The Territory Labor Governments record $103 million Turbocharging Tourism initiative is over two thirds of the way to achieving its target of 53,000 extra holiday visitors, with more than 36,000 holiday bookings already made and expected to inject an extra $45 million into the economy as a direct result of the investment to date.
The stimulus package, announced in February this year, was designed to immediately attract more tourists and business travellers, injecting more money into the economy and mitigating some of the impact of the INPEX Ichthys project transition from construction to operations.
The Turbocharging initiative included an extra $26.5 million for marketing over two years, allowing Tourism NT to deliver some 150 targeted campaigns into key national and international visitor markets in 2018-19, compared to 121 in 2016-17.
These campaigns are being rolled out with key distribution partners such as airlines and holiday agents, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Tigerair, Holidays of Australia, Expedia, Webjet and Britz Campervans among others.
The additional 36,000 holiday bookings so far are a direct result of this investment. It has also led to new aviation routes into the Territory which will bring even more visitors here over the longer term. With further marketing campaigns to roll out, the Government is well on track to reach its target of 53,000 extra holiday visitors.
Turbocharging Tourism also includes $56.24 million for new and upgraded infrastructure with seven significant projects being delivered across the Territory. The projects will enhance the visitor experience, particularly in some of the Territorys most beautiful parks, attracting more visitors here and generating more tourism-related jobs as well as jobs during construction.
An additional $20.78 million has also been invested into festivals, events and other tourism experiences, cementing the Territorys reputation as a vibrant and exciting place to live, work and visit. It has enabled the growth of corporate and community events including record numbers at this years Darwin Festival and confirmation of 26 business events and conferences, mostly staged in 2019, bringing a forecasted 8210 business delegates and a return of $21.4 million in estimated visitor expenditure.
With more than 36,000 holiday passenger bookings already made as a direct result of the Governments Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package and more to come, the initiative is well on track and delivering results for Territorians.
Attachment: Turbocharging Tourism 2018 Fact Sheet
As noted by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss
Turbocharging Tourism marketing initiatives have already delivered more than 36,000 holiday bookings with a projected $44.7 million in extra visitor expenditure.
These are visitors who would not be visiting the Territory but for our Turbocharging investment.
Turbocharging Tourism is providing a critical boost to the Territory economy supporting thousands of local businesses and jobs.
As noted by Tourism NT Board Member, Mick Burns
With less FIFO workers coming into the Territory, the government has filled the void with Turbocharging Tourism and its great to see this initiative already delivering positive results.
While Turbocharging was designed as an immediate stimulus package, we are also seeing longer term benefits with new airline services coming on.
As noted by Tourism Top End General Manager, Glen Hingley
Tourism is one of the fundamental industries of the NT that contributes to creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all Territorians.
Tourism Top End welcomes the NT Governments continued recognition of the Tourism Industry as one of the largest employers of Territorians. The Turbocharging Tourism action plan designed to stimulate the Territories Tourism economy, has been broadly welcomed by tourism industry and there are members of our Association that are indicating that they have started experiencing the green shoot signs of growth.
As noted by Crocosaurus Cove General Manager, Penny Eckel
Turbocharging Tourism campaigns delivered a dry season trade that was noticeably longer with many interstate families visiting.
Crocosaurus holiday visitor numbers have grown this dry season and our evening function enquiries for future years have increased as a result of the new Turbocharging Tourism Business Event Bid Funding. An initiative that has certainly made Darwin more competitive as a destination in Business tourism.
The funding received from the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program has enabled us to introduce a new Audio Tour Guide App, that is not only entertaining but also multilingual.
As a business, the Turbocharging initiatives have reinvigorated our confidence in Darwin as a key Tourism destination and we are excited about the future.
