Northern Territory tourism businesses feeling lost in the growing online digital world are being offered a helping hand.

Together with heavyweights from Google and leading online travel website, TripAdvisor, Tourism NT is inviting local tourism businesses, tour operators and hospitality businesses to an intensive workshop on digital marketing. The one-day sessions will be held in Alice Springs on 6 October and Darwin on 7 October.

“With more and more customers buying everything from holidays to tours to restaurant bookings online, it’s critical for Northern Territory tourism and hospitality businesses to be operating in this space,” said Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields.

“Digital marketing is moving at a rapid pace and if you don’t keep up you’ll be left behind.

“The Northern Territory now has more than 20 free WiFi touch points from the Top End to the Red Centre making it easier than ever for tourists to jump online and spread the word about how fantastic the NT is but also learn more about attractions and businesses nearby. We want our industry to capitalise on this new technology and take the digital leap together.”

Mr Shields said the launch of Tourism NT’s new consumer website: www.northernterritory.com was another new opportunity where businesses could collaborate with Tourism NT.

“The Digital Leap workshops will take local businesses through step-by-step on what they need to do to be featured on www.northernterritory.com, which has over 1.2 million visits a year, and is designed to highlight more of our operators and drive customers to their websites” said Mr Shields.

“A strong online presence is vital for tourism businesses to connect their products with customers from around the world. It is also becoming ‘expected’ by the modern day traveller. Without real time availability to accept payment online, tourism businesses simply won’t be able to connect with potential customers.”

The Digital Leap workshops will feature special presentations from Mr Mitchel O'Donohue, Agency Development Manager Google and Ms Sarah Mathews, Head of Destination Marketing from TripAdvisor and include interactive sessions on topics such as:

·         How to get listed on Australia Tourism Data Warehouse Online (ATDW-online);

·         How to make the most of TripAdvisor and positive reviews;

·         How to use advertising on Facebook and Google;

·         Creating a new approach to digital local area visitor marketing;

·         What channels and media types to use and what approach is best for you;

·         Who can support you if you don’t have time to market yourself;

·         What level of commissionable distribution are you interested in and how it works; and

·         How to measure results and keep on track.

For more information on the workshops and to register go to: www.tourismnt.com.au or call Tourism NT on 8951 8518.

ENDS

Media Contact: Lisa Andrews, Corporate Media and Communications Manager +61 401 115 634