Businesses play catch-up after policy muddle keeps tourists away

Territory business operators have been eagerly waiting for today, when borders re-open and interstate arrivals return to the Territory – but many have a lot of catching-up to do.

HOTEL occupancy rates in the Top End are down 13 per cent compared to last year, while Alice Springs tourism has taken a $17,000 hit since last year.

Figures obtained by the NT News show accommodation bookings made by the Alice Springs tourist information office for last weekend were $39,117 compared to $55,884 this time last year.

In the Top End, hotel occupancy figures this year are just over 41 per cent compared to 54 per cent last year.

It comes as the NT government lifts border controls on Monday.

Sails in the Desert, Yulara is one Alice Springs business affected by the NT government’s policy.

December 20 was the date Chief Minister Michael Gunner flagged for Territory travel and border restrictions to ease but instead of celebrating, many operators are dusting themselves down after a torrid two weeks fighting the imposition of new travel restrictions. Mr Gunner announced in early December double-vaccinated interstate arrivals would be forced to spend two weeks in a high-vaccination zone – Darwin, Alice Springs or Katherine – before they could travel more widely across the Territory.

Although acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison changed the restriction to limit travel to Aboriginal communities, confusion caused by the change has hit demand for the Territory.

Tourism Central Australia chief executive Danial Rochford said chopping-and-changing sparked uncertainty for travellers.

“We’re certainly getting feedback that there’s uncertainty and a downturn in confidence to travel,” he said. “People are sitting at home concerned about travelling at the moment and the uncertainty that brings. They’re worried about being stuck.”

Announcing the changes, Ms Manison said: “I think we could have got some elements better, that’s for sure.”