2 March 2026
Destination NT, the Territory's premier tourism industry event will be held in Alice Springs from 11-14 November 2026.The event includes a plenary conference, Aboriginal Tourism Forum, and concludes with the prestigious Brolga NT Tourism Awards.Announcement comes as global interest and confidence in the Territory's visitor economy leads to growing investment, visitation and visitor spend.
Tourism, hospitality and events operators from across the Northern Territory will gather in Alice Springs from 11 to 14 November as Destination NT, the Territory's premier tourism industry event, heads to the Red Centre for 2026.
The four-day program will bring industry together to hear from leaders and innovators, and learn about the latest trends shaping the visitor economy. The event will conclude with the prestigious 2026 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards, celebrating the achievements of the Territory's tourism operators.
This year's program will feature the Destination NT Conference plenary session, an Aboriginal Tourism Forum, and a series of targeted workshops and industry events designed to strengthen capability and collaboration across the sector
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby said Destination NT has quickly become an important fixture on the Territory's tourism calendar.
"As we continue growing the visitor economy, this event gives us the chance to hear directly from operators and respond to what they're seeing on the ground," Minister Boothby said.
"It's also an opportunity to recognise the businesses that are working hard every day to deliver great visitor experiences."
More than 1,000 registrations were recorded for the inaugural event in Darwin last year, with a number of visitors travelling interstate to identify opportunities for collaboration and investment in the Territory.
"I am pleased to see the event head to Alice Springs in 2026 and bring that energy to the Red Centre. Centralians know how to put on a great show".
The event comes as the Northern Territory continues to attract international attention. The New York Times recently ranked the Northern Territory the top destination in Australia and 14th in the world in its Best Places to Go for 2026. Uluru and the Red Centre have also featured in National Geographic Traveller Best Places in the World to Travel, Conde Nast Best Places to Go and BBC Travel 20 Best Places to Travel.
Later this year, the Territory will host G'day Australia in Darwin for the first time, giving international trade and media the opportunity to gather and experience the Territory firsthand.
"There is strong global interest in the Territory right now," Minister Boothby said.
"Our focus is making sure our businesses benefit from that attention and see it translate into bookings and longer stays."
Chair of Tourism Central Australia, Patrick Bedford welcomed the announcement.
"This is a must-do event, and I encourage tourism operators and frankly, anyone who benefits from the visitor economy, to come along to Destination NT in Alice and experience all that Central Australia has to offer," Mr Bedford said.
"Tourism sits alongside four other key industries as a priority for growing the Territory economy, and Destination NT is about equipping owners, operators and investors to seize those opportunities."
