International visitors to the Territory are behind a $472 million injection into the local economy last year.
New Tourism Research Australia figures released today show international visitor numbers on the rise, with an approximate 10 per cent increase for the December 2018 quarter compared to the same period in 2017.
The whole of year figures also showed positive growth, led by a 4.8 per cent increase in holiday visitors with 259,000 international tourists coming to the Territory during the year.
The positive growth indicates the Turbocharging Tourism activities are taking effect.
The USA dominated as the top source market to the NT with 40,000 visitors while Japan was second with 35,000 visitors.
United Kingdom, Germany, and Greater China (which includes mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) were the next largest source markets.
Over the year to December 2018 Japan’s visitation to the NT grew by 56 per cent and Greater China’s by 55 per cent.
Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
“Our strategy to invest in tourism to support local business and offset the impact of Fly In Fly Out workers leaving the Territory is starting to pay dividends.
“There is more to do but these early figures are showing positive signs.
“Turbocharging Tourism is the largest investment of its kind for tourism in the NT and is well on it’s the way to achieving its target of 53,000 extra holiday visitors. We already have more than 43,800 holiday bookings expected to inject an extra $54.4 million into the economy, as a direct result of the investment to date.
“It has also led to new aviation routes into the Territory which will bring even more visitors here over the longer term.
“International visitors to the NT contributed $472 million to the economy over the year to December 2018, which was a fantastic result but we want to do even better.
“The Government will continue to work with industry and businesses to deliver results through Turbocharging Tourism to attract more visitors, create jobs and put more money into the pockets of Territorians."
Media contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242