Southern bushfire crisis also having negative effect on NT tourism

SHOCKWAVES from the bushfires devastating New South Wales and Victoria are being felt in the NT, with hospitality businesses already feeling a decline in tourism rates

Residents take a dip to cool down at Lake Jindabyne, NSW, under a red sky due to smoke from bushfires. The fires devastating NSW and Victoria are also affecting the NT economy with a flow-on impact on Territory tourism. Picture: Saeed Khan/AFP

SHOCKWAVES from the bushfires devastating New South Wales and Victoria are being felt in the NT, with hospitality businesses already feeling a decline in tourism rates.

The NT’s peak hospitality industry body Hospitality NT said domestic and international travellers were cancelling holiday plans to the Territory, with Central Australia the worst hit.

Chief executive Alex Bruce said it wasn’t uncommon to see a drop in travellers across the country after larger states suffered a severe natural disaster.

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“Unfortunately, early indications are that the bushfires being experienced across the nation coupled with the ongoing drought are likely to impact on domestic and international visitors to the NT this coming year,” he said.

“Our message to the world is clear: the NT tourism and hospitality industry is open for business.”

While visitation to the NT could be down, locals can help soften the blow by choosing to holiday at home.

“Territorians can do their bit by continuing to support local hospitality businesses; plan staycations, visit your favourite local hotels, clubs, restaurants and attractions,” Mr Bruce said.

“By preferencing local spend the community can help protect local jobs.”

Acting Tourism Minister Eva Lawler said she was aware of cancellations.

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“It’s an incredibly difficult time for affected communities, but it’s also important that we continue to support our local businesses, promote the Territory and share the message that Australia remains open for business, so that travellers who were planning a holiday continue with their plans or rebook for another time once the community is back on their feet,” she said.

“Tourism NT is working with Tourism Australia and other state tourism bodies to let people know that Australia is open for business.”