Tourism leaders, operators and industry representatives have gathered in Alice Springs for Destination NT, the Northern Territory’s flagship tourism industry week.
Hosted by Tourism and Events NT, the four-day program includes presentations from Naomi Simson OAM, founder of RedBalloon and Big Red Group, Marnie Ogg, founder of Dark Sky Tourism Australia, Susan Coghill, Tourism Australia Chief Marketing Officer and Simon Kuestenmacher, Director and Co-founder of The Demographics Group.
Sessions will cover emerging tourism trends and opportunities for growth, alongside dedicated forums focused on agritourism, education and military tourism.
The program also includes the Aboriginal Tourism Forum and Destination NT Conference, combining workshops, industry discussions and networking.
Major operators and industry bodies taking part include Journey Beyond, Intrepid Travel, the Australian Tourism Export Council and Voyages Tourism Australia.
Tourism and Events NT leaders will also provide updates on government priorities, visitor economy data and future development plans, including Suzana Bishop, Tourism and Events NT CEO, Staci Mellman, Chief Marketing Officer, Rachel Telford, Executive Director of Industry Development and Aimee Luxton, Executive Director of Events.
Destination NT is being held in its expanded four-day format for the second year and in Alice Springs for the first time. Organisers said conference registrations have risen from 107 in 2024 to 210 in 2026, representing a 96% increase.
“Destination NT is the Northern Territory’s flagship industry week for the visitor economy,” Ms Bishop said. “It is a platform to support Territory tourism operators to engage with industry leaders, learn about trends and opportunities for growth and diversification, and look towards the future of the Northern Territory visitor economy.”
The event will conclude on November 14 with the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards, recognising tourism businesses and achievements across the Territory.
