Why NT holidays could be $1000 cheaper for Aussie travellers

If you’ve been dreaming of an outback escape exploring all the Top End has to offer, now may be the time – but this new incentive has a catch.

Following the success of the Top End’s $200 travel voucher scheme, the Gunner Government will roll out another $5 million in incentives to get interstate visitors spending more during the Territory’s low season.

According to the NT News, interstate visitors will have the opportunity of saving between $200 and $1000 on holiday bookings made between October 1 and March 31 next year, which is considered the Northern Territory’s ‘wet season’.

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The incentive hopes to get more interstate visitors to the Top End during the wet season. Picture: Chloe Barry Hang

October to December is the season of spectacular lightning storms, a big draw card for people visiting the Top End during the wet season.

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The massive tourism cash splash will allow holiday-makers who spend $1000 on an NT booking to receive a $200 discount and up to a maximum $1000 discount on their booking. The discounts will apply on almost everything travel related – including flights, accommodation and tours – when booked through selected partners.

The new incentive falls over the Territory’s wet season, which typically sees a significant down turn in visitors. The wet season in Darwin is characterised by high humidity, monsoonal rains and storms and humidity can push past 80 per cent.

Following the Territory’s 21,000 vouchers scheme, which allowed locals to redeem at tourism venues across the NT, the Tourism Minister hopes this plan will have similar popularity.

“The deal makes the Northern Territory an even more attractive destination for domestic travellers from safe home ports, which will in turn boost our local economy,” newly appointed Tourism Minister Natasha Fyles said

There is hope to get more interstate visitors to the Top End during the wet season.

The discounts will apply on almost everything travel related – including flights, accommodation and tours – when booked through selected partners.

“The NT has continued to be the safest place in Australia throughout the pandemic contributing to the Territory’s ability to open the door to domestic tourists to experience the adventure of a lifetime.”

The incentive comes as South Australia announced they are also looking at rolling out a travel voucher scheme to get more holiday-makers spending across the state.

The South Australian state government hopes the tourism voucher scheme will encourage people to book stays at regional hotels, which have been battered by the bushfires earlier this year followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme also hopes to encourage stays at city hotels.

It is understood South Australians will be eligible for vouchers of up to $100 per booking for select CBD hotels and $50 for regional and suburban accommodation providers.

The ‘Great State’ voucher scheme, which will run from October 15 until the end of the month or when the funds run dry, will be valid for bookings with stay dates from October 15 to December 11 excluding Saturday nights.