Northern Territory events remain an economic driver

The Northern Territory’s events industry has boomed over the past financial year, giving the local economy a much-needed boost.

New research shows eight events delivered or promoted by the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) during the 2020/21 financial year raised an economic stimulus of $109.8 million for the Territory, of which $64.9 million was new money.

Some of the events included Parrtjima 2020 and 2021, Red CentreNATS 2020, Darwin Supercars 2020 and 2021, BASSINTHEGRASS 2021, Million Dollar Fish Season 6 and the NRL’s Eels v Broncos game in April this year.

Combined, the events were responsible for generating 257,590 visitor nights.

Explaining that the findings showed the enormous benefits events bring to the host region,

Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Chief Executive, Tim Watsford stated “we are proud to deliver world-class events in the Northern Territory, knowing the incredible flow-on effects they deliver for our region.

“These results cement what we already know - events drive visitation, which is fantastic for our economy.”

There were 102,269 unique individual attendees to the events, with almost half (49,492) saying the event they attended was the main reason they visited the host region. Those surveyed gave an average attendee satisfaction score of 8.2 out of 10.

The research also found that 95% of survey respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that they felt safe attending the event during Covid.

Watsford went on to say “the research shows those surveyed recognise the importance of investing in events, with 96% saying the Northern Territory Government should continue to support major events.

“In addition, 93% noted the positive impact such events have on the local community. World-class events are also great for the Territory’s image, with 80.7% of respondents agreeing their event experience made them want to visit the Territory again in the future.

“Quite simply, the benefits of holding events trickle down through our economy, and we all benefit.”

Image: Parrtjima was one of many major events held in the Northern Territory this year.