The Territory lifestyle is unlike anywhere else in Australia, and the Finocchiaro CLP Government's newly appointed advisory board will harness tourism and major events to unlock new economic opportunities across the Northern Territory.
Tourism and Events NT were formally established last month following the merger of Tourism NT and the NT Major Events Company, creating a single, unified agency responsible for driving visitation through destination marketing, improved aviation access and a strengthened calendar of major events.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, has now formally appointed the team who will help deliver the lifestyle locals love and showcase what makes visitors want to come and stay.
"The Territory lifestyle offers something you can't find anywhere else, and that uniqueness is central to how we grow our visitor economy," Ms Boothby said.
The Advisory Board will be chaired by Alice Springs-based Paul Ah Chee and brings together leaders with expertise across major events, tourism operations, hospitality, aviation, marketing and regional economic development, with a strong emphasis on events-led growth.
"The Board will provide practical recommendations on how we can sharpen our focus on events that drive visitation, fill accommodation, support local businesses, and deliver real economic outcomes for the Territory," Ms Boothby said.
Chair Paul Ah Chee said the Board will focus on showcasing the Territory's proud identity and rich history.
"The new highly experienced Advisory Board, will provide expert advice to grow the visitor economy, showcase the destination, Aboriginal culture, unique landscapes and the cultural diversity of the Northern Territory."
New Advisory Board member, Lisa Pile is a global tourism executive with senior leadership experience across the cruise, accommodation, and luxury travel industry. She said she was proud to bring her Territory roots and global experience back to help shape the future of the NT visitor economy.
"I was raised in the Northern Territory, and while my career has taken me around the world, this place has always been home," Ms Pile said. "The Territory has extraordinary potential. I'm excited to work with this Board and the Minister to help transform our visitor economy, attract more high-value visitors, and make a real difference for local businesses and communities."
Minister Boothby said that in the Government's year of action, certainty and security, early signs of progress demonstrate the opportunity ahead as the Territory looks toward 2026.
"We promised to rebuild the economy and restore our unique Territory lifestyle," she said. "A strong visitor economy, driven by tourism and major events, is central to that commitment, and this new Board will help unlock growth opportunities right across the Territory."
The Board includes:
• Paul Ah Chee (Chair): A highly respected Alice Springs-based tourism leader with more than 25 years' experience, bringing strong Aboriginal tourism knowledge and extensive governance expertise.
• Penny Priest: A Top End-based tourism and hospitality operator with deep experience across attractions, major events, trade distribution and international markets.
• Hayley Richards: A trade and investment specialist focused on improving connectivity and visitor access across the Territory.
• Brett Mitchell: An adventure tourism executive with a strong track record in driving domestic tourism growth, regional investment and experiential travel.
• Tim McColl Jones: Director of Developing East Arnhem Land with extensive experience in global marketing, airline partnerships and destination strategy.
• Lisa Pile: A Territory-raised global tourism executive with senior leadership experience across cruise, hotels and luxury travel, bringing expertise in business events, strategic partnerships and market expansion.
• Amy Hill: A major events specialist with more than 20 years' experience in international sport, major events delivery, tourism and governance.
