Cavenagh Hotel experiencing ‘busiest season in 11 years’ as AFL heads to town

There’s been a boost in bookings for hotels as AFL matches create “signature weekends” for visitors and tourism operators.

DARWIN hosting AFL matches has created “signature weekends” for visitors to the NT and tourism operators during the dry season, Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce says.

It comes as one Darwin hotel confirmed to the NT News it was experiencing one of the busiest booking periods it has experienced for more than a decade, with the Gold Coast Suns playing Hawthorn at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

The May 28 clash marks the first time the Hawks have played in the Territory for premiership points.

Cavenagh Hotel receptionist Valanto Katsotourhis said the popular hotel was seeing historic bookings numbers.

“My manager said this is the busiest season she has seen, bookings wise, in 11 years,” Ms Katsotourhis said.

“Everyone is coming to Darwin … we are fully booked for this weekend, absolutely no rooms.

“It’s not rare though, we’re in the dry season, it’s the peak season from the end of May and early June to September.

“We have nothing available for more than three days, a day or two, that's about it.”

A search on bookings.com reveals dormitory rooms are still available for Friday and Saturday night but the next cheapest accommodation option was a one-bedroom apartment for more than $900 for a two-night stay.

Mr Bruce told the NT News accommodation and car hire operators had reported an increase as a result of Saturday night’s AFL game.

“People are coming to town for it,” Mr Bruce said, with the Suns also taking on North Melbourne on June 4 at Marrara.

The Gold Coast Suns played Carlton TIO Stadium two years ago. Picture: Che Chorley

“It’s one of the signature weekends now during the dry … the other one being when the racing carnival hits its stride.

“We’re going to get two good weekends of footy and it’s driving not only the accommodation bookings, but also hire cars.

“They’re building tour itineraries around the footy … they're coming up for the footy but building a holiday around it.”

Mr Bruce also said Hawthorn had large pulling power with affluent fans seeking a change in the weather.

“Their fans are taking the opportunity to leave miserable old Melbourne,” he said.

“It does depend on which team comes up and what their travelling fanbase is like.

“There’s never been a better time to come up for a holiday and watch some footy.

“The domestic market is that strong this year, a lot of people are still reluctant to go overseas.”

He said Darwin would expect to see high tourism numbers until September.

“There isn’t much of a difference, weekend to weekend now but definitely they are reporting people are coming up and they’re coming up for the footy,” he said.

The Cavenagh Hotel has seen historic demand for bookings. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

Major Events Minister Paul Kirby expected a strong economic impact with last year’s Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos generating $3m of new money in the Territory.

“Territorians absolutely love their footy and hosting AFL games here brings tourists, boosts our economy and gives locals the chance to enjoy elite sport in their own backyard,” Mr Kirby said.