TOURISM NT - DOMESTIC TRADE OPPORTUNITIES

Welcome to our Quarterly Trade Newsletter!

As we wrap up FY25/26, we’ve reached Quarter 4 of the Trade Training Program (TTP).

Thanks for all your ongoing support and engagement throughout the program - we’re looking forward to kicking off a fresh new year in July 2026.

This quarter, the focus is on the Northern Territory having its moment on the world stage, with multiple leading international travel publications naming the NT one of the world’s best places to visit in 2026. This includes The New York Times, which ranked the Top End #14 globally in its prestigious 52 Places to Go list. From the tropical Top End to the spiritual Red Centre, the Territory is firmly in the spotlight.

That’s why our upcoming webinar sessions on 19 and 20 May focus on why the NT and especially the Top End is a Must-Visit Destination in 2026 - what to see, what to do, and which operators can bring it to life. We’ll also explore Darwin - a small city with big energy, plus introduce two new-to-trade partners: voco Darwin Suites and Hooked on Barra.

We’re also excited to share the latest NT Masterclass video - our peer-to-peer series featuring agents sharing real insights and selling tips from their own NT experiences. This episode comes from the Low Season Top End famil in October 2025, where 8 AU/NZ agents travelled through Litchfield, Nitmiluk and Kakadu National Parks.

Looking ahead, Tourism and Events NT is pleased to announce the NT Muster 2026 trade show dates in this newsletter. Planning for the annual trade show is now underway, and we will keep you updated with any news and developments.

And finally, our second Aboriginal Tourism Product Awareness Program (ATPAP) incentive famil departs 3 - 9 June 2026, with 8 participants heading to Darwin and East Arnhem Land. They’ll experience highlights including Bawaka, Banubanu Beach Retreat, Yanawal Units and voco Darwin Suites, with more updates and images to follow in the next newsletter.

We hope to see you online!

All the best from your
Tourism NT team

TOURISM NT - TRADE WEBINAR SESSIONS

Join our next TTP webinar - 19 and 20 May 2026
This quarter, we’re shining a spotlight on why the Northern Territory has been named one of the must-visit destinations for 2026 by multiple prestigious international travel lists for 2026. Discover what’s new in the Top End and get inspired by the latest experiences on offer.
We’ll be joined by new accommodation partner Voco Suites Darwin, bringing a fresh and exciting place to stay in the heart of Darwin. Also joining us is Hooked on Barra, a fantastic new trade-ready operator delivering immersive, on-land fishing experiences that truly capture the spirit of the Top End. Together, they’ll share insights into their offerings - from stylish accommodation to authentic adventures.

We’ll be covering the following:

Latest updates from the NT
New product and upcoming events
Meet our operators:
- Voco Suites Darwin
- Hooked on Barra

Register now for your preferred webinar session below:

Tuesday 19 May 11.00am (AEST) | 10.30am (ACST) | 1.00pm (NZST)
Register here
Wednesday 20 May 1.00pm (AEST) | 12.30pm (ACST) | 3.00pm (NZST)
Register here

Please note that both webinars cover the same content, so you only need to register for one.

Win a trip 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 yet another fantastic prize package. This quarter the prize package is valued at $3,400.

The prize package includes:

$1,000 Webjet voucher
$1,000 Tourism Top End voucher to experience amazing Top End products
A full Hooked on Barra fishing experience for up to 5 people
One nights’ accommodation at the Voco Suites Darwin in an Ocean View Suite with bottle of wine on arrival and $50 dining credit.

Note, you need to be a registered program member to be eligible. Click here for info.

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

TRADE EVENTS

Save the date: NT Muster 2026

Tourism and Events NT is excited to announce that planning is now underway for NT Muster 2026 - the Northern Territory’s annual trade roadshow, connecting travel professionals from Australia’s East Coast with NT operators. In 2026, we’ll once again bring the Territory to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, delivering three vibrant evening events focused on meaningful connections and authentic NT hospitality.

Building on the success of last year’s format, the events will again feature dedicated table-top appointments, ensuring all attending agents have the opportunity to meet with each operator.

Event Dates:
📍 Melbourne – Tuesday, 8 September 2026
📍 Brisbane – Wednesday, 9 September 2026
📍 Sydney – Thursday, 10 September 2026

We look forward to sharing more details with you as planning progresses - stay tuned!

NT TRADE FAMILS & NT MASTERCLASS

NT Round Up 2026 - Top End

16 - 22 April

Twenty agents from Australia and New Zealand recently joined our annual NT Round Up famil, experiencing the best of the Top End following a trade event in Darwin. Highlights included a sunset harbour dinner cruise, a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River, and exploring Kakadu National Park with visits to Nawurlandja lookout, Nourlangie Rock and a Yellow Water Billabong cruise.

The group also enjoyed a scenic flight over Kakadu and Arnhem Land, an overnight stay at Cooinda Lodge, and continued on to Nitmiluk National Park for an immersive cultural experience at Gorge View Bush Retreat, including traditional activities and a memorable sunset evening. With expert guidance from Autopia Tours and a final night in Darwin, the group left with a strong understanding of the Northern Territory’s tourism offering and confidence to promote the destination.

A big thank you to our attending agents from: Holidays of Australia, Travel Managers NZ & AU, Flight Centre NZ & AU, Helloworld Travel, ANZCRO, NZ Travel Brokers, Adventure Travel Wellington, House of Travel, BKB Holidays, MTA Travel, RAA Travel, RACQ Travel, Across Australia, Travel Crafters, Inside Australia Travel

NEW: NT Masterclass

Low Season Top End Famil

Click on the picture to watch the latest episode of our new peer-to-peer video series created by agents, for agents - sharing first-hand stories, destination insights, and practical sales tips from those who have experienced the NT on a famil.

This NT Masterclass episode was filmed during the Low Season Top End famil from 24 - 30 October 2025.

Watch to discover what the agents loved most about the Top End in the low season, when fewer crowds allow for more immersive and authentic experiences.

Eight Australian and New Zealand agents explored the tropical Top End, starting in Darwin with spectacular sunsets and an exhilarating jetski adventure on Darwin Harbour before heading into the region’s iconic national parks.

Travelling with Offroad Dreaming, the group visited Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk National Park, staying at Cicada Lodge and enjoying the Nabilil Sunset Dinner Cruise.

In Kakadu National Park, highlights included a scenic flight with Kakadu Air, visits to the ancient rock art sites at Ubirr and Nourlangie, and the iconic Yellow Water Cruise before returning to Darwin.

NT PRODUCT UPDATES

UKTNP closure: 25 - 26 June due to Sorry Business

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park have advised that closures will be in place on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 June for Sorry Business following the passing of a senior Aṉangu woman.This is in line with cultural practice and the wishes of Aṉangu Traditional Owners and community, the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Board of Management, and the Muṯitjulu Community Aboriginal Corporation.

On Thursday 25 June, the park and entry station will be closed until 2 pm.
On Friday 26 June, the park will be closed all day.

Park staff are working closely with tourism operators and stakeholders to support any operational changes during this time.

The park will re-open at 6.30 am on Saturday 27 June. READ MORE

NT Parks Pass is Now the NT Visitors Pass

The NT Parks Pass has now been renamed the NT Visitors Pass, continuing to support the protection and maintenance of the Territory’s national parks and reserves.

By purchasing a pass, visitors directly contribute to conservation programs, threatened wildlife protection, invasive weed and feral animal management, as well as the upkeep of iconic walking trails, campgrounds and visitor facilities across the NT.

The change in name reflects a clearer, more visitor-focused identity while keeping the same purpose at its core. The pass helps ensure these special places are cared for now and into the future.

GET TO KNOW OUR NT OPERATORS

Explore the Top End with Down Under Safaris

Down Under Safaris is a Darwin-based tour operator specialising in private charter experiences across the Northern Territory, offering fully tailored travel for individuals, families and groups who want a more personalised way to explore the Top End.

As a new entrant to the trade, they focus exclusively on private touring, operating a fleet of small and large 4WD vehicles and minibuses to suit different group sizes and travel styles. Their tours range from single-day experiences through to immersive multi-day itineraries of 2 to 7 days.

Destinations include some of the NT’s most iconic locations such as Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Katherine/Nitmiluk Gorge and Arnhem Land, with itineraries designed to be flexible and shaped around guest interests, conditions and travel pace.

Down Under Safaris places emphasis on personalised service, local knowledge and access to remote and cultural landscapes, offering a more intimate way to experience the Territory beyond standard group touring. 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 David MacMahon, a highly regarded adventurer, naturalist, and the Head Tour Guide for Venture North Safaris, an award-winning tour operator based in Australia's Northern Territory. Known affectionately as "The Bearded Bushman," he has over 15 years of experience guiding travellers through some of the country's most remote and wild landscapes.

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

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Department of Tourism and Hospitality

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