Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris among tourism businesses to benefit from NT Government Budget 2025-26 investment

The NT Government is supporting the Territory’s tourism, events, and screen sectors with a significant $88.4 million investment in the 2025-26 Budget.

Among Key Budget investments is $3 million for the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program, backing businesses to improve and innovate, such as Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris, who recently received support to install a new pool, spa, large shaded structure and a screened lounge area to enhance guest experiences.

Tourism is one of five priority growth sectors where the Territory holds advantages and long-term growth prospects under our 2025-2028 Rebuilding the Economy Strategy, supporting over 16,000 jobs and contributing $3.3 billion to the Territory economy each year.

Tasmanian Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby advised “we’re not making promises we can’t deliver, we’re making smart, strategic investments that will grow visitation and drive tourism and hospitality sector confidence in the Northern Territory.

“This is a fiscally responsible plan to restore our reputation, support our operators and bring tourists back to the Territory.”

Additional Key Budget investments include:

• New funding of $8 million per year from 2025-2026 - providing long-term certainty for the tourism industry.

• $3 million to build military tourism, positioning the NT as Australia’s first battlefield, including a full audit of 30 WWII heritage sites across the Territory to improve signage, infrastructure and access and a cutting-edge AI trip planner.

• $3.6 million for Screen Territory which delivers jobs, global exposure and economic return.

• Backing major events with $36.5 million that drive interstate and international visitation — from AFL, V8s and the Finke to Darwin Festival and MXGP.

• Support for the continued operation of our Visitor Information Centres in Yulara, Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

• A stronger focus on high-yield business events, supported by infrastructure like the new Convention Centre Hotel.

• A smarter, more mature approach by integrating Tourism NT and Major Events to better target marketing, streamline planning and grow visitation.

Minister Boothby noted “we’ve already achieved more in eight months than Labor did in eight years.

“We’ve secured new aviation routes to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Denpasar, Gold Coast and Cairns, delivered a record cruise ship season, and locked in over 50 major conferences—expected to deliver an $85 million boost.”

The Budget also delivers on the NT Government’s promise to integrate Parks and Wildlife with Tourism and Hospitality, ensuring better promotion and protection of our natural assets for our visitors and to be enjoyed by future generations.

Image. Credit: Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris.