CLP pledge $3m to boost military history tourism in the NT

A WWII virtual reality tour of Darwin is one new military themed tourism experience that could open under a CLP election pledge aimed at reviving tourism in the Northern Territory.

Head of The Darwin History and Wartime Experience David Leck and Shadow Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby, as the CLP pledges $3m to establish the NT as a military tourism destination if it wins the election. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A WWII virtual reality tour of Darwin is one new military themed tourism experience that could open under a plan by the Country Liberals to bring more tourists to the Northern Territory.

The CLP has pledged $3m to establish the NT as a “must-do” military tourism destination if it wins the upcoming election.

The funding would establish a military history tourism grant program to develop new military themed products and events across the NT, and to improve existing offerings.

It would create an interactive app linking historical sites across the NT into a ‘military road trip’, and would upgrade key roadside sites, including improved interpretative signage.

Sydney couple Paul and Ros Sampson. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sydney couple Paul and Ros Sampson had been travelling through the Territory and said many historical sites were hard to find.

“There are so many along the Stuart Highway but it’s not obvious,” Paul said.

“I think people would definitely use an app that gives you that information, in a heartbeat.”

David Leck, who runs the Darwin History and Wartime Experience, said the new grant

program would help him add a virtual reality element to his Darwin tours aboard a restored 1940s Studebaker army truck.

“I added USB ports to each seat with the plan of adding virtual reality headsets but it was

just too expensive,” Mr Leck said.

A grant would really help make this experience even better with virtual reality allowing passengers to relive Darwin’s history as if they were there themselves.”

Head of The Darwin History and Wartime Experience David Leck said the grant would help him improve his Darwin tours. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said “we are Australia’s very own battlefield”.

“Our military history and ongoing role in defence give us an obvious competitive edge,” she said.

“We want to tell the world: if you’re looking for war history, you come to the Territory.”

The CLP has also promised to continue the visitor experience enhancement program and extend the tourism discount scheme from two to six months.

The government last week committed $18m to boost the Territory’s tourism sector after a slump in visitor numbers in the year to March.

It comes as the latest tourism campaign encouraging Aussies to ‘Turn up’ in the NT will launch nationwide on Monday.

The spring campaign highlights how the Territory’s weather, adventure, natural beauty, colours, and experiences are amplified and ‘turned up’ in the spring time.

“We’re supporting the NT’s visitor economy and local tourism operators by increasing Territory tourism numbers during the shoulder season and encouraging businesses to showcase their deals across campaign assets including a dedicated landing page and bookable itineraries,” Tourism Minister Joel Bowden said.

Shadow Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said tourism was struggling in the NT.

“Our tourism industry is suffering thanks to Labor’s crime crisis, which has created negative

media coverage and damaged our reputation as a safe place to visit,” she said.

“The CLP will rebuild our reputation and support our tourism operators. Our plan will help

develop new, exciting tourism experiences that will put us on the world stage.”