TOURISM CASH SPLASH
Chief Minister vows ‘record’ stimulus package to entice visitors to the Territory
DIRECT flights between Darwin and China will soon be a reality with NT Tourism Minister Lauren Moss expected to make an announcement in coming days.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the flights are expected to start up within months.
It comes as Chief Minister Michael Gunner announces a record stimulus package, which will begin immediately and run over two years.
The exact cost of the stimulus package is still under wraps but is expected to be worth millions of dollars.
“We know that spending more on tourism — including on marketing and product development — brings more people to the Territory,” Mr Gunner said.
“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.”
He said every dollar spent on national and international tourism marketing returns $35 to the Territory economy.
“I will leave no stoned unturned to support Territory business and create local jobs during this tough economic period,” he said. “The Territory Labor Government has listened to business leaders and the tourism industry and is taking decisive action to turbocharge tourism.” The stimulus package will come on top of existing government investment to support the industry.
Mr Gunner said it was designed to attract more visitors to the NT and create more jobs. He said the package would attract new money into the NT economy, rather than moving existing funds around by getting locals to spend at local businesses. In December, the Sunday
Territorian revealed Donghai Airlines would begin direct flights between Darwin and Shenzhen by July. The airline issued the statement after a successful round of talks with Ms Moss, who travelled to China three times last year for discussions.
The Chinese Civil Aviation Administration has given Donghai Airlines approval to fly from China to Darwin.
It is known that Donghai has applied to Australia’s Civil Aviation Authority for the necessary approvals to allow it to fly to Australia.
“I will leave no stoned unturned to support Territory business”
CHIEF MINISTER MICHAEL GUNNER