$18m boost for Territory tourism as visitor numbers drop
The tourism industry has had a substantial cash boost, with a focus on Central Australia. Read what’s new.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Territory government has committed $18m to boost the Territory’s tourism sector after a slump in visitor numbers in the year to March.
Chief Minister Eva Lawler on Thursday flagged the money would be used to attract more airlines and bolster the tourism voucher scheme, which provides 25 per cent off selected tourism experiences to the value of $5000.
Last month the NT News reported Territory tourism had dropped 3.2 per cent, with average nights stayed dropping 0.4 per cent, but the average spend increasing by five per cent.
The first tranche of the discount scheme will include $1m in funding and bookings from September specifically targeting Central Australia and valid from October to March 2025.
The second tranche targeting the Top End can be booked from October and used from February to March 2025.
A further $1m for discount vouchers will be allocated next financial year.
Despite the collapse of Bonza, Tourism Minister Joel Bowden said of the four airlines funded, three of those were still serving Territorians.
The three successes were Virgin airline flights to Uluru, Nexus and Air North’s Alice Springs to Perth route.
“We will always work with the Territory’s tourism industry to deliver targeted and timely support,” Mr Bowden said.
“This package will target new airlines, deliver extra support where it is needed and also provide long-term certainty to attract more visitors to the Territory.”
He said the scheme, launched in July 2023, had secured 334,000 new seats to the Territory to June 30 2026, excluding Bonza’s botched contribution.
The funding is in addition to the $68m already in the NT Budget.
Ms Lawler said the additional funding would provide support to operators during quiet periods and deliver long-term certainty in attracting more air connections and visitors to the Territory.
“We’re working hard to support tourism operators and talk the tourism industry and the Territory up to keep Territorians in work.”
Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said she was flattered the government had followed the CLP’s decision to extend the voucher scheme.
“It’s flattering to have the government support our commitment to extend the Territory Tourism Discount Scheme but our plan allows tourists to access the savings for trips across the entire Territory,” she said.
More Coverage
Originally published as $18m boost for Territory tourism as visitor numbers drop
Tears flow as two-year-old’s drowning death inquest continues
An inquest into the death of a two-year-old who drowned in a remote community continues – as the childcare team leader recounts the day’s harrowing events. Warning: Distressing content
Doomed Darwin nightclub’s debts exceed $900k, possible breaches probed
A report into the collapse of Darwin gay nightclub Throb has revealed its debts to be larger than first alleged, while two possible breaches of the Corporations Act continue to be probed.