MARK SMITH

key focus driving the re-energisation of the economy through tourism initiatives is a long-term vision that will deliver both economic and social outcomes across the Territory for years to come.

A tourism marketing approach with a creative arts focus has the strongest potential to appeal to the widest possible cross section of visitors.

A strong night-time economy with amazing live music, restaurants and bars as well as active art, music and food trails will appeal to young adults and travellers.

A strong visual art, theatre and dance sector will also appeal to families and older travellers.

Investment in remote and regional festivals will facilitate indigenous-led on-country engagement with one of the oldest continually existing cultures in the world.

We implore the Government to engage with and invest in the NT arts sector through reimagining the Turbocharging Tourism initiative. Some ideas we’ve suggested include ensuring arts sector representatives on key tourism advisory boards to guide future investment, creating an NT Music Trail and Food Trail while continuing support for the NT Arts Trail, and increasing the marketing funding directed to major arts events.

Showcasing NT Arts nationally and internationally could also be promoted through key tourism trade shows.

The time to act is now.

With a new campus of Charles Darwin University being built in the CBD and expected to bring in more than 5000 students, and the potential of the international arts tourism movement growing daily, the world is looking to emerge from this crisis and reconnect in all new ways.

We have the chance to take the lead and use the creative history of this place to shape its future.