Been curious about what’s hot and happening in the Northern Territory? Great, because like a pop fan securing the ticket to THAT reunion gig, Karryon attended the first NT Round Up since 2019. We’ve got all the goss on what’s been happening in the NT, including important news about booking the upcoming season. Read on!
The NT Round Up welcomes agents from Australia and New Zealand to get a first-hand experience of the region, alternating annually between the Top End and Red Centre. Returning after the pandemic hiatus, the 2023 NT Round Up kicked off with afternoon speed dating with 26 Northern Territory suppliers. All before a 4-day jam-packed famil from Alice Spring to Uluru!
Tony Quarmby, Tourism Northern Territory’s Executive Director of Marketing, says it’s an invaluable experience for those in attendance. He commented, “we’re confident that agents who experience the destination and different operations will take that passion home with them. This destination is so amazing, especially with the rarity and variety of things you can do here.”
What’s new
The NT Round Up sessions provided welcome intel for what’s been happening in the North Territory.
Here’s what we discovered:
- Bruce Munro’s immersive Light Towers is now open! His light and art installation is an epic reward for everyone journeying to Kings Canyon. Visitors can choose from a sunrise, sunset, and the fancier ‘by night’ experience.
- Find Light Towers at Discovery Kings Canyon Resort, where their $22 million-dollar renovations are almost complete. The Deluxe rooms are now officially open (Check out our Instagram Stories for a tour) with the 2-bedroom Deluxe Cabins complete mid-May.
- The award-winning, passionate team at Earth Sanctuary is saying yes to the market demand for FIT products, and they want your support. Book your FIT clients on their Spirit of the Outback dinner and show (Alice Springs’ only dinner experience) or their enriching Sunset to Sunrise astronomy experience.
- SEIT Outback Australia is training seven new guides to cope with demand for their intimate Central Australia tours. Their dreamy Patji tour travels out of the national park to meet with a traditional guide and interpreter in their homeland.
- It was great to see our friends Journey Beyond at the NT Round Up. Representing the NT with their Outback Spirit tours and the Ghan, the hype was around the new Outback to Ocean tour, as well as enthusiasm for their Simpson Desert tour. Using a caravan of ex-military G Wagons, each vehicle has a different function, including a plush bathroom!
Need to know
There were three key messages from the 26 NT suppliers attending the 2023 Round Up: they are still here (not every business made it), book ahead, and be patient.
The Red Centre is still feeling the effects of COVID, with staff shortages holding some tourism businesses back from being able to run at capacity or expand their offerings.
Tourism NT’s Tony Quarmby expects the shortages to ease this year. He commented, “Let your clients know to be more patient when visiting the Red Centre this year. Understanding that it might take a few minutes longer to check in or the room may not be ready on time will be helpful. We expect this to be resolved in a year when we get the workforce back in the country.”
“Book ahead” was another key message from suppliers. There is still evidence of travellers being cautious with last-minute bookings, leading to disappointment due to sold-out activities.
Mulgas Adventures run 18-49 authentic Aussie camping tours are currently booking out 4-6 weeks in advance. Outback Ballooning reported record numbers for winter 2022, even turning down passengers to soar over the MacDonnell Ranges with them.
Quarmby said it’s not just availability that suffers, but pricing, too. “Historically, visitors assume the closer they book to their departure date, the cheaper it’s going to be. That’s no longer factual. Consumers need encouragement to give as much lead time as possible, especially as COVID cancellation issues are sorted now.”
What’s coming
We told you about Wintjiri Wiru back in February, and its launch is nearly here! Starting 11 May, 1,000 drones will light up the sky, telling the Uluru creation story of Mala.
“Well worth a visit”
Nicole Casben from Helloworld Bateman’s Bay found meeting the 26 NT Round Up suppliers eye-opening, especially with attractions around Alice Springs. She commented, “it’s made me realise that Alice is well worth a stop off, at least a couple of days.”
TravelManagers’ Andrea Friend loved the 8-minute speed dating format. “It was so good to spend more than 30 seconds speaking with the suppliers directly.”
Agents, read this
Want to attend the NT Round Up next year? Tony Quarmby had these tips, “Stay in touch via our trade communications. We’ve got online webinars, toolkits to download, plus face-to-face training. And, of course, contact any of our staff any time. Next year we’ll return to the Top End, so it’s good to get noticed!”
Discover more here.
