Accommodation along the Stuart Highway has been labelled “poor” by Tourism NT’s executive director

ACCOMMODATION along the Stuart Highway has been labelled “poor” by Tourism NT’s executive director.

ACCOMMODATION along the Stuart Highway has been labelled “poor” by Tourism NT’s executive director.

The roadhouses down the Territory’s centre were criticised by John Di Maria at the Building the NT conference.

“There is too much tired stock around the NT, (there are) opportunities around for refurbishment and accommodation,” he said.

“Throughout the Territory there is limited availability in high-quality destination-focused accommodation and numerous existing properties … in need of refurbishment.

“The limited availability of quality accommodation, particularly in the regions, reduces the Territory’s experiential offering and the overall holiday value for prospective visitors.

“Given the importance of the touring market to the Territory the general quality of roadhouses right along the Stuart Highway is poor.

“It’s not up to the standard of what people expect nowadays and it is to the detriment of tourism.”

READ: TOURISM NT CALLS FOR MORE HOTEL ROOMS

Ti Tree Roadhouse manager Suzie Mcleod said her establishment was undergoing renovations and had received good feedback.

“Mr Di Maria should take a look at our visitor book before making comment,” she said.

“We’re not The Ritz, but The Ritz is coming; some people expect champagne on (arrival) but we’re in the middle of nowhere, we’ve got the experience people want.”

Ms Mcleod said Mr Di Maria should visit the NT roadhouses and stay a night.

“(This comment) was rude and a stick in the guts when we’re doing our best making the place lovely for tourists with a smile on our face,” she said.

Mr Di Maria said $1.3 million of NT and federal funding had been allocated to tourism development and infrastructure and operators could apply for a share.

The Wauchope Hotel, near Devil’s Marbles, was recently given a $100,000 grant.

“We absolutely expect our industry to reinvest in their own product but we are also aware that there are some ­constraints there around that,” Mr Di Maria said.