In a bid to boost local tourism, the Northern Territory has just launched a travel campaign offering steep discounts to double-jabbed tourists.
The announcement is under a $5 million co-operative initiative with Tourism NT and travel retailers Helloworld Travel, Viva Holidays and Holidays of Australia.
The NT is the first tourism body to make this move.
Fully vaccinated travellers can save on flights, accommodation and tourism attractions, receiving a $200 discount for every $1,000 spent on an NT bookings.
Natasha Fyles, Tourism and Hospitality Minister, said that within two weeks the territory government will reveal even more travel vouchers.
“These incentives mean vaccinated tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy a world class holiday in the Territory as a reward for helping us get past this pandemic,” she said.
“The Territory Labor government’s successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic means we have not only kept Territorians safe but ensures both central Australia and the Top End remain safe tourism destinations for visitors.”
The offer will run from 1 October 2021 until 31 March 2022.
NT tourism has continued to take a hit from the pandemic, especially as Victoria and NSW – some of its key economic contributors – remain in extended lockdowns.
While its losses have predominately stemmed from other states enduring high COVID-19 cases, the NT has steered clear from a rise since April, only reporting very minimal numbers for months.
On Monday, the Territory reported two new cases, but Minister Fyles said both will impede “minimal risk” on the NT, and does not expect it to spread.
The vaccination incentives are the first to be spearheaded by the NT, according to Andrew Hopper, Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade deputy CEO.
“It is imperative that we continue to drive bookings, grow the value of the holiday market and position the NT as an accessible, safe and affordable tourist destination, to support the NT’s tourism sector,” he said.
This is the second time Tourism NT has made this move after reporting major success from similar discounts offered a year ago.
According to Tourism NT, the sale “generated $15.5 million in booking value for tourism into and across the NT, which included $2.35 million for the consumer rebate and agent initiatives”.
“This consisted of 9,500 visitors into the NT across 4,746 bookings from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021.”
It comes only days after NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner released the Stage Three COVID plan, mandating all high-risk workers to be vaccinated.
Along with this, he said tougher border measures will remain for unvaccinated travellers, but more freedoms will become available for the double-jabbed.
“Businesses and venues will have the right to refuse entry to unvaccinated people, whether or not there is an outbreak,” Chief Minister Gunner said.
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