Major events andfestivals will get a $20 million boost under the Territory Labor GovernmentsTURBO2 investment aimed at attracting more visitors and injecting more moneyinto the economy.
The additional eventsand festivals investment is part of a $62.8 million TURBO2 package that willbuild on the momentum of the successful Turbocharging Tourism stimulus over thenext two years.
It includes additionalfunding to continue the Todd Mall component of Parrtjima A Festival inLight as well as continuing support for spectacular light installationsand performances at the Desert Park.
This yearsParrtjima was a huge success, attracting 25,623 attendees over 10 nights an amazing 25 per cent increase on last years event, reinforcing theuniqueness of the event, and its ability to capture the imagination andinterest of a national and international audience.
Extending the event intothe Mall delivers significant flow-on benefits to local restaurants, bars,cafes and retail shops throughout the CBD.
The bigger and better Parrtjimawill be held in April again next year, a traditionally quieter period fortourism, and will feature an even larger program that continues to cement itsreputation as a truly unique global event.
The additional TURBO2investment will also support the continuation of a bigger, better Peoples Choice BASSINTHEGRASS atits new Mindil Beach home base. BASSINTHEGRASS will run for the firsttime at Mindil in May this year, with tickets sales already at record levelscompared to previous years and VIP areas being sold out.
This yearsBASSINTHEGRASS is forecast to have a record crowd of 10,000 music fans, witharound 3,000 expected to travel to Darwin from across the Territory andAustralia.
As well as allowing fortwo stages, an expanded artist line-up, more hospitality and facilities forattendees, additional investment in BASS allows for a strong interstatemarketing push, cementing it as a must-do on the national music festivalcalendar, increasing visitation and injecting more money into the local economy.
A record $2 million per year investment willboost the Darwin Festival over the next two years, supporting theevent to grow, particularly in terms of attendance from interstate.
The TURBO2 investmentinto major events and community festivals will position the Territory as apremier tourist destination, driving more visitors to the Red Centre and theTop End through events like BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown, RedCentreNATS, Peoples Choice BASSINTHEGRASS, Parrtjima and the DarwinFestival, recognising their importance to liveability, tourism and localjobs.
As stated by Minister forTourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
The Governmentsadditional $62.8 million TURBO2 tourism investment includes $20 million tosupport our festivals, major events and experiences recognising the role theyplay in cementing the Territorys reputation as a vibrant place to live, workand visit.
Events andfestivals give people even more reasons to visit, injecting more money into theeconomy, including during traditionally quieter periods, supporting thousandsof local businesses and jobs.
As stated by PlazaWellbeing Centre owner, Prue Skipsey Williams:
This years Parrtjimawas an amazing event and it was lovely to see so many tourists walking aroundtown enjoying the festival.
Its great that localbusinesses can capitalise on this fantastic event, with hundreds of nationaland international visitors making their way to Alice Springs.
I was particularlyimpressed with the light installations in Todd Mall this year and how itactivated the city centre for locals and tourists to enjoy.
