Future NT 2023: New Tourism 2030 Strategy’s galleries, hotels vision

340k extra airline seats, 4000 new tourism jobs and five new 250-bed hotels are some targets the government has set out to achieve by the decade’s end. Here are three projects they hope will reach that goal.

The Territory’s trajectory towards a $40bn economy by the decade’s end will not just rely a bigger population and major projects list, but a bigger tourism sector as well.

The new Tourism 2030 Strategy, to be released in early September, will outline the government’s renewed plan to bolster the “vital” industry.

The plan aims for an extra 340,000 interstate aviation seats from 2019 levels before the decade’s end.

It also forecasts almost 4000 new tourism jobs will be needed by 2030, as well as the equivalent of five new 250-room hotels at three-quarters average occupancy.

While aviation attraction, year-round visitation and sustainability are the blueprint’s three key areas for improvement, the NT government is also investing heavily in Aboriginal tourism.

Here are three projects that are currently under way.

Concept pictures of the exterior of the Northern Territory Art Gallery. Picture: Supplied

State Square and Northern Territory Art Gallery

Construction is under way on a new art gallery and surrounding upgrades in one of the Top End’s most central locations.

The Northern Territory Art Gallery is expected to take two years to complete as part of the $145m State Square revitalisation.

It is set to have four galleries, a community space, shop and cafe, while State Square will get more shade and landscaping works to facilitate outdoor community events.

Infrastructure Commissioner Louise McCormick said the project would “transform the Darwin city into a welcoming and interactive space for visitors and locals”.

“The precinct is an important part of the Darwin City Deal and will provide community and event spaces, while linking the Waterfront with the city centre, creating an activated and lively place for all,” she said.

Concept pictures of the exterior of the National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs. Picture: Supplied

National Aboriginal Art Gallery

Another cultural offering that has long been in the works is the National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs, which is tipped to draw 50,000 extra annual visitors to Central Australia once built.

The project was first announced in 2017 and while controversy surrounding its location has slowed progress, concept images revealed last month suggest it is moving ahead.

The project has received $80m and $69.3m commitments from the federal and Territory governments respectively, with the latter increasing its pledge by $19.3m in the new budget.

“We know travellers want to immerse themselves in authentic Aboriginal tourism experiences, and the Northern Territory government is investing in the space to ensure we are the undeniable leader in the Aboriginal tourism sector,” Tourism Minister Nicole Manison said.

“The Northern Territory Art Gallery in Darwin and the National Aboriginal Art Gallery (in Alice Springs) will be key to this.”

Construction is set to start next year.

Concept art of the proposed hotel at the Darwin Waterfront. Picture: NT Government

Darwin Convention Centre Hotel

The Territory government has put out the call for prospective hotel owners to invest in a piece of prime real estate.

A new hotel is planned to be built on Stokes Hill Road, next to the Convention Centre, catering for up to 250 rooms.

Short-listed applicants including global operators will now expand on their entries in a request for proposals phase, before the successful operator is chosen.

After a highly-successful event in 2022, the NT News’ Future Northern Territory campaign returns next month as the push to create a $40bn economy by 2030 continues.

To purchase a ticket to the event on Friday, September 8, click here.