A multi million dollar tourism stimulus package be rolled out in the NT today.
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The NT Government is handing out a $103 million tourism stimulus package to “attract more visitors, create local jobs and put more money into the pockets of Territorians”.
Starting immediately - and rolling out over this and the next financial year - the package will deliver:
- $26.57 million for tourism marketing.
- $56.24 million for new tourism infrastructure creating more memorable experiences for our visitors, particularly in our parks and reserves.
- $20.78 million to enhance our existing festivals, events and other tourism offerings.
Announcing the package at his annual ‘The Year Ahead’ speech, Chief Minister Michael Gunner said it will deliver more marketing, new tourism infrastructure and improve existing festivals and events.
“Creating local jobs is my number one priority and this plan to turbocharge tourism is a serious show of support for local business,” Mr Gunner said.
“I will move heaven and earth to support Territory business during this tough economic period – that is my message to them.
“We know that spending more on tourism – including on marketing and product development – brings more people to the Territory.
“That’s more people filling seats on planes, sleeping in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, spending in our shops and going on tours. And that means more money in Territorians’ pockets”.
Tourism minister Lauren Moss said when you invest more in tourism, you bring new money into the Territory economy.
“It provides an immediate boost to our tourism industry and local businesses ahead of other major investments that will also attract people, create jobs and stimulate the economy,” Ms Moss said.
Opposition Leader Gary Higgins said the Top End has declined up to 35 per cent under the Labor government.
“For months now, tourism operators have been reporting a decline in business, across all aspects of the tourism sector,” Mr Higgins said.
“It’s one thing to raise awareness through marketing, but it must convert to ticket sales, and people actually visiting and experiencing the Territory.
“The devil is in the detail of this plan and the Opposition looks forward to seeing the comprehensive strategy the government has put together,” he said.
“The development of product and the infrastructure spend must reflect what will be successful in attracting people to the Territory, not what the Tourism Minister thinks will work.”
