Visitors are staying longer and spending more as NT’s domestic tourism recovery continues

There are just two reasons why the NT’s domestic tourism recovery is thriving after the pandemic, but the embattled industry still has some way to go.

Tourists are staying longer and spending more in the Territory, the latest domestic visitor data shows, however the industry is yet to fully rebound from the pandemic.

About 1.28m Australian visitors flocked to the Top End and Red Centre throughout the year ending June 2022.

In total, they spent over $2.06bn across NT accommodation providers, tourism operators and local businesses.

Those figures are slightly down on the year ending June 2019, where the Territory welcomed 1.65m domestic tourists and $2.08bn in total expenditure.

However the average visitor spend per trip is up $355 on pre-pandemic levels to be $1619.

Travellers are also spending on average 6.3 nights in the Territory, as compared to 5.4 two years ago.

Interstate visitors by market in the year ending June 2022. Graph: NT Government

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Nicole Manison said the figures prove the NT was bouncing back from Covid-19.

“We’re not back at pre-Covid levels yet, but we are certainly heading strongly in the right direction,” Ms Manison said.

“Our interstate neighbours suffered rolling lockdowns which is why the first place they all chose to come was the NT.

“(It’s) a remarkable recovery for our crucial tourism sector which contributes to our $40bn economy.”

Crab Claw Island Resort has received $50,000 from the NT Government to install an accessible ramp to its main decking area. Picture: Supplied

The NT Government also announced on Thursday the recipients of $500,000 worth of funding.

Eight projects have received funding for accessibility improvements, including Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Anglers Choice Fishing Safaris and Crab Claw Island Resort.

Pyndal Camel Tracks, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu and Litchfield Tourist Park are among 11 organisations to get funding for sustainability initiatives.

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Originally published as Visitors are staying longer and spending more as NT’s domestic tourism recovery continues