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Members Newsletter 06 March 2025

Thursday 06, Mar 2025
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Contents

Annual General Meeting Invite 
2025 Welcome to the Dry 
Parrtjima - A Festival in Light
Digital Coach 
Quality Tourism 
Parrtjima - A Festival in Light
Programs and Campaigns
Territory Tourism Discount Scheme 2
Top End Visitor Information Centre
Top End VIC Updates
VIC Advertising
Queen Anne Cruise Ship Visit 
Upcoming Cruise Ships



 


Member Noticeboard
NT Gov Media Releases
Study NT is organising a Career and Jobs Expo
ATEC China Ready 
Scamwatch
Prepare for a Cyclone 
Grants and Funding
VEEP Round 9 
Qantas Regional Grants 
View available grants here
Surf Lifesaving NT
 

Meetings & Events

Tourism Top End invites all members to attend the March General Meeting and 2025 Annual General Meeting held at Hilton Darwin on Tuesday 25th March 2025.
Meeting Details
Date:   Tuesday 25th March, 2025
Time:  5:15pm networking
            6:00pm start
Venue: Hilton Darwin 
              32 Mitchell Street, Darwin City NT 0800
Cost: $90.00 pp 
Each ticket includes:
- Welcome Drink
- Canapes
- 2 Course Dinner
Strict RSVP by COB 17th March 2025.
Book your Tickets Here
Register for Zoom online attendance

Thank you to our sponsoring host
Annual General Meeting Details
Only Full Members who are currently financial are eligible to vote. Full Members who are unable to attend have the right to nominate their proxy vote to another Full Member (only two proxy votes per Full Member). 
Proxy votes must be received by 3:00pm Monday 24th March 2025.
Click here for the Proxy Form
Eligibility 
Full Members only
Members interested in standing for a position on the Board of Management will need to have their Nominations lodged in writing on the prescribed Nominations Form below prior to 12 noon on Monday 17th March, 2025. 

Positions up for re-election
Chairperson – 1 year term Shaun Pearce, Aboriginal Bush Traders
Vice Chair No.1 – 2 year term Brian Holland, St John Ambulance
Treasurer - 2 year term Chris Chaffe, Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort

Board Member (1) – 2 year term Carney Ganley, Gorge View Bush Retreat
Board Member (2) – 2 year term Shelly Haitana, Litchfield Tourist Park
Board Member (3) – 2 year term Vacant Position
 
Positions not for re-election
Vice Chair No.2 – 2 year term Penny Priest, Crocosaurus Cove
Board Member (4) – 2 year term Annabel Curtain, Katherine Outback Experience
Board Member (5) – 2 year term Cody McCracken, Nitmiluk Tours
Board Member (6) – 2 year term Pina Sommerville, 00Seven Adventures & Wharf One
 
Government Representative Board Members
Scott Lovett, Tourism NT
Councillor Peter Pangquee, City of Darwin
 
 

News and Opportunities
Welcome to the Dry and Top End Travel Expo! Returning in 2025, this event offers fantastic opportunities for networking and showcasing your products.

Event Details:

  • Welcome to the Dry: Friday, 4 April 2025
  • Top End Travel Expo: Saturday, 5 April 2025
  • Location: Mindil Beach Casino Resort Pavilion
Contact Michelle for more information and available spaces
 
Tourism Top End's Digital Coach Program is here to grow your business.

Leverage digital marketing to reach more customers and drive more sales. 
No matter what your experience level is, our (free) program is here to support your success. 

Book your Digital Coach session now:
calendly.com/ttedigitalcoach/digital_coach_session

IN THIS WEEK'S DIGITAL MARKETING UPDATES:

The White Lotus takes film tourism's 'powerful marketing tool' to Thailand
After the series' first season, Maui experienced a 425 per cent year-over-year increase in website visits and a 386 per cent increase in availability checks during season one alone.

The Pros and Cons of Using AI in Digital Marketing
As with any disruptive technology, AI should be approached with both optimism and caution.

AI-powered SEO services: revolutionizing digital marketing
Artificial Intelligence is a tool that is currently changing how businesses approach digital marketing and SEO. 

For any queries about your Digital Marketing, contact sfernandes@tourismtopend.com.au or book a free Digital Coach session
 
IAustralian Tourism Businesses Continue to Prioritise Sustainability
Over 195 Australian businesses have participated in ATIC’s Sustainable Tourism business accreditation program during the December 2024 quarter, showcasing their dedication to sustainable and responsible tourism.
The Sustainable Tourism accreditation program incorporates sustainability across environmental, cultural, social and commercial business practices and aligns with the National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy.
The program is part of a suite of ATIC programs supported by the Australian Government, through Austrade’s Quality Tourism Framework Grant Program, to assist small, medium, and regional tourism businesses to enhance their quality, accessibility, and sustainability.
The Sustainable Tourism accreditation program is the Australian tourism industry’s largest and longest-running business sustainability program, with more than 3,000 participating businesses nationwide. Sustainable Tourism accredited businesses craft high-quality, engaging, and memorable visitor experiences that not only meet but exceed customer expectations while demonstrating sound sustainability practices.
The Australian Government, through Austrade is providing $8M in funding to enhance ATICs suite of programs and to support tourism operators to develop their business.
For more information, click here.
For more information please use this email link
 
Parrtjima - A Festival in Light
Please see link below for further information on this years Parrtjima - A Festival in Light
Tool Kit Here
 

Programs and Campaigns
Territory Tourism Discount Scheme - Round 2

Scheme and Travel date extended until 7th April 2025

Package Expression of Interest – Round 2 Discount Scheme

Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your exposure! By participating in the Round 2 Discount Scheme, you can showcase irresistible packages and value-added deals that captivate consumers. Let’s make the Top End stand out with a wide range of incredible offers!

Important Reminder

Please ensure all existing offers are updated with the latest toolkit information to maximize their appeal.

Key Dates

  • Discounted Sales Period: 1st October 2024 – 7th April 2025
  • Eligible Travel Period: 9th December 2024 – 7th April 2025*

* Travel must commence no later than 7th April 2025.
* Funding is available until 7th April 2025 or until fully allocated.

Get involved today and make your mark in the Top End!
Updated Campaign Toolkit Here
Guidelines for Round 2 of the Discount Scheme
Package/Value Add - EOI
 

Top End Visitor Information Centre
Operator phone
Reminder the operator's phone number is:
0482 470 835. 
Please use it for direct contact during centre operating hours. This number is for the exclusive use of our members and not for public use or distribution. 
 
Visitor Centre Advertising
Book VIC digital advertising for 2025:
  • Video Wall
  • Digital Brochure
  • Website Banner
SECURE YOUR SPOTS NOW  - FILLING FAST 
Bookings open now - secure your 2025 VIC advertising
 
Queen Anne's Darwin Arrival 
Cunard's Queen Anne will now have an overnight stay in Darwin due to the current weather conditions in Southern Queensland. She is scheduled to arrive on Monday 0900 and depart on Tuesday 1700, carrying over 4,000 passengers and crew.
 
Cruise Ships

Cruise Ship Schedule – March 2025 to June 2025

March 2025

  • Sat 08 Mar 2025 07:00  - Amadea 624 pax (Domestic)
  • Mon 10 Mar 2025 07:30 - Queen Anne  3000 pax (Domestic OVERNIGHT STAY)
  • Thu 13 Mar 2025 05:30  - Norwegian Sun 1936 pax (Domestic)
  • Sun 23 Mar 2025 08:00 - Coral Adventurer 120 pax (Domestic)
April 2025
  • Tue 01 Apr 2025 10:30 - Viking Orion 930 pax (Domestic)
  • Wed 02 Apr 2025 05:25 - Celebrity Solstice 2850 pax  (International)
  • Sun 06 Apr 2025 05:00  - Crown Princess 3080 pax  (Domestic)
  • Sun 06 Apr 2025 06:25 - Seven Seas Mariner 700 pax (Domestic)
  • Mon 07 Apr 2025 08:00 - Coral Geographer 120 pax (International)
  • Mon 07 Apr 2025 09:00  - Nautica 684 pax (International)
  • Mon 07 Apr 2025 17:30 - Seven Seas Voyager 700 pax (Domestic Overnight)
  • Thu 10 Apr 2025 07:30 - Ovation of the Seas 4180 pax (Domestic)
  • Sat 12 Apr 2025 08:00 - Coral Discoverer 72 pax (Domestic)
  • Mon 14 Apr 2025 06:00 - Paul Gauguin 332 pax (International)
  • Tue 15 Apr 2025 08:00 - Coral Adventurer 120 pax (Domestic)
  • Wed 16 Apr 2025 09:00 - Norwegian Sun 1936 pax (International)
  • Fri 25 Apr 2025 05:30 - Crown Princess 3080 pax (Domestic)
  • Mon 28 Apr 2025 08:00 - Coral Geographer 120 pax (Domestic)
May 25 
  • Sat 03 May 2025 08:00 - Coral Discoverer 72 pax    (Domestic)
  • Tue 06 May 2025 08:00 - Coral Adventurer 120 pax (Domestic)
  • Fri 09 May 2025 07:45  - Seabourne Pursuit 264 pax (International)
  • Sun 11 May 2025 05:30 - Crown Princess 3080 pax (Domestic)
  • Mon 19 May 2025 08:00 - Coral Geographer 120 pax (Domestic) 
  • Fri 23 May 2025 13:10 - Le Jacques Cartier 184 pax (International)
  • Tue 27 May 2025 08:00 - Coral Adventurer 120 pax (Domestic) 
  • Thu 29 May 2025 17:10 - Seabourne Pursuit 264 pax (Domestic) 
June 25
  • Thu 05 Jun 2025 08:00 - Coral Discoverer 72 pax (Domestic)
  • Mon 09 Jun 2025 08:00 - Coral Geographer 120 pax (Domestic)
  • Thu 12 Jun 2025 06:00 - Silver Cloud 296 pax (International)
  • Thu 12 Jun 2025 19:10 - Le Jacques Cartier 184 pax (Domestic) 
  • Tue 17 Jun 2025 08:00 - Coral Adventurer 120 pax (Domestic)
  • Tue 17 Jun 2025 17:10  - Seabourne Pursuit 264 pax (Domestic)
  • Sat 21 Jun 2025 20:00 - Silver Cloud 296 pax - (International)
  • Wed 25 Jun 2025 06:00 - Mitsui Ocean Fuji 450 pax (International)
  • Thu 26 Jun 2025 08:00 - Coral Discoverer 72 pax (Domestic)
  • Fri 27 Jun 2025 10:00 - Heritage Adventurer 46 pax (International)
  • Fri 27 Jun 2025 12:00 - Regatta 684 pax (International) 

Please Note: Pax numbers indicate maximum passenger capacity not including crew; actual onboard numbers may vary. This list is provided by Darwin Port.

View the entire cruise schedule HERE
 

As we start to wrap up an exciting and successful cruise ship season, the Top End Visitor Information Centre is pleased to invite members to participate in a cruise activation opportunity. We are offering space on the grassed area at the entrance of the Visitor Centre for members to set up an information stall, providing a fantastic chance to engage with visitors and promote your business.

Thu 13 Mar – Norwegian Sun – 0800

Wed 2 Apr – Celebrity Solstice – 0830

Thu 10 Apr – Ovation of the Seas – 0830

Wed 16 Apr – Norwegian Sun – 1100

Fri 25 Apr – Crown Princess – 0800 - Note this is ANZAC Day 

Sun 11 May – Crown Princess – 0800
Contact Sarah Here
 

Do you need to contact our VIC staff?
Please call the VIC directly 0482 470 835 
 

Member Noticeboard 
NT Government Media Releases 
Driving tourism forward
Size Matters with 17th Million Dollar Fish a $50k beauty
New leaders for Territory tourism and event boards
Northern Territory's biggest year of motorsport ever in 2025
NT pitched as the 'must-do' military tourism destination in Australia
Parrtjima 2025
Skilling pathways grants to boost employment and training opportunities
Statement: Darwin Port
 

Are you looking to expand your workforce leading up to a busy dry season?

Study NT is organising a Career and Jobs Expo and are currently seeking expressions of interest from local employers to exhibit at the Expo (no cost involved!).  

Date: Tuesday 15 April 2025

Time: 5:00 – 6:30pm

Venue: Hilton Darwin, 32 Mitchell Street, Darwin CBD

Register your booth by emailing StudyNT@nt.gov.au

Employers will need to bring along a pull-up banner, branded tablecloth if available, and any marketing collateral or merchandise they would like to share with students.

Limited spots available.

 
 
See the latest offer from Bunnings
 
China Workshop
(FOC) – do not need to be an ATEC member – just register and attend – fully funded
Prepare for the growing opportunities in the China inbound market with ATEC’s China Host Workshops, supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. Designed to equip tourism operators with the latest market insights, these workshops will help you tap into this expanding sector. Led by experts Jessica Xue and Garry Burns from The Gaibo Agency, the workshops are heading to Darwin on 10th March 2025 at Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront. As part of your registration, you will also be automatically enrolled in ATEC’s China Host training program, an online self-directive training program featuring 3 modules (Market & Culture Ready, Product & Service Ready and Trade Ready) which is designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in serving Chinese travellers. They will cover key topics such as understanding Chinese traveller preferences, navigating the evolving digital landscape, and leveraging trade distribution partnerships to access this high-yield market. Whether you're a seasoned operator or new to the China inbound market, these workshops offer valuable resources and networking opportunities to help you thrive in 2025.  
Workshop Details:
Date: 10th March 2025
Time: 8:30am arrival and registrations, 9am-3:15pm
Cost: Free of Charge
ATEC China Host Training: Goal of 50% completion before attending
Registrations: NT Operators, Register here
Contact: Training@atec.net.au
 
Stop. Check. Protect. to keep you safe from scammers
Scams are getting harder to spot. Scammers increasingly take advantage of new technology, new products or services and major events to create believable but deceptive stories.
More Information Here
 
Cyclones
The Top End of the Northern Territory experiences cyclones between November and May, primarily affecting coastal areas within 50 km of the sea.

Cyclones are highly dangerous, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and storm surges. They can also disrupt essential services, travel, and communication.

To stay safe, familiarise yourself with the types of alerts and warnings and take steps to prepare in advance.
Prepare for a Cyclone Emergency
Cyclone Tracy 50 Years Map - Before & After
 
Grants and Funding
VEEP - Round 9 
The Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP) seeks to enable the tourism industry to undertake projects that will improve the customer experience through product enhancement. Round 9 of the VEEP has been redesigned to grow and enhance the tourism offering available to visitors to the Northern Territory. The program supports the development of new offerings, along with enhancing the visitor experience through improvements to existing offerings.
Read the Guidlines Here

Qantas Regional Grants

The Qantas Regional Grants program is back, offering $2 million in support to Australian-based communities and projects that are looking to benefit our country's regional areas.  
More Information Here
- Reduce Day to Day Costs
- Major Grant Rounds
- Biz Secure Program 

Click HERE for more grant and funding information
 
Surf Lifesaving NT 
Please see the below link for safe swimming information in the waters surrounding the Top End. 
Safe Swimming Information Here
 
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Copyright © 2023 Tourism Top End, all rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
GPO Box 4392, Darwin NT

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