Northern Territory Destination Management Plans show Tourism Progress

The first annual report cards of the Northern Territory's 10 Year Regional Destination Management Plans (DMPs) have been released and highlight that tourism regions are showing strong signs of progress.

The DMPs are a key action of the Territory’s Tourism Industry Strategy 2030, and the report cards focus on the Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges, Big Rivers, Barkly and Lasseter regions.

They set out unique advantages for each region and provide a roadmap for future tourism development and investment.

Highlights from the report cards include:

•  Boat jetty upgrades, walking and mountain biking tracks and the Baruwei lookout being completed in Nitmiluk National Park;

•  Enhancing accommodation services through the Roadhouse to Recovery Grant in the Barkly region;

•  Working with Traditional Owners to expand mountain biking experiences in the Alice Springs region; and

•  Enhancing the soft adventure tourism offerings with the Board of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park approving a license for Parks Australia to undertake a walking trail and accommodation project between Kata Tjuta and Uluru.

Destination Management Plans underpin a holistic approach to tourism growth, future development and investment as we head towards 2030, enabling a coordinated approach to tourism between business, government, the tourism industry and communities.”

Regular monitoring and evaluation is undertaken to ensure they are effective in supporting industry growth with annual report cards for each of the DMPs measuring the progress against objectives.

Reporting includes key performance metrics such as visitor numbers, expenditure, satisfaction rating, online feedback, reviews and digital data, ensuring opportunities are maximised and identified gaps are reduced.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Natasha Fyles notes “I am proud of the important work being undertaken and achieved by the project implementation teams in the NT’s tourism regions through these Destination Management Plans.

“Regular reviews and evaluation of the Destination Management Plans will help to maximise opportunities and facilitate collaborative action in the regions.

“It is critical to monitoring shifting visitor trends and stakeholder needs, and supporting industry growth over the 10 year timeframe in which the plans will be delivered.

To view the Destination Management Plans and their annual report cards click here.