TERRITORIANS TOLD TO TRAVEL
New campaign urges spending with local tourism operators
A MARKETING campaign to encourage Territorians to holiday within the NT this year is set to be launched by Tourism NT.
The campaign, called “Time to be a Territorian”, urges locals to support tourism operators while they’re unable to play host to interstate or overseas visitors.
Tourism Minister Lauren Moss said it was the first step in a planned marketing approach that would be launched in stages as restrictions were eased, enabling tourism businesses to start to open their doors.
She said the next steps were to build tourism demand across the country, ensuring the Territory’s tourism industry could rebound strongly as soon as soon as it is safe to allow visitors.
Yesterday NT Airports chief executive Tony Edmondstone said the Territory economy had missed out on about $61.7 million of revenue in April due to restrictions on visitors.
“Over the last few months we’ve sacrificed a lot to keep Territorians safe. We’ve looked out for each other, and now we need to keep looking out for each other by experiencing as much of our own backyard as we can,” Ms Moss said.
“As we anticipate the removal of biosecurity restrictions within the NT by 5
June, we are encouraging locals to begin planning experiences like a fishing charter, a water cruise, a cultural experience or an overnight stay.
“Whether it’s a wildlife experience, a scenic flight, a luxury staycation in a local hotel or a cultural tour, now is a great time to live like a tourist, experience this wonderful region and support your mates.”
Tourism Top End general manager Glen Hingley said tourism operators had worked hard to show off the Territory but now it was time for Territorians to check it out themselves.
Ms Moss reconfirmed the NT’s border security arrangements would remain in place indefinitely, until the NT Government received expert health advice to open the borders again.
In an ntnews.com.au poll of more than 1000 voters, more than 50 per cent said the borders should be opened before August.