Investing in the visitor experience

29 June 2024

The Lawler Labor Government continues to invest in the Territory’s tourism industry with the latest Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP) awarding more than $3.2 million to 49 businesses across the NT.

The latest Tourism Research Australia visitor results for national and international visitation year ending March 2024 released this week show a positive trend in the most recent quarter with the Territory welcoming 1.6 million visitors and $2.7 billion in visitor expenditure.

These latest visitor figures shows an upward trend in inbound markets, with 199,000 international visitors coming to the Territory, a 66% increase on the previous year.

VEEP provides up to 50% of total project funding to local Territory businesses to undertake projects that improve the destination and on-ground visitor experience, with the total investment value including business co-contribution more than $8.5 million in Round 8.

Campers heading to Central Australia will be able to experience a bit of luxury in the outback with the Arltunga Bush Pub and Eco Retreat set to build a swimming pool for visitors, Alice Springs Expeditions to install new luxury rooftop tents and Autopia Tours will enhance two Central Australian camps with permanent safari tents, camp kitchens, eco-friendly toilets and more.

In the Barkly region Renner Springs Roadhouse will upgrade their rooms and install a new bathroom block and visitors and locals in Tennant Creek will enjoy an enclosed alfresco dining area with a bespoke food hut at Woks Up.   

The Beagle Hotel in Katherine will upgrade their rooms and Nitmiluk Tours will undertake a major project constructing a new building, outdoor decking and shade structure for helicopter tours with accessible paths and ramps.

Darwin Harbour Cruises is one of 38 tourism businesses in the Greater Darwin region which includes Litchfield and the Tiwi Islands to undertake a project to enhance the visitor experience. Their project includes renovating the buffet servery and bar and installing energy-efficient equipment.

Since the VEEP initiative commenced in 2018 the Territory Labor Government has invested more than $15 million to support over 400 projects that enhance the visitor experience across the Territory.

Tourism is an important economic driver in the Territory, contributing around $2.2 billion to the NT economy and supporting around 16,300 workers.

For more information on the latest visitor results and tourism funding go to tourismnt.com.au

Quotes to attribute to Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden:

“The Lawler Labor Government will continue investing in Territory tourism as it stimulates private investment, creates work for Territorians and importantly improves NT experiences and attractions for visitors and Territorians.

“We’re investing in the Territory destination and attractions across all of our regions, from Bamurru Plains to Alice Springs and the East MacDonnell Ranges. Enhancing the visitor experience increases positive reviews and brings more visitors to the NT.”

Quotes to attribute to Darwin Harbour Cruises Operations Manager Melanie Lewis:

“We’re thrilled to be announced as a recipient of Tourism NT's VEEP program. The VEEP program goes a long way in assisting local tourism providers to improve their visitor experience.

“Darwin Harbour Cruises is excited to upgrade our flagship vessel, the MV Charles Darwin with a renovated buffet servery and bar including replacement of equipment to energy-efficient models.”

Ends

Northern Territory Government