Northern Territory unveils vision for tourism growth

The Northern Territory is looking to niche tourism markets to contribute $2.2 billion in annual visitor spending over the next six years.

Unveiled in the Northern Territory Government's 'Tourism Vision 2020: Northern Territory's Strategy for Growth', the Territory plans to focus on building sectors that "will provide the best return on investment", including cruising and MICE.

Presented by Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Major Events Matt Conlan the plan is part of a new initiative to attract 1.7 million visitors annual to the Northern Territory and drive $2.2 billion annual visitor spending over the next six years.

In addition to appealing to the business and cruise industries, the tourism blueprint also outlined intentions to improve business through a sustainable and profitable industry as well as build and maintain the state's international source markets, including the UK, Germany/Switzerland, US/Canada and Japan.

The recent Northern Territory Budget set aside $15 million for international tourism market and with an $8 million boost in funding from the local government, Minister Conlan believes the Territory's international tourism market, which took a "big hit" over the past few years, can be rebuilt.

He explained "this funding will set the Territory on the right path to achieving the goals set out in Tourism Vision 2020."

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) welcome the funding, with ATEC Managing Director, Felicia Mariani stating that the "Budget announcement recognises the significant contribution the tourism economy makes to the Northern Territory's bottom line and ATEC welcomes this additional funding for international marketing.

"As a significant economic driver and employer - contributing around 6% of total employment in the Territory - tourism needs to be nurtured and the opportunities leveraged to the full."

Mariani cited recent research by Tourism Australia that had identified Australia's natural environment as core to Australia's global tourism offering, suggesting that the Northern Territory had enormous capacity to capitalise on this benefit.

She added "Australia, and the Territory in particular, enjoy the advantage of proximity to many Asian destinations and we must highlight the wonderful offering available on their doorstep.

"ATEC congratulates the Territory Government on recognising the significance of tourism to its local economy in putting forth this funding boost."

For more information go to www.tourismnt.com.au

Image: Kakadu National Park.

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