Update from Suzana Bishop, CEO, Department of Tourism and Hospitality

It was a privilege to be on Arrernte country in Alice Springs earlier this month for the Tourism Central Australia AGM and to connect with stakeholders at the Tourism Top End Christmas party in Darwin two weeks ago. These gatherings are invaluable opportunities to strengthen partnerships, exchange ideas and share our vision for the future.

Tourism NT’s recent Industry Webinar was well attended and provided an important insight into future opportunities, trends and key priorities for 2025.

Reaffirming our department’s commitment to collaborating with industry is a priority for me. Working together, we can continue to protect, create and promote the Northern Territory’s extraordinary natural wonders, vibrant cultural heritage and unique tourism experiences. As many of you are aware, the new Department of Tourism and Hospitality is now taking shape. This restructure brings together NT Parks and Wildlife, Hospitality and Licensing, Screen Territory and Tourism NT under a single umbrella. This integration is in response to industry feedback and aims to foster greater cohesion between tourism and parks, ultimately delivering even better outcomes for our tourism industry.

As we approach the end of the year, I hope you all take some time to recharge, spend quality time with loved ones and reflect on what has been a challenging although rewarding year. With a bumper 2025 ahead, I am optimistic about what we can achieve together and I look forward to working closely with you all as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

All the best and happy holidays,

Suzana Bishop, CEO, Department of Tourism and Hospitality.

NEWS

Inspiring growth and connection: February 2025 brings major tourism events to the Northern Territory

February 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal month for the Northern Territory's tourism sector, with two major events that promise to inspire and inform. The return of the Tourism Towards 2030 Conference and the Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Forum will provide invaluable opportunities for networking, skill-building and fostering meaningful collaborations.
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Quantum of Seas makes maiden call to Darwin

The luxury cruise liner Quantum of the Seas docked in Darwin Harbour on 25 November, on its 12-day voyage from Singapore to Brisbane. Hosting up to 5,500 passengers and crew, this marks the ship's first visit to the Top End. The Territory’s cruise industry is going from strength to strength with 127 ships expected to call into Darwin during 2024-25.
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Trailer released for NT film, Kangaroo

Central Australia will shine on the big screen, with NT film, Kangaroo, expected to hit cinemas in early 2025. STUDIOCANAL released the official trailer in November, garnering excitement from families across Australia.
Kangaroo, was filmed in Alice Springs and inspired by the life of Chris "Brolga" Barns, founder of the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The film follows ex-TV presenter Chris Masterman (Ryan Corr) and 12-year-old Charlie (Lily Whiteley) as they bond while rescuing orphaned joeys in the stunning outback.

Tourism NT partners with Landcruiser Prado launch

Tourism NT has teamed up with Toyota Australia to launch the all-new Toyota LandCruiser Prado, accompanied by the ultimate Kakadu adventure itinerary.
This collaboration is a key element of Tourism NT’s drive campaign, aimed at inspiring Australians to road trip to the NT next year.
National travel media were invited to experience Kakadu in the new Prado guided by local tourism operator James Morgan. Look out for the social content soon!
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Tourism operators urged to keep an eye out for sick or dead birds

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) poses a risk to domestic and wild birds.
While there has been no detection of HPAI in the Northern Territory – early detection is important.
That is why tour operators and those visiting national parks are encouraged to report sightings of multiple sick or dead birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
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Checking park access and road conditions before you go!

Before planning a trip to any parks and reserves in the Northern Territory, it’s important to check if the park and its attractions are open and if the roads are safe.

Wet Season conditions are unpredictable and conditions can change rapidly. Heavy rainfall, flooding and road damage can make certain parks and reserves, or some areas of parks and reserves inaccessible.

Check if a park is open here and up to date road conditions on the Road Report website.

Taking these simple steps will help ensure a smooth and safer trip allowing you to enjoy your adventures, with expectations met and without any unwelcome surprises.

PRODUCT UPDATES

Congratulations Dundee Beach Tavern!

Congratulations to Dundee Beach Tavern for taking home the Best Overall Regional Hotel of the Year Award, at the AHA National Awards for Excellence in Brisbane this month.

Well done to the entire team; you’ve done an amazing job putting Dundee, the Top End and the Territory on the map!

We can’t wait to see what you have in store next year.

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Tourism Towards 2030 Conference
Save the date!

Tourism NT, in partnership with Tourism Central Australia and Tourism Top End, will present the Tourism Towards 2030 Conference in both Alice Springs and Darwin in 2025. The conference will offer a comprehensive program providing an opportunity for the tourism industry to hear about new insights, national perceptions and deliver practical advice to the sector.
• Alice Springs – Tuesday 25 February 2025
• Darwin – Thursday 27 February 2025
READ MORE

Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator Program EOIs close soon

Indigenous Business Australia and the Northern Territory Government have announced the return of the NT Aboriginal Tourism Business Accelerator Program, to begin in February 2025.
This initiative invites Aboriginal Territorians and NT-based majority Aboriginal-owned businesses to participate in business and tourism training, mentorship and industry networking events, to help develop sustainable tourism ventures.
Apply now or share with your networks.

Tourism discounts – extended travel dates

We’re pleased to share that the Territory Tourist Discount Scheme (TTDS) travel dates have been expanded in the Top End.
The eligible travel date will now commence on 9 December, perfectly timed to include the upcoming end of year holidays.
This provides industry with increased opportunities to attract bookings over the busy holiday period and a chance to showcase your unique tours, accommodation, or experiences to local adventurers.
For more information contact your local RTO.

EVENTS

New support category and more on-track entertainment for betr Darwin Triple Crown

The betr Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round roars back to the Top End from 20-22 June, 2025, with the Trico Trans Am a new support category in 2025. The entertainment program is packed with heart-stopping, rubber-smoking and gravity-defying action, including the FMX – Freestyle Moto X stuntmen, Drift Cars, Harley Davidson stunt team and Aerial Stunts by Paul Bennet. Plus, Saturday and Sunday live music will close out the day of racing. Fans can grab a 3-Day Hot Pass for only $135 online. Check out all the ticket and hospitality options at www.darwinsupercars.com.au

MXGP of Australia tickets and hospitality packages now available

All tickets and packages are now available for the MXGP of Australia which will be held in Darwin 19–21 September 2025. This is the first time the world championship motorcross event will be held in Australia in 25 years. Day passes start from $45 for a Friday Pass and any ticket can be upgraded with a $30 Paddock Pass for exclusive behind-the-scenes access. For anyone looking to catch every moment of the action, a 3-Day Hot Pass is available for just $150, providing full access to the world’s best riders battling it out. For news and ticketing options head to: mxgpaustralia.com.au

Parramatta Eels to face Canberra Raiders in final Darwin home game

Tickets are on now on sale for the Parramatta Eels final game as the Territory’s NRL team on Saturday, 12 April. The Territory Eels, as they are affectionately known, will make a momentous return to Darwin in 2025 when they take on Canberra Raiders at TIO Stadium. Fans are invited to barrack for the Territory Eels in their final Darwin home game by grabbing their tickets at:

ntmajorevents.com.au/events/nrl-parramatta-eels.

Million Dollar Fish records a bumper Season 10

Mr Lo is the lucky 16th fisho to catch a $10,000 red-tagged barramundi in Season 10 (S10). A total of $176,000 has been paid out to fishos and the season charity partner, Cancer Council NT, since the Season began on 1 October 2024. There are now 83 barra with $10,000 red tags and 10 fish sporting a million-dollar tag. Once one of the big ones is caught all million-dollar tagged fish revert to $10,000 fish until the end of the season. S10 runs until 31 March 2025, you must be registered to claim any prize money and is open to people aged 18 and over. Simply by registering you are entered into the monthly prize draw, with almost $80,000 in prizes to be won.

milliondollarfish.com.au/register