NT tourists spending 30 per cent more money than pre-Covid

The Northern Territory tourism industry has recovered better than any other jurisdiction in Australia.

Tourists are spending more money in the Northern Territory than before the Covid pandemic hit.

Tourism Minister Nicole Manison said domestic tourism spending in the Territory had recovered faster than any other Australian jurisdiction compared with pre-Covid levels.

Ms Manison said spending was 30 per cent higher now than before the pandemic at $200m in October.

She said spending by international tourists in the Territory had almost returned to pre-pandemic levels at about $300m in October, down just four per cent compared with October 2019.

Figures supplied by the Tourism and Transport Forum also show uptake of accommodation in Darwin and Alice Springs also increased in October.

Room occupancy rates for hotels increased by 8.4 per cent in Darwin and 8.8 per cent in Alice Springs compared to 2021.

Lizards Sports Bar Photograph: Che Chorley

Ms Manison released the positive news at a media event at Lizards Bar and Grills, Darwin’s famous Mitchell St hotel, which was recently awarded Australia’s best TAB and Licensed Venue.

She also acknowledged the work of Top End venue Berry Springs Tavern, which won the National Award for Excellence for Outstanding Achievement in Training and the Landmark in Palmerston, which was named Australia’s best sporting entertainment venue.

Ms Manison said 2022 had delivered a resurgence in the Territory on spending in both tourism and hospitality.

“We have seen a real resurgence,” she said.

“We have seen expenditure grow and we are almost back at pre-pandemic levels.

“We have the latest tourist figures going out next week and it goes to show that we are absolutely rebounding right out of Covid and we are seeing a huge resurgence back in the tourism sector in the Northern Territory.

“That also backs in our hardworking hospitality industry, and that’s what we want to see.

“When you have a look at this industry, it supports jobs and it supports local businesses as well as the liveability and the tourism offerings we have here in the Northern Territory.”

However, Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said visitor activity had slowed since the Wet kicked in.

“We have seen occupancy and rates ease as we return to traditional seasonality this year,” Mr Bruce said.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce. Picture: (A) manda Parkinson

“Now is a great time to book a staycation or end of year party as we wind down 2022.

“And for those hitting our highways, consider recharging at one of our great wayside inns and roadhouses.”

Ms Manison asked locals staying home over the holiday season to “back in a Territorian” during the wet season economic lull.

“When it comes to hospitality, go out and have a beer, go out and have a meal, go out and if you’re having a big night go and invest in some accommodation.

“You can get some great places to stay in the CBD, in Palmerston and the rural area if you have a look around.”