A group of specialist business event planners from Singapore, including a business events trade journalist, are in Darwin to take part in the inaugural Meet Darwin International program, a partnership between the NT Government’s NT Convention Bureau and the Darwin Convention Centre.

The four-day program, which began yesterday and ends on Friday, is providing invaluable insights into what makes Darwin attractive to business event planners, from a cultural, cuisine, business and industry perspective.

Delegates will view Darwin’s key business event infrastructure and explore the region’s offerings, including a trip to Katherine that will showcase the region’s capabilities for both business events and leisure experiences.

The NT Government’s Turbocharging Tourism investment in business events attraction has, to date, secured 42 business events, many in 2019. They are expected to bring more than 13,000 delegates to the NT, and inject an estimated $31.88 million into our economy. 

The recently announced $62.8 million TURBO2 initiative includes a further investment of $7 million over two years towards attracting more national and international business events to the NT, through the NT Business Events Support Fund. Business events deliver significant economic benefits, with delegates often staying longer and spending more on average than other visitors.

Quotes from Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture Deputy CEO, Andrew Hopper:

"The NT Government is investing in attracting more national and international business events to the Territory, to continue to help grow our tourism sector.

"Programs such as this, which not only tell business event planners what the Territory has to offer, but actually show them, are vital when it comes to promoting the NT as a business event destination.

"We are a unique place with unique offerings, including memorable tourism experiences and a busy calendar of events that planners can organise their conferences around, providing an unforgettable experience for delegates."     

Quotes from Peter Savoff, General Manager of the Darwin Convention Centre

"Meet Darwin International provides us with the ideal platform for international event planners to experience what Darwin has to offer as a destination for business events.

"We find that giving event planners the opportunity to visit Darwin is the best way to secure new business, because the majority have not been to the Top End before and are positively surprised by what we have to offer.

"With close proximity to Asia, authentic Australian experiences and world-class facilities, Darwin is an ideal business events destination for international delegates. We aim to attract associations and corporations that are looking for a relaxed atmosphere and unique destination to convene."

Media Contact: Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture Media Manager 0428 052 647.