CLP backs tourism call for support as Labor stands on its record

The two major political parties have responded to a call for additional tourism support. Read their responses.

The two major political parties have responded to a call for additional support to the tourism sector following the release of data showing a decline in visitor numbers in the year to the end of March.

Figures released by the NT government on Thursday showed a 3.2 per cent decline in tourism arrivals, with four of the Territory’s six tourism regions recording a decrease in visitors.

Top End tour operator Daniel Thurling’s call for industry assistance to arrest the decline was backed by Tourism Top End’s Samantha Bennett and Tourism Central Australia’s Danial Rochford.

Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro responded to the call, saying a CLP government would extend the operational period for the existing tourism voucher scheme throughout the off-peak tourism period.

NT Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The scheme, which currently operates from February to April, would be extended under the CLP from the end of October until the end of April.

Capped at $1m, the scheme offers a 25 per cent discount on tourism related purchases up to $5000.

Ms Finocchiaro’s commitment came with a pledge to reduce violent crime but no additional money to the existing scheme.

“The CLP priority to boost tourism is to restore the Territory’s reputation as a safe place to visit which will encourage more people and families to visit the NT,” she said.

Tourism Minister Joel Bowden. Picture: Zizi Averill

“We have listened to NT tourism operators and can announce we will extend the Territory Tourism Discount Scheme to cover a six-month period from the end of October to the end of April each year.

“This will provide additional support to tourism operators and help a vital part of the NT economy.”

The Territory government stood on its record, with Tourism Minister Joel Bowden pointing to a funding boost in last mont’s budget, including $13m over three years for the aviation attraction scheme.

“We’re backing our Tourism industry with a $68m investment in the 2024-25 Budget, which includes $6m extra funding to support the sector and talk up the Territory to our biggest visitor markets,” he said.

“Tourism is an important economic driver in the Territory, contributing around $2.7 billion to the NT economy and supporting around 16,300 workers.”