A new Qantas Darwin-Broome service will further cement Darwins growing reputation as Australias gateway for Asian travellers.
It comes on the back of increased Bali and Singapore services and direct China flights, which are bringing more visitors to the Territory via our Asian neighbours.
The new services demonstrate that the Territory Labor Governments investment in Turbocharging Tourism is strengthening relationships with airlines and supporting sustainable air services to the Territory.
The Government has also welcomed the extension of Qantas resident fares program to residents of Yulara and surrounds travelling to Darwin. The discount fare is already available to Alice Springs residents.
Tourism NT and Qantas have also signed a new three-year MOU, continuing our cooperative marketing partnership that will see the Territory promoted to travellers nationally and internationally. The agreement supports a strong marketing push around our major events and festivals like Parrtjima in Alice Springs and the upcoming Bruce Munros Tropical Light festival in Darwin to grow visitation, particularly during traditionally quieter tourism periods.
As noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
The NT Government works closely with our airline partners to encourage new routes and accessible airfares; this is vital for creating and supporting jobs in our tourism sector as well as ensuring Territorians are able to travel for work and leisure.
New air services is a good sign that our Turbocharging Tourism initiative is starting to pay off, with holiday visitor numbers growing thanks to our increased marketing, as well as investment in new visitor attractions, like bigger and better events and festivals.
We have exceeded our holiday visitor target with more than 60 000 extra bookings injecting an estimated $75 million-plus into the economy so far.
These are holiday visitors that are coming as a direct result of our Turbocharging Tourism investment.
Building on this momentum, we have invested a further $62.8 million additional into a TURBO2 package over two years. This will be used to boost domestic and international marketing, support our major events and community festivals, enhance visitor experiences and help tourism operators improve visitor experiences.
New flights from Darwin to Broome mean improved access, supporting our efforts to grow our international connectivity to our north.
The expansion of resident fares to those living in Yulara and surrounding communities means cheaper airfares for those Territorians. The extension of the program also supports Qantass new Darwin to Uluru service, which commenced this April.
We welcome the additions to their network and are working hard to boost demand to more Territory destinations, particularly in Alice Springs. We are strongly focused on building the case for more affordable and increased air services with a range of Alice-centric marketing activity underway and investment in new product like the Red Centre Ride and walking trails in Watarraka ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park.
