Northern Territory tourism operators have hit the
road along Australia’s east coast in a bid to lure more backpackers to the
Territory for a holiday.
Backpack the Outback 2017 kicks off in Cairns
today, before travelling on to Melbourne, Sydney and concluding in Byron Bay
this Thursday, 6 April 2017.
CEO for Department of Tourism and Culture Alastair Shields said the
roadshow will bring the NT to Australia’s eastern seaboard – showcasing the
Territory’s key regions, tourism products and experiences to key frontline
agents in the youth/backpacker sector.
“Backpack the Outback 2017 follows the success of the inaugural 2016 roadshow
which saw a significant increase in bookings by NT operators and is one of many
initiatives and marketing campaigns to help boost backpacker numbers to the NT.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for these travel agents to meet one-on-one and
network with NT backpacker and youth tourism operators.
“The East Coast is experiencing strong growth in international visitors and
backpackers and the Northern Territory wants a slice of the action with plenty
to offer young overseas travellers.
“You haven’t done Australia unless you’ve done the
Northern Territory – Australia’s real outback – whether it’s a thrilling sky
dive at Uluru or a sunrise Outback Balloon flight over the MacDonnell ranges
down in the Red Centre to the Cage of Death experience at Crocosaurus Cove in
Darwin, or an epic road trip along the Explorer’s Way, a visit to the Territory is an adventure not to be
missed,” he said.
The roadshow aims to harness the decline in the
international youth/backpacker market and inform the travel trade operating in
the youth adventure sector about the Territory’s signature youth/adventure
experiences and products on offer strengthening the NT as the premier
Australian destination for backpacker and working holiday makers.
A total of 10 NT and national operators will be
participating in Backpack the Outback 2017 including Wayoutback Australian Safaris, YHA Australia, Intrepid Travel
(Adventure Tours Australia), Territory
Expeditions, Kakadu 4WD Safaris, Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin Airport Link, Skydive Uluru, Outback Ballooning and The Rock Tour.
The 2017 Backpack the Outback roadshow runs from 3 April – 6 April 2017 and is
part of the Government’s plan to drive the development of North Australia and
build a $2.2 billion visitor economy by 2020.
For more information on Tourism NT marketing,
roadshows and industry events visit www.tourismnt.com.au or for information on a Territory adventure visit www.northernterritory.com.au
Media contact
Tourism NT, Department of Tourism and Culture |
Media Manager 0448 698 409