Voucher plan gets backing of business

THE NT’s peak tourism body wants a voucher system implemented immediately to keep cash flowing through businesses and to keep spirits high.

Top End Tourism chief executive Glen Hingley said the system suggested by the

NT News would keep businesses going during the unprecedented times.

“We think it’s really important for all business, not just tourism, to generate immediate growth because we all know in the immediate future, we’re relying upon the support of each other within the Territory – Territorians giving Territorians support,” he said.

“Businesses aren’t looking for free money, they’re not looking for handouts, but they are looking for access to capital so they can reinvigorate when the time comes. We need immediate assistance now, we need cleaning up of cash now so we keep businesses in the Territory moving.”

Mr Hingley said campaigns and opportunities would now have an intra-Territory experience, appealing to those within the borders.

“As an industry we’re asking people to get out to the outdoor spaces, get out to some of

Trader and Sandwich Gospel!’s Pippa Ainsworth WILL ZWAR AND RAPHAELLA SAROUKOS our great surrounds, take your family, enjoy it, support local businesses because they need you and, quite frankly, we need to get out and enjoy what the Territory has to offer,” he said.

“We’ve got campaigns in place now and we’ll be building on holidaying in the Top End, activities, that’s happening right now and (we’re) ramping it up, and working with members in our industry to come up with and get their opportunities to market.”

The Trader and Sandwich Gospel! owner Pippa Ainsworth recommended the hospitality initiative be limited to vouchers of about $10 for cafes to attract customers, and ensure businesses saw a quick turnover.

“We just need people so we can stay open,” she said.

“You don’t need to spend a lot of money; we just don’t want to sack our staff. I believe most people would agree with me that we don’t care about making money right now. Just we want to keep the doors open so we support people and give that livelihood, not only to staff members but as a way of life.

“Something small so we could see people coming in and out would be most beneficial.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he was taking into consideration the feedback from industry.

“I’m all ears to ideas that help our economy,” he said.

“If we need to do more, we will do more. We will scale up to save jobs. The Australian Government will soon announce their second stimulus package and I want to see what comes out of that.”