News archive
2023
January
NT shines in 'Events that bring the different' campaign
The Northern Territory Government is backing our tourism industry, launching a new national campaign today, promoting the NT as a destination for unique and extraordinary events.
Events that bring the different is designed to inspire Australians to visit, experience and participate in unique Territory events, boosting our visitor numbers and building a stronger tourism industry.
Cruising crucial to bumper off season
The Northern Territory today welcomed the Westerdam on its maiden voyage to Darwin last Thursday, 12 January 2023, giving a major economic boost to local retailers, as well as tourism and hospitality operators.
Docked at the Port of Darwin, the nearly 2,000 passengers and 800 crew on board had to opportunity to disembark and explore Darwin.
Bringing a new era of opportunity for Territory tourism
The Northern Territory’s economy has shifted significantly in recent years, and so has the tourism industry. An increasingly competitive landscape, new technologies and flow-on effects from other industries have all had an impact.
2022
December
November
Darwin hosts three cruise ships
The Queen Elizabeth arrived at Fort Hill Wharf at 7am last Friday 28 November with 1508 passengers and 788 crew on board, marking it the third large cruise liner to arrive in Darwin since the resumption of international cruise.
The Queen Elizabeth, on its maiden voyage to Darwin, was one of three Cunard brand cruise ships visiting Darwin - with the Queen Mary 2 scheduled to visit Darwin on 2 March 2023 and the Queen Victoria due in port on 9 March 2023.
Northern Territory to be the Leading Aboriginal Tourism Destination
The Northern Territory Government is establishing the Northern Territory as the undeniable leader in Australia’s Aboriginal tourism sector.
Today marks the inaugural Aboriginal Tourism Forum and the release of the second progress report on the Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 – a chance to reflect on achievements and envision a bold future together.
New evening experiences for tourists
Four tourism operators across the Northern Territory are creating new evening experiences for visitors, to enhance their attractions and encourage more tourists to visit the NT.
The Adelaide River Inn and Daly Waters Pub will be creating outdoor cinemas, to encourage families to stay longer, while the Katherine Outback Experience will develop a family friendly evening outdoor dining experience.
Territory's best tourism operators crowned
Twenty-five Northern Territory businesses have been recognised at the tourism industry’s night of nights.
The 35th Brolga Awards celebrate individual contributions as well as the best tourism operators and products across the Northern Territory.
Char Restaurant and The Darwin Club took out the Chairman’s Choice for Tourism Excellence, as well as the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services Award.
Whirlwind NT tour for International team
With international tourism back on the cards for many travellers, Tourism NT hosted an International Marketing Managers event last month (October 2022), providing PR and Trade representatives from North America, the United Kingdom, Central Europe and Japan with a familiarisation tour of Alice Springs, Kakadu and Darwin.
Showcasing tourism product on offer in both the Red Centre and Top End regions, this was the first time the PR and Trade reps had visited the destinations they are selling since November 2019!
October
Ocean cruise liners welcomed back to NT with arrival of the Coral Princess
The Northern Territory welcomed ocean cruise liners back to Territory waters with the arrival of the Coral Princess cruise ship on 20 October, a major boost for our tourism and hospitality industry.
With capacity for 1,970 passengers, the cruise liner received a warm Darwin welcome for its maiden visit, which included an official plaque exchange between the ship and Darwin Port.
Central Australia tour to bring students to the Red Centre
A group of teachers and education travel agents from across Australia has completed a week-long tour of Central Australia as part of the Northern Territory government’s efforts to diversify and grow the tourism market.
The Northern Territory Learning Adventures familiarisation tour was undertaken by ten teachers and agents from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, covering Uluru, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs.
From NZ to NT - Kiwis encouraged to Seek Different
A new tourism campaign has been launched in New Zealand to encourage travel to the NT, to boost our visitor economy and create local jobs.
Starting this week, the campaign champions the individuality of NZ travellers while highlighting the Territory’s unique tourism offerings, from rich culture and history to breathtaking landscapes and spectacular wildlife.
Tourism operators muster the East Coast
Twenty-four Territory tourism operations have hit the East Coast to showcase what makes the NT a unique destination, in order to boost our visitor numbers and increase the vital tourism industry.
Culture is closer thank you think - Aboriginal tourism campaign kicks off
A new tourism campaign, Culture is closer than you think, has launched Australia-wide, targeting holidaymakers who have an interest in Aboriginal culture, a core component of the Northern Territory’s tourism offering.
There is no better place in Australia for holidaymakers to immerse themselves in authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences than the Territory.
September
2022 Brolga Awards portal now open for individual nominations
Nominations are now open for individual award categories in the upcoming 2022 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.
If you know an individual working in the NT tourism industry that deserves recognition you can nominate them for one of the individual award categories including the George Dunne Award Outstanding Contribution by an Individual or the SKAL Tourism Industry Employee Award.
Round 3 Roadhouse to Recovery grant recipients announced
More than $4.6 million will be injected into the Territory economy with the latest round of Roadhouse to Recovery grants.
17 regional and remote caravan parks, wayside inns and roadhouse operators have today been announced as the recipients of $2 million in grants from the third round of the program.
Many businesses are undertaking major upgrades to their facilities, with operator contributions of more than $2.6 million, all utilising local NT suppliers.
August
Today Show’s Tim Davies hit the road for an NT Summer
Aussies around the country are seeing first-hand that summer starts early in the Territory with Channel 9’s Today Show weather host Tim Davies beaming live weather crosses on an NT road trip this week.
Kicking off in the Red Centre, viewers’ are seeing the summer like conditions with blue skies against ochre-coloured sand - giving the perfect backdrop to take a dip in an outback swimming hole.
This morning Tim was live from Uluru with pre-filmed segments including Field of Light – Uluru, an Uluru Segway Tour, fine dining in the open-air restaurant of Tali Wiru and a cultural experience with Maruku Arts.
Aboriginal Tourism Grants expanded
Round 4 of the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program opened today, Monday 29 August, with an even bigger funding pool of $1 million in total.
This time the program has been expanded to enable NT Aboriginal owned businesses and organisations who are interested in diversifying into the tourism sector to apply.
Previous rounds have only been open to NT Aboriginal owned and operated tourism enterprises.
Territory's Top Tour Guides
Central Australian based tour guide Anna Dakin has been crowned the Northern Territory’s 2022 Top Tour Guide and will represent the NT at the upcoming 2022 Australian Top Tourism Awards, held on September 13 at Parliament House, Canberra.
A freelance tour guide originally from the UK, Anna has worked with a number of tourism businesses in Central Australia but now leads the World Expeditions ‘Six Day Larapinta Trek in Comfort’ which is recognised as one of the Great Walks of Australia.
Brolga nominations closing soon
Northern Territory tourism operators are being reminded to get their nominations in for the NT’s official tourism awards, the Brolgas, with nominations closing on 31 August.
The Brolgas recognise and encourage tourism businesses that strive for excellence in all areas of their operations, with 25 national business categories.