While some grey nomads say they have been put off trips to the Top End by reports of apparently high rates of youth crime, the authorities insist the outlook for tourism in the Northen Territory is brighter than ever.
The NT Government recently unveiled its Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 document, which it says charts a clear path to a stronger, year-round visitor economy. Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the seven-year strategy sets an ambitious plan to grow visitation, drive investment, and strengthen the regions.
“We’re backing the industry with bold, practical action, securing Silkwood, a 30,000-hectare parcel of land next to Litchfield National Park, defining Australia’s leading military tourism destination, and seizing new opportunities that set us apart from others such as dark sky tourism,” she said.
Authorities are hoping their new plan will lure more visitors to the NT. PIC: Pixabay/Wagim
“When tourism thrives, the Territory thrives … every extra flight, every full hotel, every busy café means more jobs, stronger regions, and more people choosing the Territory to visit, and perhaps even fall in love and call home.”
Implementation of the new strategy will get underway next May. Ms Boothby said among its key objectives was to invest in infrastructure, improve connectivity, grow the workforce, and expand on available experiences.
Part of the strategy will involve ongoing advocacy and support for key drive route upgrades, such as the Mereenie Loop Road and Kakadu Road. It will also seek to maximise the footprint of events, increase the availability of bookable Aboriginal tourism experiences, and work with cruise, rail and touring companies to grow NT itineraries.
“Our goal is to grow visitor spending from $1.5 billion to $2.2 billion and lift overnight trips from 1.2 million to 1.5 million by 2032,” said Ms Boothby. “That’s an extra $700 million in economic activity during the life of the strategy that will support thousands of Territory businesses from our tour guides and restaurants to our pubs, parks and hotels.”
The Government says the strategy will be building on a strong foundation, with the Territory already recording the strongest growth in visitor numbers and expenditure in the country for the year ending June 2025.
Comment below
So what are they doing about the reports of high crime rates??
No way would we travel to the NT again.
We’ve been there four times back when it was safe to do so.
The rock is part of Australia, and all Australians show have unlimited access to it, to walk around, take photos etc. A small entry fee to maintain facilities, would probably be acceptable to us all. We went there about 9 years ago, and the facilities were poorly maintained.
People want to travel this country and feel safe. At present many travellers are apprehensive of going to some areas. We did a loop this year, and skipped some towns as they appeared unsafe. Fuel bowsers inside metal cages were unexpected, but obviously needed.