NT scores big with 2025 conferences: $85m boost for Territory economy

The Territory economy will have $85 million pumped into it from 52 domestic and five international conferences scheduled across the NT this year.

Darwin Convention Centre hotel June 2024

The Territory economy will have $85 million pumped into it from 52 domestic and five international conferences scheduled across the NT for 2025.

Of the conferences 52 will flow from the domestic market and five will come from the international market.

Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru will all share in the conferences.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the Territory continued to punch above its weight and was in demand as a destination for major conferences.

She said the 2025 calendar is demonstrates strong performance for the Territory as a competitive and strategic destination for conferences.

“Our growing appeal as a world-class conference location showcases the Territory on the global stage and aligns with broader tourism goals, such as driving visitation and economic growth across our regions,” said Ms Boothby.

Minister Marie-Clare Boothby at Darwin Waterfront as international cricket is announced to return to Darwin for the first time in 17 years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“The financial boost these conferences bring to the Territory supports our commitment to rebuilding our economy, with business events delegates delivering increasing economic benefit, generating stronger expenditure than previous years.”

Darwin Convention Centre General Manager Peter Savoff said the prestigious international conferences recently secured for Darwin and the Centre highlighted Darwin’s status as a desirable and competitive destination for international business events.

“We look forward to welcoming these conferences to our award winning, world-class venue, where its stunning tropical waterfront setting provides the perfect space for delegates to connect, exchange knowledge and be inspired,” said Mr Savoff.

The Darwin Convention Centre. PIcture: Supplied

Ms Boothby said Darwin has already secured hosting rights for several global business events over the next seven years against highly competitive bids from other global destinations, including Rwanda, South Africa, Canada, Brazil and Malaysia.

This includes the international 25th Commonwealth Law Conference in 2027, which will bring more than 800 delegates to the Top End, expected to inject more than $5 million into the economy.

Ms Boothby said the bid was secured by NT Business Events in partnership with Darwin Convention Centre and Charles Darwin University, with support from NT Chief Justice Michael Grant.

Additional upcoming international conferences include:

2025: World Archaeological congress: 1200 delegates; World Federation of Neuroscience Nurses Quadrennial Congress, 200 delegates.

2026: International Symposium on Fish Nutrition and Feeding, 400 delegates.

2032: International Radiation Protection Congress: 1000+ delegates.

“Darwin is Australia’s northernmost capital, it is as close to Asia as it is to the rest of the country, which makes it a strategic, accessible hub for global delegates,” said Ms Boothby.

Ms Boothby added the planned Darwin Convention Centre Hotel will provide important additional room capacity for Darwin’s business events market.

“This 236-room development will attract more major national and international business events to Darwin, as many have previously bypassed the city due to lack of suitable accommodation,” she said.

The attraction of international association conferences is supported by the NT Business Events Support Fund.

Originally published as NT scores big with 2025 conferences: $85m boost for Territory economy