8 March 2026
Five Territory businesses took home awards at the prestigious Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Fremantle overnight, with Katherine Outback Experience inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame.
22 finalists represented the Northern Territory's tourism, hospitality, and events industry at the national awards ceremony.
Their success comes as the Finocchiaro CLP Government works hard to grow the visitor economy, and as the Territory garners the world's attention - attracting global visitation and investment.
Five Territory tourism and hospitality providers have taken home national awards, as the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards convened in overnight.
A whopping 22 finalists rounded out the line-up of Territory contenders, after their success at the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards in November last year.
For the first time in nearly a decade, a Territory business has been inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame, with Katherine Outback Experience receiving the gold award for top Tourist Attraction for a third consecutive year - and the fourth time in five years.
Tennant Creek-based Safari Lodge Motel has gone from strength to strength since taking out silver in 2024. This year, they were named the top 3-3.5 Star Accommodation provider in the country - a credit to their hard work and innovation.
Tourism Central Australia also received gold for their powerful Stories of the Heart marketing campaign, a showcase of the region's breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and renowned hospitality. Many Territorians would recall the fantastic Love Letters to Alice campaign which saw locals and leaders alike sharing about their own connections to the region.
In the hotly contested Visitor Information Services category, the iconic Top End Visitor Information Centre was awarded silver, while the Darwin Convention Centre received the bronze award for Business Event Venues.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby celebrated the industry's success as a win for the Territory's visitor economy and a show of Territory spirit.
"Congratulations to our Territory finalists and those 5 businesses who took out awards tonight. A special congratulations to our Hall of Fame inductee, the Katherine Outback Experience team: what a remarkable feat. You've all done the Territory proud," Minister Boothby said.
"We've garnered the world's attention here in the NT, with global brands like the New York Times and IHG telling our story and investing in our economy. Now, once again, the Territory's tourism industry is in the national spotlight - a win for Territorians and a testament to all that makes the Territory great," she continued.
"I said it last year, and again earlier this week: it's the Territory spirit which sets us apart from the rest of Australia, and I couldn't be prouder to see the nation's industry leaders acknowledging that this weekend," she added.
More than 170 finalists vied for top honours across 26 categories at the prestigious awards event celebrating excellence and innovation in Australian tourism. Each category is judged by a national panel of industry experts to determine the country's best.
Minister Boothby highlighted the growth of the visitor economy in the Territory, on the back of record growth in visitor trips (up 28%) and visitor spending (up 38%).
"In our year of growth, certainty, and security, one thing is absolutely clear: the Territory's visitor economy is growing. Our reputation is improving at pace. And our tourism industry - a pillar of the NT economy - is second to none."
