Northern Territory to welcome its first international tourists since borders closed two years ago

The Northern Territory will today welcome its first vaccinated international tourists – arriving in Darwin at 11.15am on a Qantas flight from London – since Australia closed the international border two years ago.

This comes following a partnership reached with Qantas to extend the London to Darwin route until at least the end of June and establish an E190 aircraft base at Darwin International Airport. Tourism Australia Ambassador Matt Wright will roll out the welcome mat to greet the newest arrivals.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Natasha Fyles notes “our management of COVID-19 and high vaccination rates over the past two years has put us in a strong position to welcome international visitors to the Comeback Capital.

“This will be an economic shot in the arm for tourism businesses who have been doing it incredibly tough over the past two years.

“We will continue to support the tourism industry and business with a suite of support and marketing measures positioning the Northern Territory as the perfect place to visit and explore.”

International visitors will have an opportunity to experience the best the Territory has to offer including stunning waterfalls and lush rainforests in the Top End and desert landscapes and unique attractions in Central Australia.

The Territory Government has backed the tourism sector leading up to the return of international tourism with measures including:

• $12.8 million to lure international holiday makers and workers to the Territory

• Domestic marketing campaigns including Seek Different and Summer Sale

• Securing deals with Qantas to extend the double-daily London-Darwin route and establishing an E190 aircraft base

Other support measures implemented include the Territory Tourism Vouchers, Tourism Survival Fund, Visitation Reliant Small Business Support, and a Mates Rates campaign for Central Australia.