THE NORTHERN TERRITORY VISITOR ECONOMY STRATEGY 2032 LAUNCHES

On Tuesday 4 November, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality launched the Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 at the inaugural Destination NT week of events.

The Strategy aims to drive sustainable year-round visitation, development, liveability and economic growth for the Northern Territory with a target to achieve $2.2 billion in expenditure and 1.5 million trips by 2032.

It will unite industry, community, and government in delivering a whole-of-Territory visitor economy that drives shared success and Territory pride. The visitor economy is an expansive view of the tourism industry; encompassing transport, aviation and hospitality, and supports 17,000 jobs in the NT.

Developed in partnership with industry, the Strategy reflects extensive consultation and collaboration across the Territory. More than 350 people contributed through roadshows, surveys and conversations held in Nhulunbuy, Alice Springs, Yulara, Tennant Creek, Darwin, Katherine and online. Over 76 survey submissions were received.

Informed by comprehensive national and global research, the targets and direction capture both the Territory’s unique strengths and the opportunities shaping the future of travel.

To achieve the targets of the Strategy, 5 objectives are articulated:
1. Secure Infrastructure investment that supports a thriving visitor economy and enhances the lives of Territorians
2. Improve Connectivity to and within the Territory
3. Invest in People and Workforce development
4. Enhance the global Perception of the Territory
5. Expand Experience and Product Offerings, all enabled by technology and data and amplified through partnerships.

Strategic projects underway to support the new direction include: activation of the 30,000 hectares at Silkwood a property next to Litchfield National Park, Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme, MXGP of Australia, military tourism investment, and capitalising on the dark sky movement.

The next stage which is the full Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032, will be released in March 2026 and by May 2026 the Strategy will be underway.

READ MORE on the Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032.

NEWS

DESTINATION NT A HUGE SUCCESS!

Last week, we enjoyed Destination NT bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the Northern Territory. Destination NT featured a dynamic program of conferences, forums, workshops, and sector-specific conversations designed to foster growth, share insights, and strengthen partnerships across the tourism landscape.

With the 2025 theme Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate, more than 1000 people registered to attend and engage in meaningful networking opportunities, explored emerging trends, and celebrated the achievements of local tourism operators.

Following the launch of the Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 on Day 1, Day 2 offered a series of dynamic short sessions that explored emerging opportunities in military heritage, domestic education, and cruise tourism. These sessions sparked fresh ideas, encouraged collaboration, and opened new pathways for growth across the Territory’s evolving visitor economy.

On Day 3, industry leaders gathered at Wharf One to hear strategic insights from Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events NT, focusing on international market trends and opportunities. The morning continued with a moving Saltwater Welcome to Country at the Darwin Waterfront Lagoon, officially opening the Aboriginal Tourism Forum and celebrating the deep cultural connections that enrich the NT’s tourism offering.

Day 4 was packed with inspiration and practical insights. Jules Lund challenged attendees to live “by design, not by default,” sharing a compelling message about purpose, creativity, and leadership. The day also featured a deep dive into the growing China visitor market with Rob Dougan and Paul Beames, followed by a strategic panel led by
Suzana Bishop CEO Department of Tourism and Hospitality, joined by Sam Bennett General Manager Tourism Top End, Danial Rochford CEO of Tourism Central Australia, and
Cathy Simmonds CEO Hospitality NT, who explored how to build a resilient, year-round visitor economy.

The week culminated in the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards (Brolga Awards),
the official tourism awards program for the Northern Territory. The Brolga Awards honour and celebrate excellence and achievement across the visitor economy in the Northern Territory.

Congratulations to all the 2025 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Award winners!

This year’s awards attracted 65 entries, including 12 first time entrants. The 22 NT business category winners will now represent the Territory at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Fremantle, Western Australia.

For more information, visit www.brolgaawards.com.au

TOURISM AND EVENTS NT LAUNCHES AI-POWERED MILITARY TRIP PLANNER

On November 3 Tourism and Events NT unveiled an exciting new initiative to enhance the Northern Territory’s unique military heritage tourism offering — an AI-powered trip planner designed to deliver customised military history itineraries for visitors.

This innovative digital tool allows travellers to create personalised military heritage tours tailored to their interests, schedules, and travel needs, while showcasing local Territory businesses and experiences along the way.

The AI Military Trip Planner plays a key part in helping to grow the Territory’s visitor economy by leveraging its rich wartime heritage.Building on the success of established attractions such as the Darwin Military Museum, the Defence of Darwin Experience, and the Bombing of Darwin commemoration events, the planner connects historical sites, attractions, and tours across the Territory, enabling visitors to explore the NT’s military story like never before.

The Military Heritage Tourism Action Plan is being delivered in partnership with key heritage, Defence, and tourism stakeholders. To ensure the program reflects both the Territory’s historical significance and its future tourism potential, an NT Military Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee has been established. The committee brings together expertise from the heritage, military, tourism, and events sectors to prioritise opportunities, oversee implementation, and guide the delivery of this important initiative.

The AI Military Trip Planner also ties into major commemorative events such as Bombing of Darwin Day, ANZAC Day, and Remembrance Day, as well as upcoming highlights including NT Defence Week and Pitch Black 2026. By connecting these key moments in history, the initiative aims to attract visitors, strengthen community pride, and deepen appreciation for the NT’s contribution to Australia’s defence story.

To explore the Territory’s military heritage and plan your own personalised itinerary, visit the Military Tourism AI Planner HERE

GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW $10 MILLION INVESTMENT INTO ALICE SPRINGS DISCOVERY PARK

Discovery Holiday Parks in Alice Springs Grand Opening of it's upgraded facilities took place this week!

Through G’Day Group and the DPA portfolio $10 million of works have taken place.

Discovery Parks Alice Springs sits on more than 11 hectares of land and now features:

More than 65 cabins (post completion of this latest development)
390 powered and unpowered tourist sites
16-room, 64-bed bunkhouse
Conference and Event facilities
Pool and water slides
Activity room and gym
Bouncing pillow and playground
Communal ‘camp’ kitchens
20 long-stay sites.

Adding to the parks’ already impressive appeal, this latest development includes build the largest waterpark in its national portfolio of Discovery Parks and Resorts. The waterpark was completed and opened in September 2025.

This project also includes the installation 14 state-of-the-art tourist cabins with views toward The Gap.

The development expected to generate an additional 27,000 visitor nights and $8M in economic benefit annually.

ALICE SPRINGS REVIVAL AND RESILIENCE GRANT PROGRAM IS NOW OPEN!

The Program is the first part of an $8.5 million tourism boost for Australia’s Red Centre.

Under the program, the Australian Government is investing $1 million into the Mparntwe/Alice Springs and Tjoritja/MacDonnell tourism region to support small tourism operators facing financial hardship.

Visitor economy businesses with fewer than 19 employees and an annual turnover of less than $5 million may be eligible for an Alice Springs Revival and Resilience Grant. If their turnover is down over the past 3 years and they meet other eligibility criteria, operators should apply via SmartyGrants before 4:00pm AEDT on Monday 8 December 2025.

A total of $1 million in grant funding is available. Applications will be assessed in the order they are received, with a first payment of $6,500. After applications have closed a second and final payment will be made to eligible applicants. The grant funding is to be used for operational costs that assist businesses to stay open and continue trading.

The Alice Springs Revival and Resilience Grant Program is the first step in an $8.5 million boost for the Red Centre’s visitor economy. Grant programs to follow soon will offer will include:

$5 million for a Red Centre marketing boost for Tourism Central Australia to attract more domestic and international visitors.
$2.5 million for the Alice Springs Tourism Development Fund to support the development of innovative new tourism offerings.

DISTRIBUTION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM HEADS TO ATEC MEETING PLACE

10 Northern Territory tourism businesses travelled to the Australian Tourism Export Council's (ATEC) Meeting Place held in Boorloo, Perth, Western Ausralia as part of the Tourism & Events NT Distribution Development Program. Meeting Place is ATEC's biggest trade event and takes place each year.

The two-stage program supports business growth in international distribution and builds their export ready-capabilities. Collectively, the group participated in over 80 B2B meetings, opening new opportunities for the Northern Territory in international markets.

CONNECT WITH POTENTIAL MANDARIN SPEAKING GUIDES

Looking for potential translators/guides with the arrival of China Southern flights commencing in December?

Tourism and Events NT is hosting a meet and greet session with up to 10 mandarin speakers with an interest in guiding on tomorrow 13 November at 2:00pm – 5:00pm at the Chung Wah Society.

Please reach out to [email protected] to secure your spot.

GET INVOLVED WITH G'DAY AUSTRALIA EVENT 2026

Tourism and Events NT is excited to host Tourism Australia’s premier trade event, G’day Australia, in Darwin mid-October 2026. Over 500 Aussie specialist agents and national operators will attend the four-day event.

The Tourism Australia event features B2B appointments for those working with international trade as well as networking events, and familiarisations programs providing an opportunity to highlight the very best of Darwin and the Northern Territory.

Complete the Expression of Interest form for the opportunity to be involved HERE

MEET WITH TOURISM AND EVENTS NT IN YOUR REGION

Tourism and Events NT’s Industry Development team supports NT tourism businesses through direct, face-to-face industry consultations. In October, the team participated in October Business Month events held in Alice Springs, Humpty Doo, and Kakadu, highlighting goverment support.

Additionally, the team engaged with tourism businesses in the Kakadu, Anmatjere, and Barkly regions to support existing businesses and foster connections with those looking to develop new tourism products and experiences across the Territory.

In November, the team will be attending Destination NT business events, followed by
face-to-face engagements with tourism businesses in the Lasseter and West MacDonnell regions. Tourism businesses in these areas interested in arranging a meeting are encouraged to contact us via email at: [email protected]

KAKADU NATIONAL PARK PROJECTS

Check out the Kakadu National Park Projects page on Parks Australia website to keep industry and the public up to date on progress on key infrastructure upgrades including campground improvements, road upgrades and other key projects. READ MORE

For up to date information on access, continue to use the Kakadu Access Report HERE

SAVE THE DATE - JATBULA TRAIL 2026

Adventure seekers, get ready, the 2026 Jatbula walking trail season is just around the corner. Bookings for this iconic great walk will open at 9:00am on Tuesday 3 February 2026.

The trail is a 62km one way trek beginning at Nitmiluk George and finishing at Leliyn (Edith Falls). Along the way, walkers experience an unforgettable journey though spectacular landscapes, including sandstone plateau, woodlands, open forest, monsoon forest and river landscapes.

Due to popularity, places are limited and fill fast. Don’t miss out your chance to walk in the footsteps of the Jawoyn people and experience the remote beauty of the Northern Territory like never before.

Mark your calendar – bookings open 9:00am Tuesday 3 February 2026 via the NT Parks online booking system .
The customer service team will be available on the day to assist with any enquiries.

Save the date, plan ahead and get ready for an unforgettable trek on the Jatbula Trail.
To book, go to https://parkbookings.nt.gov.au/

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE NORTHERN TERRITORY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY!

The Northern Territory Government is seeking input from businesses, industry groups, workers and the wider community to help develop a whole-of-Territory workforce development strategy.

Your experiences, ideas and insights will help shape practical actions to grow, attract and retain the workforce our economy needs. Have your say and be a part of the conversation.

Community input is being sought via the Have Your Say platform, which will remain open until 30 January 2026.

Attend a public consultation forum near you:
•   Darwin: Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 5:30pm book here
•   Katherine: Thursday 13 November 2025 at 4pm book here
•   Palmerston: Tuesday 18 November 2025 at 5:30pm book here
•   Alice Springs: Tuesday 25 November 2025 at 5.30pm book here
•   Tennant Creek: Wednesday 26 November 2025 at 5.30pm book here
•   Nhulunbuy: Tuesday 2 December 2025 at 5.30pm book here

You can also provide feedback online at haveyoursay.nt.gov.au before 30 January 2026.

EVENTS

MILLION DOLLAR FISH DRAWS ANGLERS TO THE TOP END

Season 11 of Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish, is heating up across the Top End, drawing anglers from across the country and reinforcing the Northern Territory’s reputation as the ultimate fishing destination.

Thirteen prize-tagged fish have been reeled in so far this season, with lucky anglers pocketing $10,000 each, and one taking home a cool $20,000 thanks to the new Reel of Fortune twist!

Season 11 of Million Dollar Fish runs until 31 March 2026.

Register for free at milliondollarfish.com.au for your chance to win big in Millionaire Territory.

Winners: Colin Carthew, Loren Hanton and Darren Kenny.

2026 BASSINTHEGRASS LINE-UP AND TICKETS!

BASSINTHEGRASS is back for 2026 with the line-up announced!

Now in its 23rd year this vibrant celebration of live music boosts a huge mix of Australian favourites, emerging talent and international artists performing across three stages.

The 2026 BASSINTHEGRASS line-up includes (A-Z):

ANNA LUNOE B2B NINA LAS VEGAS
BALL PARK MUSIC
G FLIP
IN HEARTS WAKE
JESSB (NZ)
KITA ALEXANDER
MALLRAT
MAPLE’S PET DINOSAUR
PEKING DUK
TEEN JESUS AND THE JEAN TEASERS
THE TESKEY BROTHERS
VENJENT (UK)

Held on Mindil Beach in Darwin, BASSINTHEGRASS has grown from a local favourite into one of Australia’s most unique music festivals.

Tickets are now on sale for Saturday 16 May 2026!
Find out more and secure your tickets HERE!

DARWIN TRIPLE CROWN SUPERCARS EXPANDING BIGGER THAN EVER
IN 2026!

The biggest betr-sponsored Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round is expanding the program to three full days of Supercars championship racing for the first time.

From 19-21 June at Hidden Valley Raceway, the milestone event marks the 28th year of the Repco Supercars Championship in Darwin and promises more on-track action and competition than ever before.

It will feature a 100km sprint race on Friday, followed by 200km races on Saturday and Sunday. Including the debut of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship with an updated format.

Expanding the program from two to three days of championship racing will encourage people to come earlier, stay longer, spend more, and experience everything the Territory has to offer.

Hidden Valley will host Darwin’s first-ever Dunlop Super2 Series round as part of the Darwin Triple Crown weekend. The series is the official stepping stone for the next generation of Supercars champions.

FIND OUT MORE

WORKING WITH EVENTS?

There are a range of amazing events taking place in all our regions. November highlights include: X-Golf Palmerston's Starlight Swing, Acts of Endurance: Sarah Brown, Lawrence Mooney - Dead Set Country, Katie Noonan: Jeff Buckley's Grace 30th Anniversary Celebration, James Johnston - Where You'll Find Me, Swan Lake - Victorian State Ballet, Alice Springs Christmas Show, 50th Katherine Prize and Darwin Christmas Pageant.

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!