The Territory Tourism Discount Scheme is now live!

Tourism NT is supporting local businesses during the shoulder season through a new Territory Tourism Discount Scheme. The scheme offers a 25% discount on all tourism experiences booked at NT visitor information centres (excluding all retail sales and gift certificates).
The discount is available for travel and experiences booked between 29 February and 30 April 2024.
Tourism NT has invested in the scheme to inspire locals to book a staycation, experience or visit a local attraction during the quieter period – supporting local tourism operators and kick starting the peak season.
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NEWS

Cruise in full swing

The Territory’s cruise season is in full swing with the arrival of another luxury cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas into Darwin last week. The ship delivered over 2000 tourists and 800 crew to town for an overnight stay.

Brilliance of the Seas arrived last Thursday on its 16 day cruise from Sydney to Fremantle.

Tourism NT and Tourism Top End representatives gave passengers a warm welcome as they disembarked. Darwin City was buzzing with visitors who enjoyed our local restaurants, shops and tours.

The Territory’s cruise industry is worth over $65 million to the economy.

Innovation in Central Australia

Over 100 tourism and hospitality businesses, employees and stakeholders attended the 2024 Tourism Towards 2030 conference in Alice Springs on Tuesday.

Feedback received was positive with many attendees saying they felt inspired to explore new technology and build their business.

Darwin to host the 2024 Australian Tourism Awards

Darwin will host the country’s most coveted tourism awards this year, the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, cementing the Territory’s position as a leader in Australia’s tourism industry.

Taking place at the world-class, Darwin Convention Centre in Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct on 15 March 2024, the awards will unite Australia’s tourism industry to celebrate the premier tourism businesses in the country.

Representing the Northern Territory will be the 22 NT business category winners from the 2023 Brolga Awards.

The event is expected to attract over 700 tourism delegates to the Territory representing a boost for the local economy.

Empowering our Aboriginal tourism sector

The very first NT Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator Program, delivered by Indigenous Business Australia, commenced in Darwin this week.
Aboriginal tourism operators and employees came together at Mecure, Darwin Airport Resort, on Thursday to commence the first module of the year long program.
Tourism NT and IBA teamed up to deliver the training aimed at empowering Aboriginal businesses, organisations and entrepreneurs to foster innovation, and preserve the unique Aboriginal cultural heritage that is infused in the Northern Territory’s land, rivers, sea and sky.

The Territory on show in the UK

Tourism NT, in partnership with Visit Victoria are currently on a sales mission in the UK and Germany. The Tourism NT team are accompanied by 12 NT operators and 11 Victorian operators who will be attending a series of trade events in Manchester, London, Frankfurt, Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
It will be the first European mission since the pandemic and will offer the opportunity for Tourism NT and operators to reconnect with trade and provide product and destination updates to buyers. The mission will be followed by ITB, the largest travel trade show in Europe.
For information on future trade events and sales missions please contact trade.tourismnt@nt.gov.au

PRODUCT UPDATES

Attention tour operators - Parks Pass

Following introduction of the Parks Pass for tour operators at the end of last year, please note that under your Tour Operator Permit the permit holder must ensure that each customer has a Parks Pass or will have a Parks Pass purchased for them by the permit holder when entering an NT National Park.
In order to be able to purchase a Parks Pass on behalf of your clients you will be required to have an account registered on the NT Parks Online Booking system: Northern Territory - Northern Territory Parks Booking System

Contact 1300 281 121 for more information.

Where is the drive market at?

In 2023 the total volume of drive tourists was over 1 million, a growth of over 80,000 on 2022. A recent drive study undertaken by Tourism NT found the average drive traveller stays approximately 16 days and spends an estimated $287.52 per person per day, covering 500km of travel and driving an average 5 to 6 hrs each day. If you have an interest in how your business can leverage the Territory's drive market, join us for a drive presentation on 6 March 2024 at 3pm.

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

NT Aboriginal Tourism Committee

Expressions of interest are being sought for an Aboriginal Territorian to join the NT Aboriginal Tourism Committee. The opportunity is open to a committed individual who has expertise and/or an understanding in matters crucial to the sustainable development of the Aboriginal tourism sector. Expressions of interest close Friday 15 March 2024.

Become a sustainability focused business

Federal Government grants of up to $25,000 are now available to small and medium businesses for initiatives that reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. The Energy Efficiency Grants can be used for technologies that monitor energy use, provide analytics and consultancy advice to pinpoint improved practices and opportunities for more efficient systems. Applications close 8 April 2024.

Study NT Career and Jobs Expo

Study NT is hosting a Career and Jobs Expo for international students on Wednesday, 27 March from 4-7pm at the Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel.
We’re looking for employers to participate and meet with students seeking employment opportunities, from casual work to post-graduate positions.
If you are interested in attending, please email StudyNT@nt.gov.au

NT DAMA information sessions for employers

Migration NT are hosting NT DAMA information sessions throughout the Territory in February and March.
Territory businesses are invited to attend to find out how they can use migration programs to fill vacancies.

The session will focus on recent changes to the NT Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA), provide an overview of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme and cover eligibility criteria and the application process for both schemes.
Recent updates to NT DAMA will make it easier for Territory employers to attract and retain employees in vacancies that are facing critical staff shortages.

Expand your trade connections with a Tourism NT Distribution Grant

The 2023/24 Tourism Distribution Grant Program is designed to increase online book-ability and actively aid connection with distribution partners to enhance trade relationships with domestic and international partners. The program offers flexibility to best support Territory tourism businesses specific needs and their focus area for distribution growth.
For further information please contact distribution.tourismnt@nt.gov.au or phone 08 8999 3921.

EVENTS

Engage with the accessible tourism markets

Join Kerry Williams from The Accessible Group as she discusses what her clients are looking for when planning a holiday in the NT and how you can adapt your products to engage the accessible traveller.

More information will be avialable soon.

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, 14 March 2024

Million Dollar Fish March madness

Million Dollar Fish is set to unleash March Madness. There are now 24 fish carrying a tag worth a million bucks swimming around the Top End but from 1 March the odds of reeling in a ‘big one’ will increase even more. Season 9 has already notched up more than 50,000 regos, with more than half from interstate which benefits the tourism and hospitality sectors.

TOURISM NT WEB

Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

GPO Box 1155, Darwin NT 0801