Airport Development Group responds as Journey Beyond eyes $300m Ayers Rock Resort deal
Airport Development Group has broken its silence on the $300m foreign takeover bid for Ayers Rock Resort, stressing its own credentials as an Australian-owned operator. Read the details.
Airport Development Group (ADG) has released a statement about the “exclusive” discussions about selling the Ayers Rock Resort to a foreign buyer.
The statement came after American-backed company Journey Beyond, the operators of The Ghan, were revealed to be in “exclusive” discussions to buy Uluru’s only accommodation for $300m, according to reports.
Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, which oversee Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, the operators of Ayers Rock Resort, previously confirmed they were in discussions for the sale of accommodation in Yulara.
“Journey Beyond has grown to now be Australia’s leading and largest experiential tourism group and we believe they are the ideal potential partner, that presents us with the best opportunity to deliver on our primary objective,” a spokesman said.
The NT News understands the ADG were pushing for the assets and previously suggested it wanted to see the Red Centre accommodation “kept in Australian hands”.
After previously declining to comment on the development, ADG on Saturday issued an official statement.
“ADG notes the announcement in the Australian Financial Review on 11 September 2025 that Journey Beyond, a tourism operator ultimately owned by a foreign private equity firm, has entered exclusive negotiations for the acquisition of Ayers Rock Resort,” the statement read.
“ADG acknowledges that, due to confidentiality obligations, it is unable to comment on the process undertaken by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).
“ADG is an Australian-owned and operated company with a longstanding commitment to First Nations engagement through Indigenous participation, employment, tourism development, and the creation of meaningful cultural experiences.
“Our group owns and manages a diverse portfolio of infrastructure assets across the Northern Territory, including airports, resorts, utilities, and commercial property.
“We recognise that Ayers Rock Resort and Connellan Airport is not only a critical tourism destination, but also places of profound cultural significance, heritage value, and national pride.
“As a proud Australian company, ADG represents the investments of everyday Australians through their superannuation contributions and we would embrace the responsibility of safeguarding this unique destination for future generations.”
