Warmth a drawcard: report

THE Territory’s warm and relaxed climate, and access to unique and diverse nature and wildlife experiences are some of the main drawcards for tourists according to new NT Tourism report.

The Destination Management Plan, which focused on the Greater Darwin region, identified the Territory as an attractive location for visitors.

The plan outlined the geographical importance of Darwin as a gateway between Australia and Asia.

However, the majority of tourists who entered the Territory in 2017-18 came from interstate or within the region, with about 283,000 of people coming from overseas.

International travellers from emerging markets such as China and Southeast Asian countries have been slowly increasing with most coming from European countries.

More than 60 stakeholders helped create the management plan and consulted across Tiwi Islands, Palmerston, Coomalie and Darwin regions.

Industry, Tourism and Trade’s deputy chief executive tourism, Scott Lovett, said the challenge for all the Territory was to encourage visitors annually.

“Destination Management Planning underpins a holistic plan for tourism growth, future development and investment during this decade, enabling a co-ordinated approach to tourism between business, government, the tourism industry and communities,” Mr Lovett said.

“The Greater Darwin region is well-placed to continue to attract both domestic and international travel markets with visitors choosing the destination for its world class nature and wildlife. In order to achieve the Northern Territory’s Tourism Industry Strategy 2030 targets, the unique advantage of each region must be enhanced, which in turn will deliver more visitors and longer regional stays.”

The Greater Darwin region, about 30,000sq km, includes areas of Darwin and Palmerston, and tourism destinations such as Litchfield and Mary River national parks, Fogg Dam, Adelaide River, Dundee Beach, Wagait Beach and the Tiwi Islands.

The plan highlights opportunities for tourists to engage in diverse multicultural experiences, which include visiting remote Aboriginal communities and art centres, which include the lands of the Larrakia, Tiwi, Wulna, Limilngan, Uwnmil, Kungarrakan and Awarai (Warai) people.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis endorsed the plan to grow the

Territory as a tourist destination. “Visitors come here because they know Darwin is unlike any other Australian city,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“So, when they get here they expect tourist experiences with a distinct Darwin flavour.

“Tourists come here to gain a real understanding of the culture, lifestyle and landscape of Australia’s northernmost capital.”

The Darwin region plan was the last report to come out after Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges, Big Rivers, Barkly, Lasseter and East Arnhem Land were released.

IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE ... TARGETS, THE UNIQUE ADVANTAGE OF EACH REGION MUST BE ENHANCED SCOTT LOVETT