Tourism operators looking for to busy Dry, after solid forward bookings

Tourism operators are looking forward to a busy Dry season, and the Brolga Awards will recognise the standout performances of Territory businesses.

Sea Darwin's Jim Smith at an announcement that nominations are open for the Brolga (tourism) awards are open. Picture Glenn Campbell

TOURISM operators are looking forward to a busy Dry season, and the Brolga Awards will recognise the standout performances of Territory businesses.

Multi-award winning tourism operator Jim Smith of Sea Darwin said the awards, which was cancelled last year was a great way to promote the NT to the rest of the country.

He said the industry was hopeful of a good dry season after struggling through last year.

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“I’m hearing great things about solid strong bookings … it’s looking very good for the Northern Territory,” he said.

“It’s very much strong solid, strong numbers for the next three or four months.”

He said with the lockdown of Brisbane this week due to COVID-19 cases being detected he had seen about a quarter of his bookings in the near future cancelled.

Tourism Minister Natasha Fyles encouraged people to nominate tourism operators who had excelled during the difficulties of last year.

“Now’s the time to acknowledge those in our tourism and hospitality sector who’ve been so hard hit by the pandemic but have managed to provide wonderful product,” Ms Fyles said.

Nominations are now open and close on September 9 at 12pm.

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Judging will take place on Friday September 10 to Friday October 8 – with the Darwin Gala event held on November 13.

The Australian Tourism Awards will then be held in February of next year.

To nominate a business head to brolgaawards.com.au.

Follow @JudithAisthorpe