Cheap airfares a good start, but Alice needs to fix its crime problem, too: tourism operator

A LOCAL tourism operator says cheap flights are just one of many changes needed to save Alice Springs’ tourism industry

THE owner and operator of a scenic helicopter flights business in Alice Springs has welcomed news of half-price airfares to the Red Centre, but said a lot more needs to be done to make Alice Springs an attractive tourist destination again.

“The cost of airfares to Alice Springs has always been a factor,” Alice Springs Helicopters owner Warwick Curr said.

“There’s no doubt in the world we’ve always been ripped off.

“It wasn’t such a big deal for Ayers Rock because you used to be able to get a Jetstar flight there for $90. They didn’t get as gouged as Alice Springs.

“So airfares are a good place to start. But we need to tidy up the town. The reality is we’ve had a declining tourist base here for a number of years now.”

Mr Curr said Alice Springs’ national reputation as a tourist destination suffered due crime and a lack of premium accommodation options.

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“Not a tour goes by that our passengers don’t ask if they’re going to be safe while they’re here. So crime is a good place to start, getting all the burnt-out cars off the side of the road.

“And some of our accommodation and service levels in town aren’t on a par with people’s expectations.

“I don’t mean to slam dunk every hotel, but we’ve got a long way to go to call Alice Springs a good service centre. We really do need to lift our game if we’re going to be looking toward a premium product.”

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Mr Curr believes that the demographic the NT most needs to attract right now is those Australians who would usually prefer an overseas holiday worth many thousands of dollars.

He said those travellers are unlikely to be lured to Alice Springs without more widespread five-star service delivery.