A major plan has just been released setting the direction for the Northern Territory visitor economy out to 2032.
The new strategy charts a seven-year path to grow year-round visitation, development, liveability and economic outcomes for the Territory.
“The NT visitor economy is a key part of the NT economy and lifestyle, when it thrives, the Territory thrives and Australia thrives,” said Marie-Clare Boothby, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality.
“The NT now leads the nation in economic and population growth, with tourism spending up 13 per cent and total visitors up 19 per cent.
“Our new Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 sets ambitious goals – to grow visitor spending from $1.5 billion to $2.2 billion and lift overnight trips from 1.2 million to 1.5 million by 2032, driving year-round visitation, investment and liveability across the NT.”
The Northern Territory’s visitor economy is already demonstrating strong momentum, for the year ending June 2025, the Territory recorded the strongest growth in visitor numbers and expenditure in the nation:
- 19 per cent increase in total visitors
- 13 per cent growth in visitor expenditure
- 21 per cent increase in domestic visitation
- 227,000 international visitors spending $487 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, with strong growth from the United States, United Kingdom and Germany.
The Northern Territory’s cruise sector also bucked the national trend, being the only jurisdiction to see an increase in total economic output, up 13.3% to $205.6 million.
“With two World-Heritage listed national parks and a lifestyle the rest of the nation should envy, the Northern Territory has what Australia and the world are looking for,” added the Minister.
“Our new visitor economy strategy showcases the Northern Territory as Australia’s best-kept secret and a must-add destination on every traveller’s itinerary.”
The new Strategy centres on five key objectives to be delivered through partnerships and accelerated through technology and insights:
- Secure Infrastructure Investment that supports a thriving visitor economy and enhances the lives of Territorians
- Improve Connectivity to and within the Territory
- Invest in People and Workforce Development
- Enhance the Global Perception of the Territory
- Expand Experience and Product Offerings.
The Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 implementation roadmap will be delivered in March 2026 with the full kick off with partners in May 2026.
