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Members Newsletter 17 April 2025

Thursday 17, Apr 2025
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Contents

May General Meeting 
Katherine General Meeting 
Tourism Business Development Program 
2025 Drive Market Campaign
2025 Cruise Forum 
Upcoming Digital Solutions Webinars
Travel Auctions Campaign
ATIC Update 
Northern Territory Tourism Business Activity
Quality Tourism 
Litchfield Loop 
Caravan Industry of AUS
Million Dollar Fish 
Territory FM Member Offfer 


Top End Visitor Information Centre
Top End VIC Updates
VIC Advertising
Upcoming Cruise Ships
Book your Product Pitch 
Member Noticeboard
Starball 
Taste of Kakadu 
NT Gov Media Releases
Vibrant Darwin 
VET Careers Expo 
Scamwatch
Grants and Funding
VEEP Round 9 
Qantas Regional Grants 
View available grants here
 
 

Meetings & Events

TTE May General Meeting

Date:   Wednesday 28th May

Time:   5.15pm for 6pm

Venue: Browns Mart Theatre

            12 Smith Street Darwin

Get ready to celebrate at Darwin Festival, 7–24 August 2025!

Darwin Festival is Australia’s hottest winter arts festival, set in the heart of the Northern Territory on Larrakia land. This unmissable celebration brings together the spirit of the Top End with a vibrant program of arts, culture, food, stories, dancing, and laughter to fill your heart, mind, and soul.

Over 18 unforgettable days, experience theatre, music, comedy, circus, cabaret, dance, visual arts, unique food and beverage experiences, and awe-inspiring storytelling. Loved by locals and adored by visitors, this annual festival is the centrepiece of Darwin’s dry season, making August the best time of year to visit.
Join us to hear what is coming up this August 
RSVP Here
Register for Zoom here
 
April General Meeting 
Last week, Tourism Top End held our first regional General Meeting for 2025, hosted by the Katherine Visitor Information Centre. Several local operators from the Big Rivers region attended, along with the Hon Marie-Clare Boothby, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, who spoke at the event and engaged with many of the operators following the meeting.

We also attended the opening of the new Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre Amphitheatre (GYRAC).

It was a truly memorable evening, with several hundred people in attendance. We were fortunate to enjoy a stunning performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, who travelled down the track for the first time in ten years to mark the occasion.
 

News and Opportunities
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
 

Tourism NT in partnership with Tourism Top End are pleased to present the 2025 Northern Territory Cruise Forum – connecting land and sea.
 
Date:          Tuesday 13 May 2025 
Location:   Darwin Port Cruise Ship Terminal, 1 Anchorage Court, Darwin
Time:          Registration 8:30am I Forum 9:00am - 4:30pm 

This year’s forum will explore how we can connect land and sea to create more opportunities to engage with cruise ships and their passengers. Guest presenters will include representatives from CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), Carnival Australia, Coral Expeditions and the inbound tour operators specialising in the creation of onshore experiences.

Please Note: Darwin Port is an ADF-secure area. Entry to the forum requires valid photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or a current port pass.

There is no cost to attend the forum however registration is essential.
More Details Here
Register to Attend
 

Which of the following topics would you be most interested in attending a webinar on?

  1. How to use AI and SEO to increase your online visibility
  2. Expanding your digital footprint across booking platforms (Digital Distribution)
  3. Managing your online reputation (TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, ReviewPro)
  4. How to run effective digital advertising campaigns (Facebook, Google, etc.)
  5. Everyday AI tools for tourism operators (writing, design, time-saving tools)
  6. Improving your website to drive online bookings
Complete the Facebook Survey 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
TTE Member Offer 
Territory FM is pleased to offer the following exclusive introductory offer to all current members of Tourism Top End.
This can be run as a short call to action campaign within a 3-4 week time frame which is ideal to promote a specific product or event. Brand campaigns and other packages can be tailored to requirements. This proposal is valid for first time TFM sponsors only during April to December 2025.
More Information Here
 

Top End Visitor Information Centre

Visitor Center Opening hours over Easter:

Good Friday (18th April) - Closed

Sat, Sun (19th & 20th April) - 10am - 2pm

Easter Monday (21st April)  - 10am - 2pm
 
Anzac Day Road Closure on Friday 25th April 2025
Please see attached information regarding the upcoming Anzac Day Event that is taking place on Friday 25th April 2025.
Please note: The Top End Visitor Information will be operating 8.30am - 3.00pm 
ANZAC Day information and Road Closures
 
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
  • Fri 25 Apr 2025 05:30 - Crown Princess 3080 pax (Domestic) 10pm Departure 
  • 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
 

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 

We need your help, Darwin!

 
To Donate or for More Information
More Information Here
 

Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu:
Taste of Kakadu 2025

Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu - Taste of Kakadu returns from 23 to 25 May 2025.

A food and Culture festival 65,000 years in the making with a sensational program set to immerse visitors in a stimulating journey of the senses.

Your first stop is the Bowali visitor centre, transformed into a Festival Hub packed with entertainment. Here you can explore a variety of arts and crafts stalls, snap a photo with a native Kakadu reptile, enjoy a refreshing drink or snack and unwind as TEABBA Radio broadcasts live to the Top End.

When you are ready, head off to explore more of Kakadu National Park. We have exclusive experiences created just for Taste of Kakadu – from guided walks featuring historic rock art and breathtaking Country to relaxing cruises through pristine wetlands.
Book Here and More Inforamtion
 
NT Government Media Releases 
Katherine amphitheatre opens as part of $7.6m transformation
New confronting road safety campaign launches ahead of Easter
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
Taking flight: Qantas' inaugural Darwin-Singapore jets off
 

Read the latest Vibrant Darwin April Edition for everything happening around City of Darwin 
Read the April Update here
 

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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