CASH SPLASH: Territorians given vouchers to explore their Territory in $5.2 million tourism scheme
A MULTIMILLION-dollar tourism voucher cash splash will be launched in the Territory in a bid to encourage residents to explore their backyards
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A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR tourism voucher cash splash will be launched in the Territory in a bid to get residents to explore their backyards.
The NT Government has announced they will fund a $5.2 million tourism voucher scheme to encourage Territorians to explore the place and support local businesses until the borders “can safely reopen to interstate visitors”.
The new scheme is backed by a Tourism NT marketing campaign dubbed “Never have I ever”, to get Territorians to book a local experience they’ve never gotten around to doing.
The vouchers, worth $200 each for a total of 26,000 vouchers, will be available from July 1, Territory Day.
Only those age 18 and above can register.
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The vouchers, which must be matched dollar for dollar with one’s own spending, have to be put toward a tourism experience like tours, accommodation, hire car or recreational fishing charter.
Voucher holders will have to book their chosen tourism experience online, over the phone or in person through one of the NT’s four Visitor Information Centres, located in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
The vouchers must be used on a “bookable product” available through those centres”.
Hospitality venues will also be able to benefit according to the NT Government, by packaging their offerings with a tourism product such as a “Stay and Meal” deal.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the $5.2 million would come from within Tourism NT’s budget, through savings made from being unable to promote international tourism due to the pandemic.
The vouchers don’t need to be used to their full $200 value, with any money unspent to be redirected back into the voucher pool.
When Territorians register, they will be asked to prove they live here via means such as a driver’s licence.
Tourism Rebound Taskforce chairman Michael Bridge said it was envisaged the entire scheme would be taken up in full.
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Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the tourism and hospitality industries were hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the voucher scheme would give them “the boost” they need ahead of borders opening.
“Every dollar spent in the Territory helps save a Territory job. So when you spend a dollar, we’ll spend a dollar too. That will help support as many jobs as possible,” he said.
“Given our success in crushing corona, I’m confident we can ease border restrictions sooner rather than later. Until then, it’s up to us locals to be the Territory’s tourists.
“Explore our backyard, buy local and back locals – before the tourists arrive. This will give local operators the support they need and help them prepare to welcome tourists from interstate once it’s safe to do so.”
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Vouchers are valid for 30 days, with bookings and travel to be completed by October 31, 2020.
The vouchers will be available here.
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