Future tourism development plans unveiled for East Arnhem Land

The Northern Territory Government has released the East Arnhem Land Destination Management Plan unveiling a road map for future tourism development and investment for the region.

Regional economic development company - Developing East Arnhem Limited – was tasked with developing the plan in consultation with stakeholders.

This comes following the release of Destination Management Plans for regions including Big Rivers, Barkly, Alice Springs, MacDonnell Ranges and Lasseter in December 2020.

The plans identify the strengths for each region including tourism products, visitor trends and social and economic factors to enable a holistic approach to tourism growth.

They include actions activate opportunities, address gaps and prioritise product development.

Comparative advantages for East Arnhem Land identified include:

• Being home to the rich Yolngu and Anindilyakwa culture, offering a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and learning experiences

• Unique natural environment and breathtaking landscapes

• A diverse history that lives on through residents with the earliest history recorded in hundreds of song lines

• Potential for adventure drives

The East Arnhem Land Destination Management Plan identified actions will be overseen by a project implementation team including representatives from Tourism NT, Developing East Arnhem Limited, regional tourism organisations, land councils and regional stakeholders.

A final Destination Management Plan for the Greater Darwin Region is expected to be released early next year.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Natasha Fyles notes “The Destination Management Plans underpin our coordinated approach to tourism growth, future development and investment over the coming decade.

“East Arnhem Land is one of the Territory’s least developed tourism regions, so having a Destination Management Plan means we can address the primary challenges to tourism development as well as opportunities for local Yolngu and Anindilyakwa people interested in entering the tourism industry.

“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.”

Developing East Arnhem Limited (DEAL) Chief Executive Jordy Bowman advises “It’s been a pleasure working in partnership with Tourism NT on behalf of the East Arnhem region on the development of the Destination Management Plan.

“The Plan has been developed in partnership with tourism operators, all levels of government, regional stakeholders and traditional owners to create a strong foundation for tourism development in communities and homelands across the region.

“Driving economic development across East Arnhem is at the heart of everything we do at DEAL, and our commitment to expanding tourism opportunities across the region is a significant part of delivering on our work to create a sustainable and prosperous future for the East Arnhem region.

To view the plans visit tourismnt.com.au/strategies/regional-destination-plans

Image: East Arnhem Land Destination Management Plan  Bawaka. Credit: TNT Aaron Avila