Destination Darwin: Ambitious 10-year tourism strategy for NT capital takes first step forward with release of first tender

A 10-YEAR strategy to boost the Greater Darwin area’s appeal as a must-see tourist destination has taken its first step forward with the release of a tender for the project.

A 10-YEAR strategy to boost the Greater Darwin area’s appeal as a must-see tourist destination has taken its first step forward with the release of a tender for the project.

The NT government has put out a tender calling for a consultancy to develop a destination management plan for the Greater Darwin region.

The plan will bring together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to develop a big picture vision for tourism in Darwin over the next 10 years, and set out a strategy to achieve that. It will also consider how to address the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the local industry.

A Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade spokeswoman said destination management plans were considered best practice for the development of tourism in regional Australia, and the Darwin strategy would identify gaps in product, opportunities for growth and key infrastructure to enhance the region’s appeal.

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“For the long-term future of Darwin as a tourism destination, our product offerings and developments need to be aligned and co-ordinated and meet the needs of visitors. This can only be achieved with a planned approach,” she said.

Darwin doesn’t have a destination management plan, though four other regions in the NT do – Big Rivers, Lasseter, Barkly and Alice Springs.

However, Tourism Top End general manager Glen Hingley said it was especially important for Darwin to have a destination management plan as the NT’s capital and one of its primary tourist destinations.

“It’s essential for Darwin,” he said. “Too much ad hoc activity has gone on for too long here … when it comes to tourism development, and there’s been nothing on this scale.

“This will be a road map for so many different parties, but it’s also about providing that opportunity to imagine ten years from now, what could Greater Darwin look like when it comes to tourism.”

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Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said the plan could help Darwin to stand out. “It’s competitive, because we’re up against the Kimberley and Far North Queensland. So we do need to make sure that when people do come up here, they’re getting great products and good service,” he said.

Tender applications are open until Monday, April 19.

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