Business welcomes return of the racing season

Business groups have welcomed the return of the Darwin Cup Carnival, with hopes it will inject some much needed cash into the local economy

Charlotte Dubois, Hannah Makia and Tamika Andrews enjoying the Darwin Guineas at Fannie Bay Turf Club. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

Business groups have welcomed the return of the Darwin Cup Carnival, with hopes it will inject some much needed cash into the local economy.

About 1000 people made their way trackside for the first race meet of the year, and Darwin City & Waterfront Retailers Association general manager Elena Gomatos is hopeful more people will come to the CBD to buy items to frock up in for the race days.

“Most definitely it (easing restrictions), brings back a bit of normalcy and events being back will contribute to people’s purchases,” she said.

“It will make them think about buying something new especially since they haven’t been out in a long time.

“Anything that will encourage people to buy something new and to have something to look forward to is a positive.”

NT Chamber of Commerce’s Greg Ireland echoed Ms Gomatos’ comments.

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He said the return of the racing events could only be seen as a positive.

“Anything that brings visitation to the NT is a positive thing,” he said.

“COVID has thrown a complexity into that but the Chamber has been advocating that safe travel is possible in areas where there is no community transmission and we still agree with that.”

He said on average visitors to the Northern Territory spend between $1300-$1500 each around the local community while here.

From L Chloe Moo, Hannah McCourt and Alexandra Ward enjoying the Darwin Guineas ant Fannie Bay Turf Club. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

“NT locals have been supportive of business to the best of their ability but it’s just not always enough to carry the load,” he said.

“We do need to increase (tourism) numbers to get businesses profitable.”

Darwin Turf Club chief executive Brad Morgan said as the carnival went on he expected more people to get out and about in the city.

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He said everything from the taxi fare to the races, dinner or lunch out, to the new outfit contributed towards putting confidence back into the community.

“I think that money sort of flows through the economy and gets back into the local community and they start spending money and it starts to generate a bit of confidence,” he said.

“I think it’s really pleasing to see people are willing to go and put their hands into their pockets and spend a bit of money.”