4 April 2026
The prestigious 2026 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards are now open for nominations, closing on 12 August 2026.Tourism, hospitality, and event operators can nominate across 26 categories, with winners to compete at the national tourism awardsThe Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue to back local businesses as we grow the visitor economy.
Nominations are now open for the NT's most prestigious tourism and hospitality awards, the 2026 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.
The Brolga Awards recognise the individuals, community groups, campaigns, and operators who help to shape the visitor experience and economy across the Northern Territory who contribute to the success of the Territory's tourism industry, recognising outstanding people whose dedication and passion help shape the visitor experience across the Northern Territory.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said that the awards continued to show that the Territory's tourism industry is punching well above its weight.
"Our tourism, hospitality and events operators are among the best in the world, and the Brolgas are about celebrating their achievements - shining a light on those whose hard work often goes unnoticed."
"Over the last twelve months, we've seen their resilience, innovation, and excellence on display, and the Brolgas will recognise just that - the unique Territory spirit which they promote so well."
Minister Boothby said that the awards come at a time when Australians - and the world - are really taking notice of the Northern Territory.
"There is strong national and global interest in the Territory right now and the Brolgas are another opportunity to grow that interest," Minister Boothby said. "Our focus is making sure our businesses benefit from that attention and see it translate into bookings and longer stays."
"As we said in the Visitor Economy Strategy, we're working hard elevate the Territory's profile and promote the huge number of products available to visitors. Awards like the Brolgas do a great job in doing just that, as we aim to grow the visitor economy to $3 billion and 1.7 million trips by 2032."
Territory-based tourism operators, attractions, accommodation providers, festivals and events, and industry suppliers are all encouraged to nominate their businesses across the 26 award categories.
Nominations close on Wednesday, 12 August 2026 with final submissions due on Wednesday, 9 September 2026. Finalists will be recognised at an Awards Gala on Saturday, 14 November 2026 to conclude the Territory's major industry event, Destination NT.
Winners go on to compete at the national level, as finalists in the Australian Tourism Awards the following year. The Territory was strongly represented at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in early March, with 22 national finalists competing.
Five businesses received national awards, including three gold, one silver and one bronze award.
Katherine Outback Experience was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame after securing gold for the third consecutive year in the Tourist Attractions category.
Safari Lodge Motel also celebrated success, bringing home gold in the 3-3.5 Star Accommodation category after winning silver in 2024.
Tourism Central Australia (Gold, Tourism Marketing Campaigns), Top End Visitor Information Centre (Silver, Visitor Information Services), and the Darwin Convention Centre (Bronze, Business Event Venues) were also recognised with national awards.
