East Arnhem Land: Plan sets out areas of action for tourism

The NT Government has released plans of how to get more visitors to East Arnhem Land. Here’s what they’re targeting.

A DEDICATED tourism strategy to entice visitors to East Arnhem Land has been launched by the NT government.

The Destination Management Plans are slated as a road map for future development and investment in the region, and have identified areas to focus on.

Similar strategies have already been developed for Big Rivers, Barkly, Alice Springs, MacDonnell Ranges and Lasseter.

East Arnhem Land is the focus of a Destination Management Plan.

Some of the plans of attack for drawing in tourists to East Arnhem Land include:

• improving destination marketing
• addressing barriers to off-peak visitation
• protecting land and sea country
• supporting industry events and product development
• identifying visitor trends through data and research
• establish accessible infrastructure for visitors
• train existing businesses and individual to participate in the tourism industry

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Natasha Fyles said the plan would be able to build on one of the Territory’s most under-utilised areas.

“East Arnhem Land is one of the Territory’s least developed tourism regions, so having a Destination Management Plan means we can address the primary challenges to tourism development as well as opportunities for local Yolngu and Anindilyakwa people interested in entering the tourism industry,” she said.

“The unique advantage of each region must be enhanced, which in turn will deliver more visitors and longer regional stays.”

As part of the research, the strengths and advantages of East Arnhem Land to showcase were identified.

They included Yolngu and Anindilyakwa cultural immersion and learning experiences, the unique natural environment, the area’s diverse history and adventure driving opportunities across the region.

The strategy will be implemented by a team made up of representatives from Tourism NT, Developing East Arnhem Limited, regional tourism organisations, land councils and regional stakeholders.

Developing East Arnhem Limited tourism development officer Ryley Heap said visitors to the area have lots to look forward to.

“Pristine coastlines, great fishing and immersive cultural experiences await visitors to East Arnhem Land, and we can’t wait to grow the numbers of people who can experience this special part of the world through implementing actions identified in the Destination Management Plan,” he said.

“Despite a difficult year and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, East Arnhem Land is well positioned for future tourism growth.”