Blue skies on horizon for Territory tourism sector with more flights set to land in Darwin and Alice Springs

THE Territory’s tourism sector is gearing up for a bumper dry season, with more flights set to land in Darwin and Alice Springs.

Passengers alight the inaugural Virgin flight in Alice Springs. Picture by Barry Skipsey

THE Territory’s tourism sector is gearing up for a bumper dry season, with more flights set to land in Darwin and Alice Springs, increased government advertising and the low Australian dollar predicted to attract more tourists.

In his monthly industry update, Tourism NT CEO Tony Mayell said there was a mood of optimism in the industry and regional marketing roadshows had been well attended.

“I took that as a sign that people are wanting to hear what our plans are for the future – and particularly the way we are going to market the NT,” he said.

He described the arrival of the first Virgin Australia flights in Alice Springs as a big day for Central Australia

“It’s big day for the Alice – a great schedule and a very good airline,” Mr Mayell said.

Mr Mayell said he was optimistic that the route would expand from three flights a week, to five, and then “hopefully” a daily service.

The long-awaited touchdown of the first Virgin flights in Alice Springs was met with excitement by the airline as well as the industry.

READ: VIRGIN LANDS FIRST ROUTE

Virgin Australia chief commercial officer Judith Crompton said that the airline’s expanded presence would benefit customers.

“The opening of Virgin Australia lounges in Darwin and Alice Springs is an important step in bringing strong competition to the Northern Territory,” she said.

NT Airports CEO Ian Kew said Virgin partner SilkAir will be flying to Darwin six times a week from May, which would provide further increased flexibility for travellers.

A bulletin released this month by the Reserve Bank also showed that the low Australian dollar is likely to see more American and Chinese tourists arriving in the country.

In particular, the RBA noted the continued growth in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Australia, which generated $1.9 billion in spending last financial year.

Having returned from a series of trade expos in Europe, Mr Mayell said the Northern Territory was seen as a “flavour of the month” destination, particularly in Germany.

With a strong dry season predicted, Mr Mayell also touched on the challenges facing the Darwin market. “We are extremely mindful of the accommodation squeeze up there,” he said.

“We’re certainly mindful of keeping hoteliers aware of the longer-term benefits of sticking with the tourism market.”

READ: DARWIN HOTEL PRICES STINK

Tourism Minister Adam Giles said the increased recent drive in government-funded advertising was part of a conscious effort to boost the tourist sector.

This week, Chief Minister Adam Giles also announced a $4.75 million infrastructure fund for next year’s budget.

“Over the next two years, our economy will strategically tilt towards the tourism industry,” he said.

“We want tourists who come to the Territory to have an expanding menu of experiences to choose from.”

Industry peak body the Tourism Transport Forum welcomed the new spending, with chief executive Margy Osmond saying significant and continued government investment is the only way the Territory will meet its “ambitious” target laid out in the Tourism Vision 2020 strategy.

“The Northern Territory is home to some of the greatest natural wonders and experiences in Australia,” she said.

“Exciting and dynamic destination branding, investment in visitor infrastructure and a more effective regulatory environment will ensure the Territory is able to leverage these unique tourism assets to support growth in the economy.”