News archive

Darwin to host World Aquaculture Conference in 2023

Darwin has been announced as the successful destination to host the 2023 World Aquaculture conference. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s NT Business Events and NT Fisheries partnered with the Darwin Convention Centre to secure this global conference.

This prestigious conference will be delivered over four days, from 29 May to 1 June 2023 and is expected to attract global industry experts.

Cruise ship tourism is back in the Territory

The Top End’s Dry Season provided a warm welcome today to the stunning expedition cruise ship Silver Explorer at Darwin Port. The 144 guest luxury expedition cruise ship arrived on its maiden voyage to Darwin, with a plaque exchange to commemorate the occasion taking place last Friday, 3 June 2022.

Greater Darwin region Destination Management Plan released

The Greater Darwin region Destination Management Plan has been released, marking the final Destination Management Plan (DMP) for the Northern Territory.

The Greater Darwin region DMP follows the release of DMPs for major regional Territory tourism areas of Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges, Big Rivers, Barkly, and Lasseter in 2020, and East Arnhem Land in 2021.
 

Roadhouse to Recovery Grants Now Open

As part of Budget 2022 the Northern Territory Government will invest a further $2 million in a third round of the Territory Small Business Roadhouse to Recovery Grant program, with the grants opening on 10 May 2022.

This round will see wayside inns and roadhouses within the Territory able to apply for grants up to $150,000 for infrastructure improvements, with businesses required to provide a minimum 50 per cent cash contribution to the project and grants made on a $1 for $1 basis.

NT Cruise Tourism Strategy 2022-25 released

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade has launched the Northern Territory Cruise Tourism Strategy 2022-2025 (NT Cruise Tourism Strategy) ahead of the Australian Cruise Association’s regional roadshow taking place at the Darwin Convention Centre today. 

The NT Cruise Tourism Strategy reflects emerging trends in the cruise industry prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps to be taken over the next three years to regrow the industry.


 

Katherine's Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft gallery open for visitors

Katherine’s Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft gallery officially opened earlier this month following a $3 million renovation through the Northern Territory Government’s $30 million Arts Trail Gallery Extension Program.

The gallery, which showcases works from throughout the Big Rivers region, is the first to be completed in the program being rolled out across Katherine, Tennant Creek and Arnhem Land. 

Budget 2022: Turbocharging Territory Tourism and Events

Territory tourism is heading into its most exciting high-season since the start of the pandemic, and the Northern Territory Government is investing millions to ensure operators and event organisers capitalise on every opportunity. Budget 2022 invests $86.4 million into the Territory’s tourism and events sectors, to support world-class attractions, boost visitation and enhance visitor experience. 

Nominations open for 2022 Brolga Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.

Nominations open for 2022 NT Top Tourism Town Awards

The Top Tourism Town Awards showcase the value of tourism to towns and communities across Australia and celebrates the diverse and outstanding regional destinations of our country.

Tourism Town Standards Assets Program

The Territory Government is getting ready to welcome more tourists back ahead of the tourist season, to make it the best season yet.  

New evening experiences coming soon to Territory tourism

Territorians and visitors will be able to book brand new tourism experiences with the Northern Territory Government today announcing new funding to boost the sector and bring more people to the NT.

Australia's brightest young musicians promote the Territory

A unique new campaign featuring five of Australia’s brightest young music stars promoting the Territory has launched online. The ‘Up in it’ campaign targets domestic travellers aged 18 – 30 through a five part video series.  

Singapore Airlines returns to the Top End

The Northern Territory welcomed Singapore Airlines first regularly scheduled commercial flight service back to Darwin on 29 March 2022. Singapore Airlines will offer non-stop flights between Darwin and Singapore initially operating up to three-weekly services, with intention to increase to five-times a week at the end of May 2022.

Destination Management Plans measure tourism progress

Territory tourism regions are showing strong signs of progress, with the first annual report cards of the 10 Year Regional Destination Management Plans (DMPs) released today.

International Restart Support Fund

The Northern Territory Government has launched an International Restart Support Fund today with grants of up to $15,000 available to support Northern Territory tourism businesses return to the international market.

Territory operators shine at Australian Tourism Awards

Territory tourism operators have made their mark at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, with the Territory taking home gold, silver and bronze medals. The gala ceremony was held on the Sunshine Coast, and 21 businesses represented the Territory following the 2021 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.

Territory tourism to welcome back cruise industry

Cruise ships will once again return to Top End waters, reigniting a multi-million dollar industry for the Territory.

Territory events light up national campaign

A new campaign promoting the Northern Territory as a destination for unique events has launched to interstate audiences this week.

Work Hard Play Hard campaign begins

A brand new dedicated working holiday maker campaign for the Territory has officially kicked-off today. The campaign, WORK HARD, PLAY HARD aims to attract tourism and hospitality workers to the Territory through offering a special NT Work Perks travel incentive. 

First international tourists touch down in the Territory

The first vaccinated international tourists since Australia closed the international border two years ago landed in Darwin today.