The Territory Labor Government is set to throw significant support behind 25 major events under the latest round of the Event Funding Program.
This comes amid findings from independent research revealing seven Territory Government supported events generated more than 31,000 visitor nights and delivered an economic benefit of $8.4 million in the 2020-21 Financial Year.
Events included Dark Skies Festival, FABAlice, Thailand Grand, West Macs Monster, Alice Springs Beanie Festival, Barunga Festival and Wide Open Space.
The seven events attracted almost 20,000 attendees, with nearly 20 per cent coming from interstate.
More than 4,500 attendees said the event they attended was their main reason for visiting the host region.
The research shows the events has a combined net promoter score of +64.2 - with any score above 60 considered to be excellent.
The Event Funding Program is designed to help grow the events industry and support local jobs.
Five of the 25 events to receive support fall under the new 'Mass Participation Events' category, created to stimulate the tourism sector.
They include Australian Masters Indoor Cricket Championships, the Australian National Handgun, Rifle and Shotgun Championships, the Australian Outback Marathon, the National Veteran Cricket Event and the City2Surf & The Mile.
Successful events must attract more than 300 visitors who will stay in paid accommodation for at least three nights.
The 25 events will share $1.5 million and successful events are chosen by an independent panel.
For a full list of successful recipients, and to receive notification of when the next round of funding opens, visit [http://www.ntmajorevents.com.au].
Quotes from Minister for Major Events Natasha Fyles:
"The latest independent research shows even in a year affected by travel restrictions major events have delivered significant economic benefits for the Territory.
"This included gross expenditure stimulus of $12.6 million and $8.4 million of that was new money, which would not have entered our economy if these events had not taken place.
"The Territory Labor Government's successful management of the pandemic means we have been in a position to hold major events in the Northern Territory, delivering more jobs and economic opportunities to Territorians.
"The 25 events supported through the latest round of the Event Funding Program will continue to grow these figures."
Caption: Fly Swats - A one-hour musical theatre performance with a pirate twist
Caption: SPRING.LOADED.DANCE - an initiative of GUTS Dance Central Australia and is a weekend that celebrates all forms of dance.
Caption: Afo Afro - leading the parade at the 2020 Desert Festival Opening Night at the Alice Springs Night Markets - Photo credit: Oliver Eclipse Photography
