NT operators hit by interstate Covid-19 restrictions
Tourism and hospitality’s bumper dry season has been derailed as millions of Australians remain in lockdown and the NT shuts out three states.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
TOURISM and hospitality’s bumper dry season has been derailed as millions of Australians remain in lockdown and shut out of the Territory.
Greater Sydney, greater Melbourne, parts of regional Victoria and now Adelaide have been locked out by the NT chief health officer.
Hotels and events that were expecting to be at capacity are instead faced with a big fall in visitors, with occupancy rates crashing to just 30 per cent.
Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said the cancellation rates among his members had been “devastating”.
“We are going to hit our traditional low season a lot earlier unfortunately,” Mr Bruce said.
“We would be supportive of the Territory government incentivising the two remaining markets: Queensland and Western Australia.”
Mr Bruce also said federal government assistance, as well as NT tourism vouchers, needed to be looked at in a bid to prop up the local economy.
The Darwin Turf Club (DTC) has opted to move its Gala Ball from Little Mindil to the Darwin Turf Club due to visitor numbers being slashed by interstate lockdowns.
DTC chief executive Brad Morgan said unprecedented early numbers were now seeing a significant offset due to travel restrictions and the uncertainty created by recent outbreaks in southern states.
“Whilst it may be disappointing that crowds of up to 2000 people would not be attending, by holding the event at the Darwin Turf Club lawns, we remain confident of providing a boutique experience for attendees that was much enjoyed by locals last year when the entire country was under restricted movements with border closures,” Mr Morgan said.
Darwin Festival organisers are working through how the current Covid-19 border closures will impact the event.
Organisers moved to reassure festival goers that organisers were committed to presenting the Festival.
“The current lockdowns are only impacting some shows in the program and we are working with the artists to find workable solutions,” a spokesman said.
“We will provide a detailed update in the coming days.”
MORE TOP NEWS
Interstate lockdowns force the Sportsbet Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball to move
Several teachers from across the NT stuck in Victoria, New South Wales due to border restrictions
Greater Adelaide declared a hotspot after Covid outbreak
Thoroughbred Racing NT chief executive Andrew O’Toole confirmed all horses, jockeys and trainers had arrived in time for Darwin Cup Day on August 2.
“Everyone arrived here ahead of time so we have everything and everyone we need for the racing,” O’Toole said. “If they’re not here yet they weren’t going to be here.”
Racing, Gaming and Licensing Minister Natasha Fyles said she backed the horse racing industry, despite refusing to attend the biggest date in the calendar over the grandstand scandal.
“I absolutely support the racing sector and all of the professional people involved in the industry,” she said.
Originally published as NT operators hit by interstate Covid-19 restrictions
Locked up NT kids bearing the brunt of ‘a failed system’
A Territory child was reported as the victim of abuse and harm 70 times before they ended up in the clink. See why the children’s watchdog believes we’re failing vulnerable kids.
‘I’m prepared’: Police graduates ready to hit the streets
In a matter of days, 21 new cops will join the ranks of men and women putting their lives on the line every day to protect their community. Read how they’re feeling before hitting the frontline.