World Archaeological Congress in Darwin: Why the world digs the Northern Territory right now

The Northern Territory is about to stamp its importance in the global archaeological community and at the same time give some new bones to our tourism industry. Read why.

The rugged and ancient beauty of Kakadu is a big lure for the World Archaeological Congress

The Northern Territory is about to stamp its importance in the global archaeological community and at the same time give some new bones to our tourism industry.

For the first time, the World Archaeological Congress is being held in Australia and the Northern Territory’s rich Indigenous history has prompted around 2000 academics, students, other Archaeological experts and their partners to descend on Darwin this week boosting the coffers of our tourism industry.

Around 70 countries are participating in the Darwin Congress.

Tourism Top End general manager Sam Bennett said more than 400 of the World Archaeological Congress have already arrived in Darwin and have embarked on pre-conference tours.

“While the congress has academic sessions from 22-28 June 22-28 there are scientific tours running from 17-22 June 17-22 and then June 28- July 5 so the spin-offs for the Territory’s tourism industry is huge,” Ms Bennett said.

Samantha Bennett general manager Tourism Top End August 2023

“For Darwin to win this conference over everyone else is massive.

“Attracting such a large number of international attendees, along with their travel companions, will generate welcome economic activity in Darwin and the surrounding areas.

“This includes increased spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and tourism-related activities.

“Extending the visitation with the pre and post touring is an enormous benefit to tourism and our economy.

“They are coming from all over, but a lot of are from India, Japan, UK every major organisation is represented…everything from the Smithsonian Institution to Cambridge are going to be here.”

Ms Bennett said with the congress being hosted by Flinders University in partnership with the Northern Institute at Charles Darwin University a large number of international students are attending.

“This cohort in particular get out and explore the regions,” Ms Bennett said

“None of this would have been possible without Tourism NT who did the bidding process and pulled this off and really got the conference here.”

Arnhem Land where delegates will be immersed in Aboriginal culture

Ms Bennett said around 750 will be going to Kakadu over the course of the pre and post conference touring.

“The dispersal into regions and tourism is extraordinary,” she said.

“This is the only conference I’ve ever heard of that puts a touring day in the middle of its conference.

“There is a wonderful Indigenous community element to the conference.

“With such a massive international presence this will have a really long term impact on our tourism sector.

“This is awesome.

‘It is a long way for people to come internationally, so they are not just here for the conference they are here for extended periods to tour and see the Territory.”