Arnhem Land one of top five regions sought-after travel regions in 2021: Vacaay

ARNHEM Land has been identified as one of the top five destinations for pent-up city-slickers looking for a getaway

ARNHEM Land has been identified as one of the top five hotspots for city-slickers itching for a getaway, as locals report “momentum” in the areas’s tourism industry.

Data analysis of 150,000 users on travel platform Vacaay has found the region among the top five destinations within Australia and New Zealand in 2021.

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Vacaay chief executive Pete McKeon said it came as pent-up travellers looked toward domestic destinations amid overseas pandemic travel bans.

“We’ve seen a consistent shift in travellers wanting to escape the city and reconnect with the outdoors,” Mr McKeon said.

“Arnhem Land is one of the most remote places in the country, and with its unique mix of wildlife, pristine beaches and Aboriginal culture, naturally it has captivated our audience.”

Arnehm Land is well known for its untouched natural beauty. Picture: File.

Local charter boat operator Rock Elford said he was seeing a lot of Northern Territory and Queensland bookings.

“In the last eight months there’s a lot of people who’ve been travelling around,” Mr Elford said.

“There is a bit of momentum happening,” he said.

Mr Elford, who has lived in Nhulunbuy for almost a decade, founded his charter boat company, R&G Charters, nine months ago.

Arnhem Land has become one of Australia and New Zealand's most sought after regions, according to 'travel inspiration platform' Vacaay. Picture: NT Tourism.

John Carter, who owns Peninsula Bakery and Cafe in Nhulunbuy, said there was a 25 per cent downturn in sales for his business during COVID-19 restrictions but welcomed more visitors to the region.

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“The more people who come into the region, obviously the more trade there is for us,” Mr Carter said.

But he recommended travellers bring their own caravans or tents if they travelled to the region, warning there weren’t many places for tourists to stay.