Northern Territory looks to boost tourism with focus on military history and new experiences

Military heritage tourism has, for the first time, been allocated its own dedicated funding stream under Round 9 of the Northern Territory Government’s Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP).

Tourism and hospitality operators across the Territory are upgrading their offerings to attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.

Eight local operators have received support through the Department of Tourism and Hospitality to develop or enhance military tourism experiences, including:

• Marchant Enterprises, improving accessibility in the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels with upgraded lighting and ventilation.

• Gooney Bird Adventures, restoring an iconic WWII aircraft to launch scenic flights following Top End wartime flight paths.

• Tiwi Enterprises, developing immersive marine AV experiences to tell the story of the WWII Bombing of Darwin Harbour.

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said this is the first time military tourism has had dedicated support.

"We're putting it on the map because this is our history, and it's our chance to tell it."

"From Darwin to the Tiwi Islands, Katherine to the outback, no other place in Australia has a military story like the Northern Territory. We’re backing local businesses to bring that story to life and turn it into a national tourism drawcard."

Tourism is one of five priority industries identified by the CLP Government to grow jobs, attract investment, and restore the Territory’s reputation as a must-do destination.

Across all categories, 40 tourism businesses received support under VEEP Round 9, with $2.6 million in grants unlocking more than $4.89 million in project investment.

Central Australia is also a big winner, with several exciting experiences funded, including:

• Outback Horse Treks, establishing a multi-day trek with safari tents, ablutions, and dust suppression infrastructure.

• Curtin Springs, creating a dark-sky "Night Yard" experience showcasing Central Australia's outback astronomy.

• Art Tours of Australia, developing a boutique swag camp and experience hub near Alice Springs.

Round 9 VEEP grant recipients can be found here.

Image. Credit: Gooney Bird Adventures