The Territory Labor Government has today announced a tourism voucher scheme to encourage Territorians to explore the Territory and support local tourism businesses until borders can safely re-open to interstate visitors.

More than 26,000 vouchers worth $200 will be available from 1 July, Territory Day, for Territorians to put towards a tourism experience, tour, accommodation, hire car or recreational fishing charter, so long as they match the spend with their own money.

The $5.2 million voucher initiative is supported by a marketing campaign ‘Never have I ever…’ encouraging Territorians to book a local tourism experience they have never got around to enjoying for themselves.

The voucher scheme has been developed in partnership with Northern Territory Regional Tourism Organisations, Tourism Top End and Tourism Central Australia.

From 1 July, Territorians aged 18 years and over will be able to register and redeem their Territory Tourism Voucher at www.territoryvoucher.nt.gov.au. 

Voucher holders will then be able to book their chosen tourism experience online, over the phone or in person through their local Visitor Information Centres in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. The vouchers must be used on a bookable product available through these Centres.

Hospitality venues will also be able to benefit from the vouchers by packaging their offerings with a tourism product such as a ‘Stay and Meal’ deal.

This will encourage hospitality businesses to create partnerships with tourism and accommodation operators, creating long-term benefits for both.

Vouchers are valid for 30 days, with bookings and travel to be completed by 31 October 2020.

Earlier this year the Territory Labor Government injected $2 million into an Immediate Tourism Resilience Plan to minimise the impact to our tourism industry from the Australian Bushfires and the coronavirus outbreak.

Quotes from Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:

“We are doing whatever it takes to protect as many jobs as possible through the coronavirus crisis.

“The Territory is the safest place in Australia because Territorians have been the best during this crisis. Being the best also means supporting Territory businesses.

“Our tourism and hospitality industries have been hardest hit by the coronavirus. The Territory Tourism Voucher will give them the boost they need ahead of our borders re-opening.

“Every dollar spent in the Territory helps save a Territory job. So when you spend a dollar, we’ll spend a dollar too. That will help support as many jobs as possible.

“Given our success in crushing corona, I’m confident we can ease border restrictions sooner rather than later. Until then, it’s up to us locals to be the Territory’s tourists.  

“Explore our backyard, buy local and back locals – before the tourists arrive. This will give local operators the support they need and help them prepare to welcome tourists from interstate once it’s safe to do so.

“Let’s all keep being the best Territorians we can be.”

Quotes from Tourism Central Australia CEO, Danial Rochford:

"We all know what a wonderful place this is. This is a great opportunity for residents to explore their own backyard and to share their experiences with visitors from across the Territory.

“What better time for local tourism operators to showcase their product to other Territorians. We welcome the Northern Territory Government’s support of our industry and we are ready to get behind the campaign and encourage all of our members to welcome visitors to the Red Centre.”

Quotes from Tourism Top End, General Manager, Glen Hingley:

“Now more than ever the Territory is ready for locals to get out and rediscover their backyard.

“This tourism voucher initiative assists Territorians to support our many tourism businesses who are doing it hard at the moment.

“Each voucher redeemed for accommodation, touring, attractions, recreational fishing charters and car hire will go a long way to helping our Territorian tourism operators.

“As well as taking up this tourism voucher for travel before 31 October, we also encourage locals to ‘Spend as You Travel’. This is a great way to support the smaller local operators in the region, be they a unique NT experience, a retailer or a hospitality tourism business.

“Your local travel consultants at the Top End Travel and Information Centre can help to tailor your voucher with expert travel insights, inspiration and bookings.”

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Media Contacts:

Chief Minister – Gerard Richardson 0438 963 898

Minister Moss - Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858