2 September 2026
Destination NT will bring together the Territory's tourism, hospitality and events operators in Alice Springs from 11-14 November 2026.Operators in the Top End can apply for a $500 travel subsidy to help with costs including flights, fuel, or accommodation.Finocchiaro CLP Government is growing our visitor economy as we make the Territory the best place to live, work, visit, and invest.
Tourism, hospitality, and events operators from all over the Territory will come together in Alice Springs this November for Destination NT 2026.
This year's theme, The Territory Spirit, celebrates the unique lifestyle, authentic experiences, and one-of-a-kind people and places that set the Territory apart.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said Destination NT was about backing local businesses and driving long-term growth in the Territory's visitor economy.
"Destination NT brings all areas of our visitor economy together in one place to find new ways to elevate our profile, and attract more visitors to see more of the Territory, spend more in the Territory, and to plan their return trip before they even depart," Minister Boothby said.
"Over a thousand people took part in our first Destination NT last year, and now we're taking it to Alice Springs and putting Central Australia front and centre - something we've been proud to do as a CLP team.
"Tourism is one of the five key pillars of our strategy to rebuild the economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs - including in our regions. It's also an industry which directly contributes to our lifestyle as Territorians.
"This year, interest - and investment - in the Territory is at an all-time high. We want to leverage that attention and momentum to cement the Territory as a must-visit destination - to live, work, visit and invest."
The four-day program will include the capstone Destination NT Conference, well as the Aboriginal Tourism Forum, Global Market Update, industry workshops and networking, before culminating in the prestigious 2026 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.
Australian entrepreneur and founder of RedBalloon, Naomi Simson OAM, will headline the Destination NT Conference, while award-winning filmmaker and TV host, Talia Liddle, will host the Aboriginal Tourism Forum.
For the first time, Top End operators will be able to apply for a $500 subsidy through Tourism Top End to support travel and accommodation costs to the conference.
Tourism Central Australia CEO, Danial Rochford, said: "Bringing tourism businesses, leaders and stakeholders together in Central Australia is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region, strengthen partnerships and celebrate the people who make the Territory such a remarkable destination."
Tourism Top End General Manager, Samantha Bennett, said: "This year is an opportunity for Top End operators to join Team Territory in Alice Springs, connect with industry colleagues and strengthen how we work together to deliver an exceptional visitor experience."
"To make it easier to be part of the event, a new Top End Travel Subsidy will be available to help offset the cost of flights, fuel and accommodation, supporting more Top End operators to make the journey south."
