We’re in for a bumper time: Tourists flocking back to the Territory

Tourists in their thousands are flocking back to the Territory and a bumper Dry season is being forecast by industry to give our economy a much-needed boost.

Darwin Italian Festival Fort Hill Park

Tourists in their thousands are flocking back to the Territory and a bumper Dry season is being forecast by industry to give our economy a much-needed boost.

With the season barely two weeks old the tourism sector is reporting revitalised numbers and the prospect of an extended season with numbers so strong.

Sam Bennett, general manager of peak industry body Tourism Top End General said advance bookings have the season is shaping up to be a bumper.

Ms Bennett said she was run off her feet at the recent Australian tourism industry’s largest annual business to business event, in Brisbane with interest in the Territory.

“At the Australian Tourism Exchange, we had close to 100 appointments, there is so much interest from the whole salers who sell our destination,” Ms Bennett said.

“It means that they have clients looking for the Territory as a holiday destination.

“Our caravan and camping shows engagement has been off the charts … our pipeline is very solid.

“We’ve had AFL, the Italian festival, the Seabreeze festival, BASSINTHEGRASS … the season is already better than it was last year.

“We’ve still got to come Barunga, World Solar cars, International cricket, Darwin Festival, the Super Cars, Darwin Cup, Glenti, conferences and a number of new events.

“These are all attracting big interest.”

Tourism Top End caravan and camping shows engagement has been off the charts (Pic: courtesy of John Eggenhuizen) /Caravans

Ms Bennett said all the data points to real growth.

“It is one thing to look at anecdotal evidence but the data says it is going to be a very good season.

“What is really exciting is that for the last three years we have really only had three months, but this year is definitely going to be longer.

“It started in May and it is looking to go towards the end of September and possibly beyond.

“I really think that some of those big events we are holding have got so much interest.

“And of course it has a lot to do with the flights. We’ve got seats.

“It is something for all of us to look forward to and I think the refresh tourism has happening in getting best bang for our buck is working.”

Samantha Bennett Tourism Top End

Ms Bennett said international events in the US may also be helping the Territory.

“We have a very strong drive market. I think the domestic market is strong because people are a bit worried about what their dollar is going to be worth overseas,” she said.

“ On top of that Queensland has had some serious weather events which will push the grey nomads into the Northern Territory.

“We can see the caravan parks are already filling up, Some are at capacity this month. “Overland touring is going okay, Kakadu has more to offer, The whole industry is feeling pretty buoyant at the moment.

“The hotels are strong in September, we’ve got some great business conferences this year, 1200 people at the world geology conference. They will all come in attend the conferences and then go out and explore what we have.

“They won’t come for a four-day conference. Some will come for two weeks or more.

“They will really inject some money into the economy.”