RETURN OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS TO AUSTRALIA

Tourism NT teamed up with Tourism Australia, Qantas and Darwin Airport to celebrate the return of international travellers to Australia with special welcome back events for passengers arriving on direct Qantas flights from London.

Visitors were welcomed to Darwin by NT local tourism operator and Outback Wrangler Matt Wright and treated to a special Welcome to Country by The Youth Mill.

If you would like help to reinvigorate your International Distribution Strategy or reconnect with key partners email [email protected]

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NEWS

KANGAROO ROUTE EXTENSION AND E190 BASE FOR DARWIN

Direct daily flights between Darwin and London will continue to operate until at least mid-June after Qantas and the Territory Government reached an agreement to extend the route. The news came as part of the announcement that the NT Government has partnered with Qantas to establish a new Embraer 190 (E190) aircraft base in Darwin which will create at least 200 new Territory jobs and improve air access connectivity.

NORTHERN TERRITORY WORKFORCE BOOST

The Northern Territory Government has announced a $12.8 million package that marks a massive push to fill critical skill shortages across the Territory by targeting workers through significant incentives including a push to attract working holiday makers.

TERRITORY WATERS OPEN TO LUCRATIVE CRUISE SHIP INDUSTRY

The cruise ship industry is set to safely return to Territory waters in a multi-million dollar boost to the local economy. Based on expert health advice, the Chief Health Officer has updated a direction permitting expedition cruise ships with up to 350 passengers and crew to operate in the Northern Territory.

ONLINE BOOKING FOR CAMPING AND MULTI-DAY WALKING TRAILS

From 9am 1 March 2022 a new Parks booking and payment system will go live, with bookings required for all Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife designated campsites across the Territory as well as multi-day walking experiences including the Jatbula Trail, Larapinta Trail and Tabletop Track. The booking system will display images, maps and availability of campsites.

2021 QANTAS AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS

Good luck to the twenty one business category winners from the 2021 Brolga Awards who are representing the Northern Territory at the upcoming Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. The national winners will be announced on the Sunshine Coast on 18 March 2022.

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AVIATION UPDATE

February was an exciting month for the Qantas Group, with three announcements benefiting the Northern Territory including:

- the opening of a QantasLink Embraer 190 aircraft base in Darwin, leading to the immediate recruitment of 90 new NT-based aviation jobs;

- commencement of a new international service between Darwin and Dili; and
- extension of the double daily Darwin to London flight until mid-June 2022.

WHAT'S COMING UP IN DOMESTIC TRADE MARKETING?

From March to April Tourism NT will be supporting the following cooperative trade marketing campaigns:
- Wotif (1 Feb – 31 March)
- Travello (1 Feb – 31 May)
- TripADeal (1 Feb – 31 March)
- Welcome to Country (1 March – 14 April)
- Inspiring Vacations (1 – 31 March)
- Viator Sale (1 – 30 April)

To get involved please reach out to these trade partners directly or contact [email protected]

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INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

WORKING HOLIDAY MAKER CAMPAIGN - REGISTER YOUR JOBS

Tourism NT is working with Tourism Top End, Tourism Central Australia and Hospitality NT, to deliver a dedicated working holiday maker (WHM) campaign Work Hard Play Hard, to attract short-term hospitality and tourism workers ahead of this year’s peak tourism season. From early March to the end of July the campaign will target the youth market already in Australia as well as new WHM based in the UK and Germany. Partnering with Job Shack NT, Territory businesses looking for workers can advertise their job for free on the new NT Job Shack portal. As an added incentive WHM that take up a tourism or hospitality job may be eligible for a $500 NT Work Perks incentive redeemable on a tourism experience in the NT.

REGISTER INTEREST TO ATTEND

Expressions of interest to attend this year’s Tourism Towards 2030 Conference to be held in Darwin and Alice Springs this April are now open. Numbers are limited and priority will be given to tourism operators and suppliers.

TOURISM EVENING EXPERIENCES GRANT

Applications for the Tourism Evening Experiences grant to assist tourism operators to develop evening experiences in NT regions has been extended to 4pm, 28 February 2022 with successful applicants notified in March 2022.

TOUR GUIDE READY PROGRAM

A unique opportunity exists for tour operators to attract potential tour guides to the Top End and Red Centre through Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Tour Guide Ready Program. The free 5-week intensive course will enable eligible participants to become fully accredited tour guides at either Kakadu National Park or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, saving them more than $7000 in training fees.

BOOK NOW FOR ABORIGINAL TOURISM BUSINESSES

Being instantly bookable is a critical element of meeting customer expectations and ensuring that your business receives the booking. The Book Now for Aboriginal Tourism Businesses grant program provides funding up to $5,000 to implement an online booking system on their current website or implement a website that features a booking system. Applications close 18 May 2022.

BOOKING.COM MARKET UPDATE FOR ACCOMMODATION PROVIDERS

Tourism NT and Booking.com are holding a Northern Territory Market Update exclusive to NT accommodation providers from 10-11am, 3 March 2022. Join this free session which will cover the latest global and regional insights around new consumer and market travel trends, Booking.com’s latest initiatives and campaigns and more.

REGISTER HERE

EVENTS

PARRTJIMA PROGRAM LIVE

Parrtjima - A Festival in Light returns to the Red Centre from 8 to 17 April this year, and the recently launched program is bursting with talent. Dan Sultan, King Stingray, NRL legend Josh Addo-Carr and Stephen Oliver of Black Comedy fame are just some of the highlights. The free 10-night festival includes largescale light installations, music, talks, workshops and more.

TOURISM NT WEB

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Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

GPO Box 1155, Darwin NT 0801