Hotel occupancy rates plummet as coronavirus crisis decimates NT tourism

HOTEL occupancy rates in Darwin plunged to just 34 per cent in March as the Territory’s tourism industry ground to a standstill as a result of coronavirus travel bans

The NT’s tourism industry has been brought to a standstill by the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino

HOTEL occupancy rates in Darwin plunged to just 34 per cent in March as the Territory’s tourism industry ground to a standstill as a result of coronavirus travel bans.

Tourism NT’s monthly accommodation report shows occupancy rates in March fell by 19 per cent from last year to just 34 per cent.

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There were also declines in all other measures, with revenue per available room and average room rates going down -39 per cent and -5.0 per cent respectively.

Demand was lower by -40 per cent to 55,000 room nights.

In Alice Springs, occupancy rates fell by 22 per cent to 48 per cent.

The report shows that revenue per available room also decreased, down -34 per cent to $55.

Room supply was lower, decreasing -102 rooms to 991 rooms.

The Tourism Department said this decrease was due to rooms being allocated to the long-term rental market by one of the establishments.

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Demand decreased (down -38 per cent) to 15,000 room nights.

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