Video: World-class Darwin tropical resort precinct taking shape
Darwin’s world-class tropical resort precinct is taking shape with investment secured for the multi-million dollar project which includes a stunning lagoon pool. SEE THE VIDEO here
Lifestyle
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DARWIN’S multi-million dollar world-class tropical resort precinct is taking shape, with the first travellers expected to be checking in by the middle of next year.
Airport Development Group is on track to create the top-shelf resort adjacent to Darwin International Airport with a substantial external investment confirmed for the next phase.
Redevelopment of the hotels acquired in early 2021 has already begun with bespoke villas and luxury family accommodation now available.
Plans for the next phase of the redevelopment have been finalised and include a stunning lagoon pool and children’s play area, bars, restaurants and conference facilities complemented by extensive tropical landscaping.
ADG has released a fly-through of how the resort will look upon completion and it promises to be a tourist feature like nothing else in the Top End.
A recreation vehicle park by nearby Rapid Creek is also planned with details to be announced at a later point.
ADG’s executive general manager Selwyn D’Souza said the new resort will complement growth in the Territory’s tourist industry.
“We are seeing tourism bounce back in the Territory. Last month visitor numbers were more than 10 per cent above numbers recorded for the same period in 2019,” Mr D’Souza said.
“This is great news for the Territory and we expect our new resort to support this growth by providing a broad range of accommodation options and superior customer experience.”
As part of ADG’s commitment to supporting local business, Mr D’Souza confirmed
engaging local contractors for the project has been a priority.
“We have been working closely with numerous local contractors to deliver the project to the highest standard and we are delighted with the progress to date,” Mr D’Souza said.
Ambitious plan to attract more tourists to Darwin
EXCLUSIVE: The Territory’s warm and relaxed climate and access to unique and diverse nature and wildlife experiences are some of the main draw cards for tourists according to new NT Tourism report.
The Destination Management Plan which focused on the Greater Darwin region identified the Territory as an attractive location for visitors.
The plan outlined the geographical importance of Darwin as a gateway between Australia and Asia.
However, the majority of tourists that entered the Territory in 2017-18 came from interstate or within the region with approximately 283,000 of people coming from overseas.
International travellers from emerging markets like China and South East Asian countries have been slowly increasing with majority coming from European countries.
Over 60 stakeholders helped create the management plan and consulted across Tiwi Islands, Palmerston, Coomalie and Darwin regions.
Industry, Tourism and Trade’s deputy chief executive tourism Scott Lovett said the challenge for all the Territory was to encourage visitors annually.
“Destination Management Planning underpins a holistic plan for tourism growth, future development and investment during this decade, enabling a co-ordinated approach to tourism between business, government, the tourism industry and communities,” he said.
“The Greater Darwin region is well-placed to continue to attract both domestic and international travel markets with visitors choosing the destination for its world class nature and wildlife. In order to achieve the Northern Territory’s Tourism Industry Strategy 2030 targets, the unique advantage of each region must be enhanced, which in turn will deliver more visitors and longer regional stays.”
The Greater Darwin region, which covers about 30,000 sq km include areas of Darwin, Palmerston, and tourism destinations such as Litchfield and Mary River National Parks, Fogg Dam, Adelaide River, Dundee Beach, Wagait Beach and the Tiwi Islands.
The plan highlights opportunities for tourists to engage in diverse multicultural experiences, which include visiting remote Aboriginal communities and art centres which comprises of the lands of the Larrakia, Tiwi, Wulna, Limilngan, Uwnmil, Kungarrakan and Awarai (Warai) people.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis endorsed the plan to grow the Territory as a tourist destination. “Visitors come here because they know Darwin is unlike any other Australian city,” he said.
“So, when they get here they expect tourist experiences with a distinct Darwin flavour.
“Tourists come here to gain a real understanding of the culture, lifestyle and landscape of Australia’s northernmost capital.”
The Darwin region plan was the last report to come out after Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges, Big Rivers, Barkly, Lasseter and East Arnhem Land were released.
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