TERRITORIANS SNUBBING HOLIDAYS FOR ‘STAYCATIONS’
WITH rising travel costs and airlines slogging passengers with expensive flights, it’s no surprise more and more Territorians are turning to their own backyards for holiday options.
The Top End is home to an abundance of great places to camp, swim, fish or simply kick back with a cocktail, which is why many are opting to spend their time off in the Territory rather than fork out thousands for an overseas or interstate getaways.
Darwinite Madi BeumerBlack is one of many Territorians who has enjoyed a staycation in the Top End.
The 20-year-old stayed at the Darwin TraveLodge Resort over Easter, swimming and relaxing with her family, and said she was already thinking about her next NT “staycation”.
“It’s definitely worth considering a holiday in the Territory as it’s cheaper and easier,” Ms Beumer-Black said.
“I’d like to check out the Outback – maybe Kakadu next time, as the scenery is so lovely.”
Palms City Resort is one of many hotels in Darwin which have hosted Territorians of all ages over Christmas and New Year for mini ‘staycations’.
General manager Melanie Lewis believed the number of locals choosing to holiday in the Territory’s capital had increased of late for a variety of reasons.
“Particularly during these school holidays, we’ve noticed an increase of families staying with us and have received lots of feedback from people saying they never realised how much there is to do in Darwin,” Ms Lewis said.
Skycity Darwin executive manager of marketing Shayne Wicks echoed Ms Lewis’s views and felt the “staycation” trend was a great way to bolster the economy.
“It’s great seeing people taking advantage of what’s on offer in Darwin as it keeps the place looking vibrant and also benefits the local tourism industry,” she said.
Acting Minister for Tourism and Culture Dale Wakefield said summer in the Northern Territory was the perfect time to have a “staycation”.
“It’s ... worth considering, it’s cheaper and easier” MADI BEUMER- BLACK