Visitors to Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach Markets will be able to share their sunset happy snaps with the world after Tourism NT switched on free WiFi at the popular tourism attraction.

The free WiFi is part of the Northern Territory Government’s $1 million two-year roll out program to bring tourism sites across the Territory into the digital age.

Tourism NT CEO, Tony Mayell, said the Mindil Beach Markets were identified as a priority site and the free WiFi had been switched on in time for tonight’s opening event.

“The Mindil Beach Markets are hugely popular with tourists and locals with more than 400,000 visitors a year so that’s 400,000 people who will now be able to promote the Northern Territory for free to a world-wide audience on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram,” said Mr Mayell.

"Word-of-mouth marketing is extremely valuable with research showing people often receive holiday recommendations from family and friends.

“We want all Mindil Beach Market-goers, both locals and visitors, to become advocates of the Northern Territory and encourage even more visitors to book a holiday here and Do the NT.

“To become an advocate, all you have to do is #NTAustralia on your social media posts and now with free WiFi at the Mindil Beach Markets there’s no excuse.”

Visitors to the Mindil Beach Markets will be able to access the free WiFi at the community space entertainment area at the Darwin High School end of the markets and at a new space called the Hangout in the art and craft section of the markets near the ATMs. The free WiFi will only be accessible on market days on Thursday from 5pm to 10pm and Sunday 4pm-9pm.

Tourism NT has created a log in page, which will collect basic information from the user allowing instant promotion of other activities, tours and events across the Territory encouraging visitors to explore the Territory’s regions.

Mindil Beach Markets Manager, Di Henry, said the free WiFi was great news for the attraction.

“It means our visitors will now be able to jump on the free WiFi and share their Mindil Beach Markets experience with family and friends on social media straight away, no going home or back to their hotel room,” she said.

“We’ve no doubt the free WiFi will be extremely popular with our visitors and provide greater promotion for Darwin and our iconic markets.”

The Mindil Beach Markets free WiFi follows on the successful roll-out at the Darwin Waterfront, Alice Springs Telegraph station, Wangi Falls (Litchfield National Park), Watarka (Kings Canyon), Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), the Todd Mall and TIO Traeger Park.

As part of the roll-out program, a further 10 tourism sites will be switched on across the Northern Territory over the next four weeks.

Photo attached: Free WiFi now available at Mindil Beach Markets

ENDS

Media Contact: Mel Mutch, Corporate Media and Communications Manager +61 401 115 634