Through its newly formed entity Tourism and Events Northern Territory, the government strategy charts a seven-year path to grow year-round visitation, development, liveability and economic outcomes.

“The NT visitor economy is a key part of the NT economy and lifestyle,” says Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby.

“The NT now leads the nation in economic and population growth, with tourism spending up 13 per cent and total visitors up 19 per cent.

“Our new Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 sets ambitious goals to grow visitor spending from $1.5 billion to $2.2 billion and lift overnight trips from 1.2 million to 1.5 million by 2032, driving year-round visitation, investment and liveability across the NT.

“With two World Heritage-listed national parks and a lifestyle the rest of the nation should envy, the Northern Territory has what Australia and the world is looking for.

“Our new visitor economy strategy showcases the Northern Territory as Australia’s best-kept secret, and a must-add destination on every traveller’s itinerary.”

The Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 centres on the five key objectives of securing infrastructure investment that supports a thriving visitor economy; improving connectivity to and within the Northern Territory; investing in people and workforce development; enhancing the global perception of the Northern Territory; and expanding experiences and product offerings.

“The Northern Territory is a place like nowhere else, and our unique character is our competitive strength – this lies at the heart of our strategy,” says Suzana Bishop, CEO, Tourism and Events NT.

“The establishment of Tourism and Events NT to drive the strategy also strengthens our ability to coordinate outcomes and market the Northern Territory’s unique assets and events.”

The Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 implementation roadmap will be delivered in March 2026, to get underway with partners in May 2026.

Photo at top: iStock/Trung Nguyen.