CEO of the Department of Tourism and Culture Alastair Shields today welcomed a delegation of nine key tourism distribution partners from India on a tour of the Red Centre to experience first-hand the tourism products and experiences on offer in Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru.

“As the second most populated country in the world, and with rapid growth in the size of the middle class, India is increasingly becoming a potential tourism market for Australia and the NT. The travel representatives visiting will gain expert knowledge on the region to promote and sell the NT to the Indian market.

“A holiday in the Territory offers a true outback experience and the agents will discover accommodation options, restaurants, national parks, historical sites as well as adventure experiences and cultural tours on offer right in the heart of Australia,” he said.

The wholesale and retail travel agents and representatives are from some of the most respected travel companies in India such as Thomas Cook, SOTC, Amazing Vacations, Travel Tours and Pathfinders Holidays and hail from all across India including Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and New Delhi.

The Department of Tourism and Culture with Tourism Australia are hosting the agents’ familiarisation tour with the adventure starting at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, the original site of European settlement and the gateway to the Alice Springs Mountain Bike Network and park walks including the Larapinta Trail.     

Other highlights of the tour include experiencing an Outback Ballooning sunrise flight adjacent to the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges, the 6km Kings Canyon Rim Walk at Watarrka National Park, a nocturnal spotlight tour at the Alice Springs Desert Park, a visit to the Field of Light art installation, a guided tour of Uluru and a sunrise camel ride.

The tour also includes hotel site inspections/stays and dining experiences in Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru.

Mr Shields added that as well as gaining expert knowledge of the Central Australian region and the products and experiences on offer, the Indian representatives will share their amazing experiences first-hand to their loyal clientele through their company social media channels.

“The social content being shared will showcase the Red Centre and connect their community of followers with the NT which will help to building an awareness of the Northern Territory and all it can offer as a holiday destination.”

The famil in the Red Centre runs from 29 March to 2 April 2017. For more information on the Red Centre visit www.northernterritory.com 

Vision/media opportunity – Tourism distribution partners will be at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station from 2-3pm today to experience a guided tour. Media are welcome to attend.

Media contacts 
Rachel Hoy, Tourism NT Eastern Markets Manager 0429 040 957
Department of Tourism and Culture 0448 698 409