Connect with international markets at the annual Global Connect roadshow

Local tourism operators will have the opportunity to connect with international markets at the annual Tourism NT Global Connect roadshow, formerly known as the international managers meeting. Operators are invited to participate in a series of events bringing international representatives to the Territory to share updates on the tourism landscape and provide opportunities for NT operators abroad. Register now to secure your spot.

Darwin market updates
Join the Tourism NT team for a panel session to discuss opportunities for operators to increase their presence internationally.
Thursday, 19 October, 8.30am to 11.45am, Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Morning tea will be provided.

Alice Springs networking
Join the Tourism NT team for a networking session, where they will share insights of the international markets and opportunities available locally and abroad.
Friday, 20 October, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Alice Springs Desert Park
Refreshments and canapés provided.

Uluru networking
Join the Tourism NT team for a networking session, where they will share insights of the international markets and opportunities available locally and abroad.
Monday, 23 October, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Uluru Camel Farm
Refreshments and light canapés provided.

NEWS

Refreshing the direction of tourism in the NT

A revised version of the NT’s Tourism Industry Strategy 2030, published as the T2030 Update was released earlier this month, resetting the direction of the tourism industry over the next seven years.
Developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, T2030 outlines new demand targets, key themes and additional supply-side targets.

Bonza to fly to the Northern Territory

Australia’s newest low cost airline Bonza will hit the tarmac in the Northern Territory later this year. Bonza has announced three new routes: Gold Coast to Darwin, Sunshine Coast to Darwin and Melbourne to Alice Springs.
The announcement is a direct result of the recently launched Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme, which was specifically designed to improve aviation access and connectivity to the Northern Territory.
Bonza’s everyday low fares will make it more affordable for tourists to visit Darwin and Alice Springs, growing the demand throughout the Top End and Central Australia to support the Territory’s visitor economy.

NT Muster 2023

28 NT tourism operators headed interstate last week showcasing the very best of the NT to boost visitor numbers and increase tourism bookings. NT Muster is Tourism NT’s annual domestic trade show, and takes operators to the three key markets of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. It also provides a crucial opportunity for operators to meet one on one with trade partners in key domestic market locations.

This year’s theme was True Territory Road Trip, taking event attendees on a road trip through the NT from the Red Centre to the Top End. Attendees were able to view video installations from all the NT’s regions, visit a pop up Daly Waters pub, experience NT inspired flavours and most importantly meet with NT operators. The event educated and inspired travel trade on the Northern Territory’s destinations, experiences and products.

Visitor survey results

The National Visitor Survey and International Visitor Survey results for year ending June 2023 showed combined results were positive with 1.6 million visitors, contributing to a massive $3 billion in visitor spend. Growth was due to the very strong results from July to December 2022.

Major Netflix series Desert King to film in the Territory

Supported by Screen Territory, a new Netflix series titled Desert King has commenced filming in the Territory.
Over the next six weeks the series will be filmed at iconic locations and cattle stations across the Territory.
The Netflix production represents the largest screen production filmed in the Northern Territory and was secured through the Northern Territory Government's Production Attraction Incentive Program (PAIP), which provided $1.3 million towards production.

Tourism NT takes out national award

Tourism NT took out the Best Marketing Campaign award at the annual Global Youth Travel Awards at the World Youth Student Tourism Conference in Lisbon earlier this month.
The successful Backpacker Academy campaign was rolled out in the UK and Germany and was developed specifically to increase awareness of the NT targeting prospective backpackers and working holiday makers to learn how to work and live their best life.

The campaign positioned the NT as the perfect place to discover working opportunities while enjoying a great lifestyle.

PRODUCT UPDATES

Enhancing the visitor experience

Tourism NT continues to support local businesses through the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP).
The latest round saw 49 Territory businesses get a share of almost $3 million in grants to enhance their product offerings.
One of the successful applicants was the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) who will be modernising the RFDS Alice Springs Tourist Facility with new touchscreen kiosks, as well as upgrading the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility cinema experience.

Exciting changes ahead for ATDW

The Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) is currently undergoing an exciting transformation. This includes a new company name and brand, and most importantly a new world-class platform. ATDW's new platform is designed to support the evolving needs of Australian tourism, both now and into the future. The upgraded platform is set to provide an effortless user journey, new collaboration tools, an intuitive profile creator, and is primed to amplify visibility.

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Boosting Aboriginal tourism opportunities

Round 6 of the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program opened earlier this month with a $500,000 funding pool.
NT Aboriginal owned businesses or organisations can apply for funding between $30,000 and $100,000 (excluding GST).
The funding may be used to upgrade or develop new infrastructure or develop new products such as on country accommodation or cultural evening experiences.
Applications close 4 October 2023.

Celebrate a great year with your teams at the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards

The Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards are around the corner. Book your tickets now!

When: Saturday, 11 November 2023, 5:45pm
Where: Darwin Convention Centre
Tables of 10: $1100
Individual tickets: $175
Tickets include:
• Live entertainment
• Delicious canapés
• A mouth-watering 3-course meal
• A fabulous beverage package.

Now open - Unlocking Aboriginal Tourism Development Funding, Round 2

Tourism NT is providing up to $150,000 (excluding GST) in consultancy services to Aboriginal owned businesses to help access opportunities and unlock potential funding to support the development of Aboriginal cultural tourism.

October Business Month supporting tourism businesses

Tourism NT will be hosting a range of workshops across the NT this October Business Month. Mark it on your calendar and save the below dates:

03 October, Katherine - Maximise your tourism business support
04 October, Darwin - Attracting the accessible tourism community
10 October, Alice Springs - Embrace sustainable tourism practices in your business
11 October, Tennant Creek - Maximise your tourism business support
26 October, Nhulunbuy - Connect with Tourism NT

EVENTS

Solar car adventure returns

The international spotlight will shine on Darwin for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. More than 1000 people making up 43 teams from 23 countries are set to race the 3000km stretch from Darwin to Adelaide from 22 to 29 October 2023. The opportunity to see firsthand the world’s most efficient electric cars gives visitors a great excuse to travel to the Territory for a holiday.

Celebrating the Games with Heart

Excitement is building for the 2024 Alice Springs Masters Games with a one-year-to-go celebration on 14 October 2023. Featuring the Red Centre Mile, Colour Frenzy, Paul Kelly in concert and more, the free warm-up event at Anzac Oval will give visitors and locals alike the chance to discover all the incredible experiences the heart of Australia has to offer.

A millionaire guaranteed for Million Dollar Fish

In the biggest news since Australia’s richest fishing competition began in 2015, a million dollars will definitely be given away during Season 9, which will run from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024. Million Dollar Fish has evolved into a must-do on the national events calendar, with last season delivering 153,677 visitor nights across the NT, bringing knock-on economic benefits.

TOURISM NT WEB

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Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

GPO Box 1155, Darwin NT 0801