TOURISM NT - DOMESTIC TRADE OPPORTUNITIES    ||   VIEW ONLINE

Welcome to our Quarterly Trade Newsletter! 

 

While 2026 is only two months in, it’s already been a busy and exciting start to the year for our trade community.


We’ve just returned from a fantastic week in New Zealand, connecting with Kiwi travel professionals alongside nine NT tourism operators across three high-energy evening events. It was wonderful to reconnect with the New Zealand travel industry and meet many new agents eager to sell the Territory – you will find a more detailed run down of the event below.

 

Coming up, join us for our Trade Training Program Q3 webinars on 17 or 18 March, where we’ll focus on self-drive holidays in the Northern Territory. Hear from Thrifty Car & Truck Rental and G’day Group, and go in the draw to win a Red Centre getaway or secure one of the final two spots on NT Round Up scheduled for April.

 

We also invite you to join our ATPAP webinar on 25 February, featuring exciting operators from East Arnhem Land and Katherine. This quarter, we’re showcasing Yanawal Units, a stunning new accommodation option in Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, and the fantastic Dalabon Aboriginal Cultural Experience, based in Katherine. Don’t miss these unique product presentations.
 

Plus, don’t miss our NT Product Showcase webinar on 10 March, where we introduce new and emerging trade-ready operators ready to partner with you - a great opportunity to expand your NT portfolio.
 

Plenty to explore - we look forward to seeing you online!


All the best from your 
Tourism NT team

 

TOURISM NT - TRADE WEBINAR SESSIONS

Join our next TTP webinar - 17 and 18 March 2026

This quarter, we’re shining a spotlight on the Northern Territory as the ultimate self-drive destination. We’ll show you why the NT is made for road trips, with incredible itineraries that take you through remote landscapes, iconic sights and truly unique experiences.  With vast open spaces and routes that range from sealed highways to rugged outback tracks, both the Top End and the Red Centre invite travellers to explore at their own pace, and discover that the journey is every bit as unforgettable as the destination.


Meet our operators this quarter:

  • G'Day Group - Discovery Parks and Resorts

  • Thrifty Car & Truck Rental

 

Register now for one of the sessions below: 

  • Tuesday 17 March 11.00am (AEST) | 9.30am (ACST) | 1.00pm (NZST)
    Register here

     

  • Wednesday 18 March 1.00pm (AEST) | 11.30pm (ACST) | 3.00pm (NZST)
    Register here

 

Win one of three trips to the NT!

To help you experience some of these amazing products in the Northern Territory, we are excited to announce that we are giving away more fantastic prizes.

 

NT prize package valued $4,300 includes:

  • $1,000 Webjet voucher

  • $1,000 Discover Central Australia voucher to experience amazing Red Centre product

  • One nights’ stay at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon in a Standard Room, inclusive of Breakfast & Light-Towers by Night experience for two

  • 4-day hire of a Toyota Prado/Toyota Fortuner 4WD from Thrifty Car and Truck Rental at either Alice Springs, Uluru or Darwin locations.

 

Additionally up for grabs:

  • The last two placements on our next NT Round Up event and famil scheduled for 16 – 22 April 2026 in the Top End!

 

For more information visit our trade website: Tourism NT trade website

 

Join our next ATPAP - Q3 webinar session on 25 February!

If you haven't signed up yet, make sure to do so now and join our next Aboriginal Tourism Product Awareness Program (ATPAP) webinar! 

 

This quarter, we’re heading to Katherine and East Arnhem Land to showcase two very different – but equally special – Aboriginal tourism offerings in the Northern Territory. We’re excited to welcome two Aboriginal tourism operators who will share how they provide meaningful ways for visitors to connect with Country, culture and community – whether through immersive cultural experiences or staying on Aboriginal-owned land. 


This quarter, we are joined by:

  • Yanawal Units Nhulunbuy

  • Dalabon Aboriginal Cultural Experience

 

Join our next session on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 at 11:00am AEST!
👉 Click here to register! 

 

Join the NT Product Showcase Webinar!

We’re excited to introduce some fantastic new Top End tourism products to our valued trade partners.

The Northern Territory continues to grow its portfolio of operators actively working with the trade - and they’re ready to showcase their experiences to you!

Join us for our NT Product Showcase webinar on 10 March at 11.00 am AEST. The series is held every six months and featuring dedicated sessions for both the Top End and the Red Centre.
 

The upcoming Top End session will feature presentations from:

  • NT Driver Guide
  • Darwin Camels
  • Hooked on Barra
  • Down Under Safaris
  • Darwin City Hotel
     

Register and attend to go into a draw to win a $500 VISA gift card!
👉 Click here to register for the next session

 

NORTHERN TERRITORY ROADSHOW 2026 - NEW ZEALAND

Northern Territory Roadshow 2026 delivers strong growth!

Thank you, New Zealand

Tourism and Events Northern Territory has successfully concluded its 2026 Northern Territory Roadshow, held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch from 10–12 February 2026, achieving record registrations and attendance across the New Zealand market.

 

The three-city roadshow connected Kiwi travel agents directly with passionate Northern Territory operators, delivering product updates, destination insights and valuable networking opportunities in an engaging and interactive format.
 

Nine NT tourism operators presented across the three cities – Uluru Ayers Rock Resort, AAT Kings, Airnorth, Autopia Tours, G'Day Group, Journey Beyond, TFE Hotels, thl – Maui | Britz | Apollo and Top End Marketing Co.

 

Across the three events, total registrations reached 299, with 182 agents attending on the night - representing a 75% increase in registrations and a 78% increase in attendance compared to Tourism and Events NT’s inaugural New Zealand Roadshow in March 2024.


It was great to see so many engaged travel trade professionals at the events across New Zealand. We have received so much positive feedback and we enjoyed every evening getting to meet new agents and to catch up with friends from along the road. 

 

NT PRODUCT UPDATES

Celebrating 10 years Field of Light!

Uluru’s iconic Field of Light is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a series of special events at Uluru Ayers Rock Resort throughout the year. As part of the Field of Light Dinner and Star Pass experiences, guests can enjoy exclusive VIP evenings with artist Bruce Munro, who will share insights into the inspiration behind his globally renowned installation. New seasonal menus showcasing native and Indigenous ingredients will further elevate the experience. The celebration will also extend to Melbourne, where a large-scale mural reinterpretation will be on display from 26 March to 18 April.

READ MORE

G’day Group and Australian Air Safaris to elevate the Savannah SkyWay!

G’day Group has partnered with Australian Air Safaris to launch Savannah SkyWay, a premium small group air tour reimagining the iconic Savannah Way. Spanning 3,700km from Western Australia to Tropical North Queensland, the 14-day journey replaces long drive days with private aviation and immersive on-ground experiences, including overnight stays at Undara, El Questro and Kings Canyon in the Red Centre - one of Central Australia’s most dramatic natural icons. The itinerary blends storytelling, culture and seamless logistics. Now on sale for 2026. 

READ MORE

First voco Suites to open in May 2026

voco Darwin Suites will become the first IHG voco hotel in the Northern Territory when it opens in May 2026. Located at 87 Mitchell Street in the heart of Darwin’s CBD, the 87-key upscale property is just steps from the Darwin Entertainment Centre and close to attractions including Crocosaurus Cove. Converted from a former commercial office building, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, meeting space, fitness centre and outdoor pool. Guest rooms will include self-contained kitchenettes, catering to both short-term and extended-stay visitors under IHG’s fast-growing premium voco brand. 
READ MORE

Explore Crocodile Dundee’s iconic locations – 40 years on!

Step into the world of Crocodile Dundee with a self-guided tour through Crocodile Dundee’s iconic locations in Kakadu National Park. To mark the film’s 40th anniversary, Kakadu Tourism has created a 5-hour loop driving trail showcasing key filming sites, including Nourlangie, Anbangbang Billabong, the Ubirr lookout and Gunlom Falls. Premiering in 1986, the film grossed over $328 million and helped launch the NT onto the global tourism stage. A 4WD is recommended, with access during the dry season. Contact the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel for more information. READ MORE

Virgin Australia returns to the Top End!

Virgin Australia will resume direct flights between Sydney and Darwin from 22 June 2026, with up to seven return flights per week during peak periods. The reinstated route strengthens connectivity between New South Wales and the Northern Territory, making it easier for visitors to explore the Top End and giving NT residents more travel options and competitive fares. The service highlights the airline’s commitment to choice, convenience, and supporting tourism growth, while offering greater flexibility for both leisure and corporate travellers. Tickets are already on sale!
READ MORE

Discover the Top End in Style!

Discover Australia’s Top End on a new six-day ultra-premium journey from Discovery Tours Australia. This immersive itinerary blends adventure, culture, and nature, taking travellers through Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Guests enjoy private airboat safaris across Bamurru’s floodplains, 4WD access to remote areas, scenic charter flights, and stays in handpicked lodges that combine comfort with the beauty of the landscape. Guided by experts, travellers gain rare cultural insights, witness ancient rock art, and experience the rugged beauty and spirit of the Northern Territory like never before. READ MORE

 

NT EVENTS

Parrtjima 2026 in Alice Springs!

Parrtjima returns to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) from 10 - 19 April 2026 for ten free nights celebrating Aboriginal culture, art and storytelling under the desert sky. The festival transforms the MacDonnell Ranges with immersive light installations, music, workshops, markets and interactive experiences, all grounded on Arrernte Country. The 2026 theme, Language, honours the power and diversity of words, song and story, with spectacular new works and cultural activities that invite deep connection to Country. Live performances by local and national Indigenous artists will feature throughout the program. 

Read More

Iconic Mindil Beach Markets reopen for the season!

Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Markets reopen for the 2026 dry season on Thursday, 30 April, running every Thursday and Sunday from 5 – 9 pm through to October. Located right next to iconic Mindil Beach, the markets are the perfect spot to watch stunning sunsets over the Arafura Sea. Boasting over 300 stalls, they offer a vibrant mix of food, arts and culture - from local crafts and unique Aboriginal art to international cuisine, tarot readings, massages and more. Grab a picnic and soak up the buzzing multicultural atmosphere against the backdrop of the Top End sky. Read More

 

GET TO KNOW OUR NT OPERATORS

Time to check out the Hudson Apartment Hotel Parap, Darwin!

Hudson Apartment Hotel Parap offers modern, self-contained accommodation in the vibrant suburb of Parap, just minutes from Darwin’s CBD and waterfront precinct. Ideal for both short and extended stays, the property features contemporary studio and apartment-style rooms with kitchen facilities, workspaces and private balconies. Guests enjoy easy access to the popular Parap Village Markets, local cafés and boutique shopping, while remaining close to key attractions and business hubs. With secure parking and a relaxed neighbourhood feel, it provides a comfortable and flexible base for exploring Darwin and the Top End.  READ MORE

 

REAL PEOPLE, REAL TERRITORY

Real People, Real Territory is where you meet the legends who call the NT home. Pull up a chair and hear real stories from real locals - full of heart, humour, and true Territory spirit. These are the people who make the NT unforgettable.

In this edition, meet Dennis, a legend at Cooinda Lodge and Kakadu Tourism. Most come to Yellow Waters Billabong for the crocs, but Dennis? He brings the whole ecosystem to life. For him, Kakadu isn’t just a destination - it’s a living, breathing cultural landscape he proudly calls home.

 

GET IN TOUCH

For any questions regarding the NT Tourism Trade Training Program, the newsletter content or general inquiries, we'd like to hear from you! Contact us under [email protected].

Find further information through the channels below. 

  • Trade Training Program website: www.trade.northernterritory.com 

  • Consumer website: www.northernterritory.com

 

 

TRADE WEBSITE

ATPAP

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