Tourism and Events NT (TENT) have been named a finalist in the Customer Experience category of the 2026 Australian Financial Review AI Awards, recognising the agency's innovative use of artificial intelligence to enhance visitor experiences and showcase the Territory's military heritage.
The finalist recognition relates to TENT's Military AI Trip Planner, developed as part of the Plot Your Course Through History campaign, which helps visitors create personalised military heritage itineraries across the Northern Territory.
The Australian Financial Review AI Awards celebrate organisations leading the way in artificial intelligence innovation across Australia. Tourism and Events NT's selection as a national finalist highlights the Territory's growing reputation for embracing new technologies to strengthen tourism experiences and attract visitors.
The Military AI Trip Planner combines conversational AI technology with Tourism and Events NT's curated destination content to help travellers build customised itineraries based on their interests, travel duration and starting location.
The platform allows users to explore the Territory's significant wartime history through tailored recommendations, connecting visitors with military heritage sites, museums, tours and experiences across Darwin, Katherine, Central Australia and beyond.
The initiative forms part of the Northern Territory Government's 10-year Military Tourism Strategy, which aims to grow visitation, support tourism operators and increase awareness of the Territory's important role in Australia's wartime history.
TENT was one of six finalists in the Customer Experience category, with Ecko Health named the overall winner on Tuesday night. Now in its second year, the Australian Financial Review AI Awards recognise excellence in the development and application of artificial intelligence across Australia.
Tourism and Events NT's finalist recognition places the organisation among leading innovators using AI to deliver meaningful outcomes and enhanced customer experiences.
For a full list of finalists and winners of the Australian Financial Review AI Awards, visit: www.afr.com here
Quotes attributed Tourism and Events NT Chief Marketing Officer, Staci Mellman:
"This national recognition highlights the Northern Territory's commitment to innovation and delivering world-class visitor experiences.
"The Military AI Trip Planner is helping travellers discover and engage with the Territory's rich military heritage in a personalised and interactive way, making it easier than ever to explore the places, stories and experiences that shaped our history.
"Military heritage tourism is an important part of our visitor economy, and initiatives like this help attract more visitors, encourage longer stays and drive spending across Territory businesses and communities.
"It also demonstrates how we are embracing new technology to showcase the very best of the Territory and ensure we remain competitive in a rapidly evolving tourism market."
Quotes attributed to Tourism and Events NT Director Digital Marketing and Data Services, Gemma Whelan:
"We know travellers are increasingly using AI-assisted tools to research, plan and personalise their holiday experiences.
"As visitor expectations continue to evolve, we're focused on ensuring the Northern Territory remains at the forefront of destination marketing by embracing technology that makes it easier for people to discover and explore our destinations.
"The Military AI Trip Planner provides a simple, interactive and trusted way for visitors to build personalised itineraries based on their interests, while connecting them with the Territory's rich military heritage and the tourism operators and experiences that bring these stories to life."
