New Aboriginal culture tourism campaign, Culture is closer than you think.

Tourism NT have launched a new Aboriginal Culture tourism campaign, Culture is closer than you think. The campaign will target holidaymakers who have an interest in culture to grow awareness of the NT as a premier destination for authentic Aboriginal tourism experiences. The new campaign includes inspirational out of home advertisements, social and digital media placements and publicity, and is supported by deals on Aboriginal cultural tours and experiences. NT tourism operators can leverage the campaign by accessing an industry toolkit.

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NEWS

Latest visitor data YE June 2022

The latest visitor numbers highlight the Northern Territory’s COVID-19 recovery is on track with tourists staying longer and spending more, boosting our economy and local employment opportunities. There were 1.28 million domestic tourists to the Territory in the year ending June 2022, with a total expenditure of $2.07 billion dollars.

Accessibility Improvement Grants

A total of 8 tourism businesses have received more than $250,000 in funding to undertake accessibility projects, with 5 projects in the Top End and a further 3 in Central Australia. This funding will assist these tourism operators to improve their accessibility offerings, helping to build the Northern Territory’s reputation as a compelling destination for inclusive travel.

Sustainability Tourism Grants

The NT’s reputation as a compelling destination for sustainable travel will also get a lift, with 11 tourism businesses receiving just over $260,000 in funding for projects to reduce their ecological and carbon footprint, benefit local community well-being and positively impact the Territory’s natural and cultural environment.

Round 3 Roadhouse to Recovery

More than $4.6 million will be injected into the Territory economy with the latest round of Roadhouse to Recovery grants. A total of 17 regional and remote caravan parks, wayside inns and roadhouse operators are the recipients of $2 million in grants from the third round of the program with many businesses undertaking major upgrades to their facilities.

What's coming up in Domestic Trade Marketing
From October to November Tourism NT will be supporting the following cooperative trade marketing campaigns:

Imagine Holidays (15 August – 15 October)
Luxury Escapes (1 – 15 October)
House of Travel (31 October – 25 November)
Welcome to Country (10 October – 12 December)

To get involved you can reach out to trade partners directly or email

[email protected]

Parks Pass required from April 2023

From 3 April 2023, a Parks Pass will be required for all free and independent visitors to the majority of Territory parks and reserves - noting Territorians are exempt from the requirement. Independent visitors will be able to purchase their pass through the Parks Online Booking System. Tourism Operators will have a further 6months to adjust to the introduction of the Parks Pass with a moratorium in place until 31 October 2023. Tourism Operators will also purchase passes through the Online Booking System and Parks and Wildlife has committed to developing a process that is as simple as possible for operators.

New walking trail fees

The moratorium on the application of walking fees applicable for the Jatbula Trail, Larapinta Trail and Table Top Track to Tourism Operators expires on 1 January 2023 and a third round of camping fee increases is due to take effect on 1 July 2023. Further detail can be found at Changes to camping fees. Tourism Operator permit holders will be subject to walking fees where they are able to operate on multiday walks and concessionaire arrangements will be reviewed as existing agreements expire.

Larrakia Cultural Centre at Stokes Hill

Larrakia Development Corporation (LDC) has finalised an agreement with the Northern Territory Government providing land to develop the Larrakia Cultural Centre at Stokes Hill. The LDC has long held the vision to develop a cultural centre at the Stokes Hill Wharf waterfront site. The Larrakia Cultural Centre will showcase Larrakia’s culture, history and language to locals and visitors to the Top End.

DAMA online application platform

A new online application platform will speed up the Designated Area Migration Agreement’s process, helping to fill workforce vacancies with overseas workers if all local avenues have been exhausted. The new Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) platform will streamline the application and assessment process for the applicant and government, supporting Territory businesses experiencing critical skill shortages.

Lasksa Festival returns

The Top End’s Laksa Festival is back for a fourth year. Beginning on 31 October with a month-long food tour, the festival encourages the community to try as many laksa dishes as possible throughout the month, before voting for their favourite dish. Restaurants, eateries or stallholders can register to be part of the Laksa Festival, with the month-long event including a Laksa Food Tour for laksa lovers to vote on their favourite laksa and laksa-inspired dishes.
Businesses can register to be part of the Food Tour and Festival HERE

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Singapore market opportunities

With a renewed focus on the Singapore market, we are seeking Expressions of Interest from the NT tourism industry for upcoming opportunities including Singapore market updates and a planned Singapore Mission in February 2023.
If you are interested in working with this market REGISTER YOUR EOI

NT Aboriginal Tourism Forum

On 17 November 2022, the inaugural Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Forum will be held in Darwin. Aboriginal cultural tourism is a key priority for the tourism industry. The Forum will provide an environment to share knowledge and experiences, celebrate the Aboriginal tourism sector and strengthen relationships. Participation is by an Expression of Interest (EOI) process as places are limited.
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Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program

Round 4 of the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program opened late last month with a $1 million funding pool. With previous rounds only open to NT Aboriginal owned and operated tourism enterprises, Round 4 has been expanded to enable NT Aboriginal owned businesses and organisations interested in diversifying into the tourism sector, to apply for funding of between $30,000 and $100,000. Applications close 14 October 2022.
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Book Now grants

The Book Now grant program will support NT tourism businesses to establish an online booking system integrated on an existing website or establish a turnkey website that features a booking system. Tourism businesses can apply for up to $2,500 with a matched funding contribution required. This is an open non-competitive grant with businesses able to submit applications up to 30 April 2023 or until funding is fully subscribed.

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Domestic Distribution grants

The Domestic Distribution grant program is designed to support NT tourism businesses to increase their product offerings in domestic distribution. Funding is available to contract advice to price product, determine distribution potential, assist with planning, packaging, product alignment or undertake domestic sales calls with travel trade. NT tourism operators can apply for grants from $1,000 up to $5,000 with a matched funding contribution required. This is an open non-competitive grant with businesses able to submit applications up to 30 April 2023 or until funding is fully subscribed.
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International Distribution grants

This grant program is designed to ensure NT tourism businesses are ready for the international tourism market. Funding is available to contract advice to price product with suitable rates including commission, determine distribution potential, receive advice on international marketing plans or to develop an export marketing plan. NT tourism operators can apply for grants from $1,000 to $5,000 with a matched funding contribution required. This is an open non-competitive grant with businesses able to submit applications up to 30 April 2023 or until funding is fully subscribed.

EVENTS

Blitz Blast in Darwin

It was a full house most nights as thousands of fans watched the biggest stars in Australian basketball flex their muscles during the NBL Blitz, which ran in Darwin from 16-23 September. All 10 NBL teams and their support crews were in town for the pre-season tournament, providing a welcome influx of visitors.

Red CentreNATS

The 2022 Ultimate Festival of Wheels was a huge success, with a record 1,044 entrants, and thousands of spectators flocking to Alice Springs over the Father’s Day weekend in September. With hotels full and tourism operators booked out, Red CentreNATS was a boon for visitation. Entries for 2023 are open now.

Million Dollar Fish Season 8 begins

Season 8 of Australia’s richest fishing competition launches tomorrow. Million Dollar Fish continues to deliver for the Territory, with research showing Season 7 generated a record-breaking $47.3 million total expenditure stimulus. With thousands of fishos already registered, Season 8 promises to be a corker. The competition runs from 1 October 2022 - 31 March 2023. Register now!
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International Marketing Team Networking Lunch - Alice Springs

Tourism operators who are currently distributing their product in international markets or looking to engage in international distribution are welcome to attend a networking lunch with the Tourism NT International Marketing and PR teams from North America, UK, Central Europe and Japan.

Date: Monday 17 October 2022
Location: Ballroom A, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm

Registration is essential and closes on Friday 7 October 2022.
REGISTER HERE

International Market Update Session - Darwin

Join the Tourism NT International Marketing team along with their Global team of International Marketing and PR Managers for a morning session of market updates from North America, UK, Central Europe and Japan.

Date: Wednesday 19 October 2022
Location: Grand Ballroom, Mindil Beach Casino Resort, Darwin
8.00am arrival: tea and coffee
8.30am – 11.45am: International market updates.

Registration is essential and closes on Friday 14 October 2022.
REGISTER HERE

October Business Month 2022

October Business Month is back! The 2022 program will be delivered right across the Territory, providing business and industry with opportunities to connect, learn and be inspired. Hear from keynote speakers and Territory success stories. The calendar features more than 120 events covering a range of topics and OBM key themes.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE TOURISM SPECIFC EVENTS

17 October 2022 - East Arnhem - Tourism East Arnhem Annual General Meeting and Networking Event.
19 October 2022 - Alice Springs - Maximising your Tourism Business Support
25 October 2022 - Katherine - Marketing Summer in the Big Rivers Region
26 October 2022 - Darwin - How International Students can Work for your Business
27 October 2022 - Darwin - Attracting the Accessible Tourism Community

VIEW CALENDAR AND BOOK NOW

Brolga Tourism Awards Gala Dinner

Join industry colleagues at the 2022 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards gala dinner on Saturday 12 November 2022 at the Alice Springs Convention Centre. The Brolga Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of NT tourism businesses that strive for excellence in every area of their operation. Featuring live entertainment, canapés and drinks on arrival, a three course meal and beverage package, the evening will be a night to remember.

REGISTER HERE