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Members Newsletter 03 April 2025

Thursday 03, Apr 2025
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Contents

April General Meeting 
2025 Welcome to the Dry 
Tourism Business Development Program 
2025 Drive Market Campaign
ATIC Update 
Northern Territory Tourism Business Activity
Quality Tourism 
Litchfield Loop 
Caravan Industry of AUS
Million Dollar Fish 
Programs and Campaigns
Territory Tourism Discount Scheme 2
 


Top End Visitor Information Centre
Top End VIC Updates
VIC Advertising
Upcoming Cruise Ships
Book your Product Pitch 
Member Noticeboard
NT Gov Media Releases
Scamwatch
Grants and Funding
VEEP Round 9 
Qantas Regional Grants 
View available grants here
 
 

Meetings & Events

General Meeting Details
Join us as we come together in Katherine for the latest news and updates from Tourism Top End's first regional general meeting for 2025.

Date: Wednesday 9th April 2025
Time:  0730 start   |   0830 finish Join us for breakfast 
Location: Katherine Visitor Information Centre
Address: Cnr of Lindsay Street and Katherine Terrace, Katherine

Join our guest speaker the Hon Marie-Clare Boothby for breakfast and hear the latest from the Tourism and Hospitality minister.  
Register to attend in Person
Register to attend via Zoom
 
 

News and Opportunities

Welcome to the Dry and Top End Travel Expo! These events offer fantastic opportunities for networking and showcasing what the Top End has to offer. (Exhibitor Bookings Closed)

Event Details:

Welcome to the Dry: Friday, 4 April 2025
TTE members (who are not exhibiting) are encouraged to attend and bring along your staff.

Top End Travel Expo: Saturday, 5 April 2025
Open to the Public – please share with your family, friends and customers

Location: Mindil Beach Casino Resort Pavilion
Welocme to the Dry Invitation
Top End Travel Invitation
 
Make 2025 your best year and be ahead of the game and book your one-on-one appointment as part of the Tourism Business Development Program.

We are thrilled to offer Tourism Top End (TTE) Members an exclusive opportunity to join our Tourism Business Development Program—at no cost!
It's the New Year! What better time to work on developing your business!

This program gives you a unique chance to engage one-on-one with a Tourism Top End team member. With the support of a third party consultant, together, we’ll help you uncover growth opportunities and address any gaps in your business strategy. This ranges from support such as developing or refining your business plan, diversifying your distribution channels, or potentially preparing your business for the NT Tourism Brolga Awards.

We understand that “you only know what you know,” and our goal is to make accessing targeted support and resources as simple as possible. Benefit from expert advice and strategies tailored specifically to your needs.

Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to strengthen your business and achieve your goals.
Book your personalised session here
For More Information
 

Get Involved in the 2025 Drive Market Campaign
Drive The 2025 Drive Market Campaign has officially launched, inviting interstate visitors to Road Trip Differently in the Northern Territory this year. 

Running from February to June 2025, the integrated campaign includes:

  • Paid media exposure
  • On-ground activation at caravan and camping shows
  • Public relations & trade partnerships

Find out more here to get featured!

More Information Here
 
Travel Auctions Campaign
Unlock New Opportunities with Travel Auctions & Tourism NT
Tourism NT has partnered with Travel Auctions in an ongoing campaign to attract more interstate visitors to the Northern Territory. This collaboration provides tourism operators with a cost-free opportunity to increase bookings and drive exposure for their business.
How to Get Involved
  1. Be a Northern Territory accommodation or experience provider
  2. Read the case study: See how a Northern Territory operator has successfully leveraged Travel Auctions.
  3. Create or update your ATDW listing: If you need help to set up your listing, contact tourism.development@nt.gov.au
Feature your property or experience: Contact Melanie Fidler, General Manager of Travel Auctions, at melanie@travelauctions.com.au
Learn More
 
New partnership for excellence in tourism experiences and sustainability The Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) and Tourism Australia have today launched a three-year partnership to drive excellence in visitor experiences and sustainable tourism business practices.
Through the partnership, Tourism Australia and ATIC will encourage business participation in the Sustainable Tourism Accreditation, Accessible Tourism, Tourism Emissions Reduction and Australian Tourism Awards programs.
Read the Media Release here
 

Northern Territory Tourism Business Activity - March Quarter 2025

The "Northern Territory Tourism Business Activity - March Quarter 2025" survey is ready for you to fill out. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts.

Take the Survey Here
 
Australian 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
Enhancing the ATIC tick
 

Are you an operator working in Litchfield?

Litchfield Loop is seeking new members to join a dedicated group of key operators, working together to ensure Litchfield receives the recognition it deserves.

If you’re interested, please reach out to register!

For More Information - Email Here
 
We're excited to share our freshly released March 2025 Consumer Sentiment Report, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the caravan and camping landscape across Australia.

Key Insights That Matter to Your Business:

Record-High Travel Intent: 88% of caravan and campers plan to travel in the next 12 months – a significant 6-point increase from our July survey!

Value Perception Remains Strong: 77% of travellers view caravan and camping as better value than other holiday types, creating a crucial competitive advantage in today's economic climate.

Weather Events Now Top Consideration: For the first time, extreme weather events (64%) have surpassed cost of living (56%) as the primary factor influencing travel decisions.

The Short-Stay Shift: We're seeing a clear trend toward shorter, more frequent trips rather than extended holidays – with 32% planning 1-3 night getaways.

RV Ownership Trends Show Market Changes: While overall RV ownership remains stable, intention to upgrade has decreased from 17% to just 9%, signaling important shifts in consumer purchasing behaviour that RV dealers and manufacturers should note.

Budget-Conscious But Travel-Determined: Rather than cancelling holidays, Australians are adapting with smart strategies – 81% hunting for deals, 75% travelling off-peak, and 69% seeking budget-friendly parks.

What This Means For You:
This data reveals significant opportunities to attract value-seeking travellers through flexible pricing, loyalty programs, and shorter-stay packages, particularly as consumers adapt rather than abandon their travel plans.

Download the Full Report to access all insights, including our detailed RV ownership trends, guest satisfaction analysis, and future holiday plans.
 
Season 10 of Million Dollar Fish was off-the-scale

Million Dollar Fish Season 10 has officially wrapped up, with 17 lucky anglers reeling in a total of $210,000 in red-tagged barramundi across the Top End.
While Season 10 has ended, fishos shouldn’t pack up their gear just yet. Ten barramundi carrying the $1 million tag will remain active during the off-season, from 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025. To claim the million-dollar prize, anglers must have been registered for Season 10. Once a million-dollar fish is caught, the remaining nine will become inactive.
 
Read More Information 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
 
Cruise Ships Schedule – April 2025 to June 2025
April 2025
  • Sun 06 Apr 2025 05:00  - Crown Princess 3080 pax  (Domestic) East Arm 
  • 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
 
Coral Expeditions Waterfall Season SPECIAL 
As we celebrate our fourth decade of exploring the Kimberley, we reflect on what makes this ancient landscape so extraordinary—for us and for those who journey with us.
The rhythm of the seasons shapes our experiences in the Kimberley, offering something remarkable at every turn. In the early months, swollen rivers cascade over ochre cliffs, fueling the thunderous spectacle of King George Falls and Mitchell Falls in full flow. The land becomes alive with lush and green under the weight of the wet season’s rains. As the months progress, the Kimberley transforms. Golden light hits across sandstone escarpments, and warm, sun-drenched days give way to cool, starlit nights while we enjoy champagne canopies and take in the beauty of this region.
Enjoy 35% off voyages on selected April and May dates!

The Kimberley Cruise – Waterfall Season 35% off 

Explorer Balcony Deck Stateroom: Was $21,600 pp NOW $14,040pp
Promenade Deck Stateroom: Was $16,400 pp  NOW $10,660pp
Coral Deck Stateroom: Was $13,400 pp  NOW $8,710pp
5th, 8th April 2025 | 7th, 9th, 28th, 30th May 2025

Broome & Darwin – Call to Reserve
T&Cs

Not combinable with any other offer, including Xplorer club membership. New bookings only. Only while Cabins are available. 
For More Information

Product Pitch

With peak season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to schedule a product pitch with our Visitor Centre team.

? Location: In-person at the VIC or via Zoom

Book Your Product Pitch Here
 

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

 

Member Noticeboard 

NT Government Media Releases 
Inaugural AirAsia Bali flight touches down in Darwin
Territory Businesses Shine at Australian Tourism Awards
Driving Tourism Forward
Northern Territory's biggest year of motorsport ever in 2025
NT pitched as the 'must-do' military tourism destination in Australia
Shannon Noll to perform at betr Darwin Triple Crown Supercars
Admiralty House / Darwin RSL
Giving Territorians more chances to snap up a rec fishing grant
Taking flight: Qantas' inaugural Darwin-Singapore jets off
 

The current proposed plan is for works to commence in 2025 on Kubra Road and Maguk Road.

While the plan is to minimise disruption for visitors to Kakadu National Park, there may be some small delays at traffic lights etc of up to 10 minutes.

It is possible that timeframes and stages of work may need to adjust based on weather or contractor requirements.  There are two very significant steps yet to occur before works can be confirmed, these being:

1. Formal consent being received from the Northern Land Council.

2. Approval from the Director of National Parks and the Kakadu Board of Management.

It will be several months until these steps are finalised, which narrows the window prior to construction commencing – hence this early preliminary advice to industry.

 
Read the most recent update from DTBAR here
 
 
Smart Energy NT 
Please see below information regarding upcoming training by Smart Energy NT
More Information Here
Booking Information Here
 

2025 VET Careers Expo

When: 1st & 2nd May 2025
Where: Marrara Indoor Stadium
Who’s it for? Students, parents, job seekers & industry professionals

Please read our Industry Prospectus Document, and if you are interested, register your attendance via https://form.jotform.com/kellaborate/2025VETcareersexpo

 
 
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
 
Grants and Funding
VEEP - Round 9 - NOW OPEN 
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.

VEEP 9 Grant Information 
Learn about the three funding streams, eligibility criteria, project parameters and the grant submission process.
Contact Erin McDonald for more information phone 8999 3951 
 
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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