Global hotel chain, IHG is getting ready to open the doors of its brand-new premium accommodation ahead of the peak tourist season.A huge signal of confidence in the Northern Territory's growing visitor economy and the Finocchiaro CLP Government's hard work to rebuild the economy.The world is discovering what we already knew; there's no place like the Territory, as we emerge as a destination of choice for investors and visitors.
Top End visitors are set to be spoilt as a stunning premium hotel in the Darwin CBD - due to open its doors just before the Dry - gets its finishing touches.
IHG Hotels & Resorts will launch voco Darwin Suites in early May 2026, after a decade-long absence from the city. The 88-suite premium hotel, located at 87 Mitchell Street, will feature a restaurant, meeting space, fitness centre and pool, offering corporate and high-value visitors a world-class place to stay within walking distance of key tourist attractions, hospitality venues, and event precincts. The project has already created over 200 local jobs during construction alone.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, joined representatives from the John Halikos Group and the voco Darwin Suites leadership team on a site tour, to mark their progress as the voco Darwin project enters its final stage.
"To see an international brand like IHG establish itself in Darwin - backed by local investors like JH Group - is an exciting signal of confidence in the Territory economy, and shows that our ambitious strategy to grow the visitor economy is working."
According to the latest data from Tourism Research Australia, there was a 28% increase in the number of visits made to the Territory - some 219,000 trips, with a 38% increase in the amount visitors are spending - amounting to a remarkable $445 million.
"By removing red-tape, showcasing the Territory, and playing to our strengths, we're making the NT the best place to do business - and unlocking new jobs and new investment opportunities in local communities," Minister Boothby said.
"From the New York Times to BBC to Conde Best, and right across the world, people are discovering what we always knew: there's nowhere like the Territory. We are absolutely a destination of choice for visitors and investors, and this project is tangible proof."
Sean DeSouza the Hotel Portfolio General Manger- JH Group, said that bookings were coming in hot, as the project offers a unique way to stay in Darwin.
"This is a unique product coming into the Territory - a premium offering which encourages longer stays," Mr DeSouza said, adding "After a decade that the IHG Group has been out of the Territory market, they are excited by the confidence and growth in the tourism market, offering us a chance to expand the footprint available to our guests and their One Reward members."
"We've already seen a strong response to the number of forward bookings - particularly from our IHG premium-tier members - showing greater confidence and appeal in the Top End."
voco Suites Darwin - by IHG is being delivered by the John Halikos Group ("JH Group"). Michael Malatos of the JH Group said the voco Darwin project was a timely development in the Top End's economic growth story.
"We know that the Territory is growing from strength-to-strength, and as international visitors and domestic guests pour in, a premium hotel is the perfect fit - particularly here in the Darwin CBD."
"The Halikos family has always believed in building, investing in, and supporting the local community, and we see this development as central to that commitment."
Minister Boothby said that the project was a symbol of an economy that was moving forward after years of decline.
"We are seeing a global brand and local developer partner to transform an unused office block into a world-class hotel - a powerful metaphor for the transformative work we continue to undertake to rebuild the economy. In our year of growth, certainty, and security we will continue to celebrate and support a thriving visitor economy which delivers real dividends to Territorians and their businesses."
