer guests an unforgettable five days and four nights of outback indulgence along a 54km trail inside the World Heritage Listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Each day will end with refreshments, a meal under the stars, and a good night’s sleep in environmentally sustainable accommodation. The project is being led by the award-winning Australian Walking Company, renowned for its premium guided walks through some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT OFFICIAL LAUNCH

The official opening of Courtyard by Marriott Darwin took place yesterday, and marks an exciting milestone for the Top End’s tourism and hospitality sector. Developed by DCOH in partnership with Marriott International, Trilogy Hotels and Thyme Hospitality, this world-class hotel further strengthens Darwin’s accommodation offering and provides new opportunities to attract business and leisure visitors. For industry, this development is a strong vote of confidence in the Territory’s visitor economy, supporting our collective efforts to position Darwin as a premium destination for tourism, events and business travel.

NEW DOMESTIC TOURISM STATISTICS (DoTS) - YEAR ENDING MARCH 2025

The methodology in data reporting has changed for the first time in 27 years with the latest data for domestic tourism now using Domestic Tourism Statistics (DoTS), replacing the National Visitor Survey from January 2025. The change means domestic visitation figures provided previously are not directly comparable. Visitation for both domestic and international markets remain strong, trending in an upwards direction. International visitor numbers increased by 10 per cent year on year to March 2025. Interstate visitors continue to come and experience the Northern Territory’s natural beauty and rich culture with an 8.9 per cent increase year on year, the second highest increase across all states after Western Australia. Intra-Territory visitation also increased, with a 16 per cent year on year increase to March 2025. In total, domestic visitation increased 12 per cent compared to the year ending March 2024.

FIND OUT MORE

2025 TOP END T20 SERIES HEADING TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Darwin will be hosting two historic T20 international matches between Australia and South Africa on 10 and 12 August, followed by a bumper Top End T20 Series from 14-24 August, proudly supported by Tourism NT. These events, taking place in the Top End during the dry season, provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to get their fix of top-level cricket, extend their stay and experience Darwin and surrounds, from Litchfield National Park’s waterfalls to our vibrant foodie scene.Tourism NT returns as naming rights partner for a second-straight year. This highly visible event will promote the Territory as a unique must visit destination to a global audience. The 2024 Top End T20 Series was broadcast to over 129 countries around the world, achieving a unique audience of 1.3 milion people and a total viewership of 12.8 million.

FIND OUT MORE

TOP END BUB TO SHOWCASE THE TERRITORY TO A NATIONAL AUDIENCE

The Northern Territory will soon be on screens across the country through the TV show Top End Bub. This highly anticipated Amazon series is a follow-up to the box office hit Top End Wedding. Amazon will screen the series across Australia and New Zealand, with international distribution by German company, ZDF Studios. Screen Territory has supported the production with $1 million funding through its Production Attraction Incentive Program, which also attracted acclaimed series Territory, Deadlock Season 2 and NCIS: Sydney Season 2. These productions deliver economic benefits to the NT, with every $1 invested generating $4 of direct spend across employment and the use of local goods and services. Reuniting audiences with Lauren (played by Darwin’s own Miranda Tapsell) and Ned (Gwilym Lee), Top End Bub tells the heartwarming and comedic story of a young couple who trade their city ambitions for life in the Top End after unexpectedly becoming guardians to Lauren’s niece. Top End Bub, a celebration of northern stories, showcases the Top End’s natural beauty, lifestyle and local businesses.

JETSTAR FLIGHTS BETWEEN DARWIN AND THE GOLD COAST ARE NOW TAKING OFF

Flights between Darwin and the Gold Coast have commenced! The new seasonal service will operate four direct flights per week until 24 October 2025. These flights will add more than 25,000 new seats during this period, providing an affordable connection between the two holiday hot spots and boosting local tourism. The service will help strengthen our tourism industry as well benefit Territorians, travellers and businesses.

AIRASIA INAUGURAL KUALA LUMPUR - DARWIN FLIGHT

AirAsia’s inaugural flight touched down at Darwin International Airport from Kuala Lumpur last week. AirAsia will operate several weekly services providing a low-cost option for travel to a major Southeast Asian aviation hub, with convenient onward connections to destinations across the AirAsia Group’s route network. Tourism NT, in partnership with AirAsia, is launching a marketing campaign - Darwin’s a Darling with Captain Snappy - that aims to position the Northern Territory as a must-visit destination for Malaysian travellers.

VEEP 9 PROJECTS ANNOUNCED

The Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP) Round 9 supports the tourism industry to undertake projects that will deliver new product and experiences, along with improving the on-ground visitor experience. Round 9 sees more than $2.6 million awarded to 40 tourism and hospitality businesses across the Territory, unlocking more than $4.9 million in project investment.

VIEW THE PROJECTS

MILITARY TOURISM

For the first time, military heritage tourism has been allocated its own dedicated funding stream in Round 9 of the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP). Eight local operators received support through the Department of Tourism and Hospitality to develop or enhance military tourism experiences, including: Marchant Enterprises, improving accessibility in the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels with upgraded lighting and ventilation. Gooney Bird Adventures, restoring an iconic WWII aircraft to launch scenic flights following Top End wartime flight paths. Tiwi Enterprises, developing immersive marine AV experiences to tell the story of the WWII Bombing of Darwin Harbour. These investments build on the Military Heritage Tourism Action Plan and help grow the NT’s military tourism sector.

2025 BROLGA AWARDS

Don’t forget - nominations are now open, including for the individual categories. The George Dunne Outstanding Contribution Award and the Tourism Industry Employee Award provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the impact, dedication and passion of someone you know in the tourism or hospitality industry - nominate now! Nominations for the 2025 Brolga Awards close on Wednesday 6 August.

FIND OUT MORE

GLOBAL BUYERS VISIT THE NT

This month, Tourism NT hosted familiarisations programs for key distribution partners from France, Japan and Singapore enabling 30 buyers to spend valuable time visiting Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru-Kata Tjuta. Travel trade familiarisations showcase our highly unique experiences and hospitality on offer in the NT, further strengthening destination knowledge and relationships, creating contracting opportunities and ensuring the NT is top of mind for inbound travel.

FIND OUT MORE

ABORIGINAL TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM 2025 - 26

The Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program Round 9 is now open for Aboriginal majority-owned businesses. Is your business looking at developing new tourism product, new or improved technology, or infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience, accessibility or sustainability? Then check out how this grant could assist you! Aboriginal Tourism Development Support Grant Program Round 4 is currently open. The program is a great opportunity to engage professional services for planning activities, access potential funding and investments opportunities. The Aboriginal Tourism Product Distribution Grant Program launches this month. The program is designed to support Aboriginal majority-owned businesses to promote and sell their tourism product and experiences by supporting online booking systems and receiving expert distribution advice including pricing structures and rate sheets.

FIND OUT MORE

KATHERINE'S NEW OUTBACK OUTHOUSE

A great outback innovation has been unveiled with the launch of Katherine’s new Outback Outhouse. The new public amenity is low maintenance, locally built and designed specifically for the tropics.The project, funded through the Tourism Town Asset Grant Program, was constructed by local tradespeople and offers a thoughtfully crafted facility that is minimalist in style and offers a durable solution for remote sanitation. Built using material sourced from the Katherine region, the outhouse features interior walls etched with imagery reflecting Katherine’s rich cultural and historic tapestry.

WORLD ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONGRESS

Last month Darwin hosted the World Archaeological Congress; the first time the congress has come to Australia! The event saw 1700 delegates attending in person, with at least 70% travelling from more than 50 countries, injecting an estimated spend of $12 million into our local businesses.

The congress included:

An academic program comprising all forms of archaeology
The Cultural Festival, showcasing visual and performing arts of Indigenous people
Tours to archaeological sites
A technical day tour to Kakadu National Park for more than 700 delegates mid-Congress, visiting Nourlangie, Ubirr and Cooinda
Field trips to some of our spectacular parks and popular tourist destinations.

Congress delegates also engaged in local events and activities including the Mindil Beach Sunset Market and a special visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

THE 11TH ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PARTNERSHIP (ESP) WORLD CONFERENCE 2025

The 11th Ecosystem Services Partnership (ESP) World Conference 2025 also recently took place in Darwin, with 250 delegates attending. This month will see the World Federation of Neuroscience Nurses (WFNN) 14th Quadrennial Congress 2025 being held from 22 to 25 July. World-class healthcare professionals, researchers and educators dedicated to the field of neuroscience nursing will gather in for the congress in Darwin.

FIND OUT MORE

ZOOS AND AQUARIUM ASSOCIATION (ZAA) CONFERENCE

Darwin is hosting the ZAA Conference 2025, with the theme ‘Towards 2050’! The conference runs from 29 July to 1 August 2025. Key speakers and attendees will be invited to share their ideas and visions for zoos and aquariums for the coming years towards 2050. You can still be part of the conference by registering before 20July with the option to attend in person or virtually. The conference features an evening at Territory Wildlife Park, highlighting the flight deck bird show and a park operations and projects tour.

FIND OUT MORE

EVENTS

RED CENTRENATS

Red CentreNATS is not far away! Taking place from 5-7 September, this festival of wheels will deliver an action-packed program with a weekend full of street cruising, drag racing, burnouts, show cars and more. Events draw people to our regions and create great liveability for locals, in addition to positively profiling Alice Springs. Visitors will no doubt stay for a while and enjoy the unique landscape and attractions of the Red Centre.

FIND OUT MORE

DESERT FESTIVAL EVENT FRINGE EDITION

Be part of Central Australia’s iconic multi-arts event from 3-20 July 2025. Held in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) the Desert Festival showcases a mix of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, immersive experiences, storytelling and workshops. Come and be part of the unique experiences from a range of different artists!

FIND OUT MORE

TRAINING PROGRAM FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Do you want to increase your business profitability and performance? There is free and low-cost training available through the Flexible Skills and Training Response program! The program includes a series of face-to-face workshops addressing priority skills and development needs for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Territory. Workshops are targeted at business owners and senior managers of Territory-based SMEs. Seven providers are registered under the program and will deliver workshops on topics including AI and automation, financial literacy, de-escalation training, crime prevention through environmental design, ICT systems, tender writing and procurement skills. Training will be delivered across regional centres and several remote communities over the next 6–12 months.

FIND OUT MORE

SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUTDOOR STANDARDS: JOIN THE AAAS REVIEW

The Outdoor Council of Australia is currently reviewing and updating the Australian Adventure Activity Standard (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPGs). The AAAS and GPGs aim to establish rigorous, empirically supported and broadly consultative frameworks for outdoor adventure activities that are led by outdoor guides or facilitators in Australia. Whether you are part of a school, camp, tourism business, community organisation or government agency, they would like to hear your feedback.

FIND OUT MORE

WANT TO KNOW WHAT'S ON IN THE NT?

There are a range of amazing events taking place in all our regions. July highlights include: Territory Day, Secret Art; part of Darwin Fringe Festival, Desert Festival - Fringe Edition, the Chris Callaghan Show at Daly Waters, plus the Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and District Shows and Royal Darwin Show!

FIND OUT MORE

Are you planning an event?
Have you thought of partnering?
Get in touch with us about our Event Funding Program.

Check out our toolkits – here to help you with your event planning!

Industry Toolkits
Event Toolkits

LOGIN TO ATDW

VIEW VISITOR DATA

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

TOURISM NT WEB