July 17 border date sparks fears of mass exodus from NT over school holidays

TOURISM industry experts fear the NT’s July 17 border date could open the door for a mass exodus of Territorians taking off interstate for the upcoming school holidays.

Tourism industry experts fear the NT’s July 17 border date could open the door for a mass exodus of Territorians taking off interstate for the upcoming school holidays.

TOURISM industry experts fear the NT’s July 17 border date could open the door for a mass exodus of Territorians taking off interstate for the upcoming school holidays.

The term two school holidays (June 29-July 20) give families enough time to fly interstate to places like South Australia and return after the NT’s borders open on July 17 to bypass 14-day quarantine.

Tourism Top End chief executive officer Glen Hingley said the alignment of the dates was “definitely unfortunate” for NT’s struggling tourism industry.

He is urging Territorians to reconsider travelling interstate these holidays.

“We need Territorians to holiday here, taking advantage of this great weather and the beautiful part of the world we’re in,” Mr Hingley said.

“There is a huge array of awesome tourism experiences available here and this is one of the last opportunities we’ll get to have them all to ourselves before the borders open.”

A spokesman from Kakadu Tourism said they were slowly beginning to see their bookings fill up.

It comes as Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta national parks reopened to visitors yesterday.

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“The announcement that the borders were opening from July 17 really stimulated booking inquiries,” he said.

“This weekend we are close to full at Cooinda Lodge – but on reduced capacity – while there (are) still plenty of rooms available at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel.

“What is encouraging is the interest from interstate. Obviously it takes longer to plan a trip to Kakadu but news of increased flights to Darwin – including some bargain deals – has helped get the phones ringing and emails flowing.

“From the local Territorian market, the voucher scheme is beginning to work and with more attractions opening around the park over the next few weeks, we expect a lot of Darwin business from locals who want to get in before the crowds arrive from the south.”

However, one of Uluru’s most famous resorts, Ayers Rock Resort, will remain closed until August 1 despite borders reopening.

Grant Hunt, chief executive of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, which manages Ayers Rock Resort, said they were using the next few months to complete a $50 million refurbishment to upgrade the resort, campground and airport infrastructure.

More than 26,000 vouchers worth $200 will be available from July 1 for locals to put towards a tourism experience, tour, accommodation, hire car or recreational fishing charter, so long as they match the spend with their own money.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he hoped this would be enough incentive to keep Territorians here these holidays.

“Obviously, safely opening the borders means people can go both ways, but why would you?” Mr Gunner said.

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“It’s freezing down south, restrictions are tougher, you can’t even go to the footy or play a game of pool in a pub in Adelaide right now.

“I expect the majority of Territorians to stay here where it’s safest and freest, and I know heaps of Territorians are pumped to holiday in the Territory.

“Get in early and grab your Territory Tourism Voucher because every dollar we spend in the Territory helps save a Territory job.”