Ms LAWRIE - 2002-06-20
Minister, could you please inform the house on the success of the recent Australian Tourism Exchange?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Karama for her question. I did have the privilege of attending the recent ATE in Brisbane as part of the successful Northern Territory tourism industry contingent. We had 35 tourism operators from across the Northern Territory as part of that contingent, along with the commissioner. I am pleased to say - and I hope all members acknowledge it - that it is envisaged that over $200m worth of business was generated via that ATE for the Northern Territory in that particular week in Brisbane a few weeks ago. It was a very strong, successful ATE over the period of time.
The professionalism and standard of the tourism operators was impressive; a credit to the Northern Territory. One of the things that came through very strongly to me on the first tourism exchange that I have been to, one of the biggest of its type in the world - certainly the biggest in Australia - is that we are really up against it in terms of product that is out there and we really have to maintain our competitive advantage regarding quality and service. We need to do that to continue to be ahead of the game and attract more tourists to the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory had a unified presence at the ATE in Territory Alley, as it was known. On each night, ‘Taste of the Territory’ functions were held where kangaroo and barra sartees were barbecued in the alley, and attracted hundreds of visitors from around the world. It was a very successful exposure of Territory product and, again, exposing people to and having them show interest in the Northern Territory.
One of the areas of competitive advantages we have, and one of the niches that this government is committed to developing, is the interest that people from around the world have regarding Aboriginal culture. That is one of the key things that came through. The government is currently reviewing the Aboriginal tourism development strategy. I do not know if I have said this in this House before, but surveys of our interstate and international visitors to the Northern Territory show that 35% of those visitors choose to come to the Northern Territory - they make their decision to come to the Northern Territory - because they want to experience Aboriginal culture and art. That really is a competitive advantage. It is a unique niche that we need to focus on and develop even further. With regard to the strategic review the Tourist Commission is conducting at the moment, that is going to be one of the key focus outcomes that is going to come from that.
At the heart of ATE, Barbara Weir, a Territory artist, was provided with space and time to paint a spectacular piece of art, which was auctioned for $US10 000. That is going to be donated to a charity of Barbara’s choice.
Again, I congratulate the Tourist Commission and the 35 Territory tour operators who went attended. It really was a fantastic experience. It has generated a lot of business for the Northern Territory. I hope next year that the shadow minister for tourism can come to ATE along with me and I extend that invitation.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Karama for her question. I did have the privilege of attending the recent ATE in Brisbane as part of the successful Northern Territory tourism industry contingent. We had 35 tourism operators from across the Northern Territory as part of that contingent, along with the commissioner. I am pleased to say - and I hope all members acknowledge it - that it is envisaged that over $200m worth of business was generated via that ATE for the Northern Territory in that particular week in Brisbane a few weeks ago. It was a very strong, successful ATE over the period of time.
The professionalism and standard of the tourism operators was impressive; a credit to the Northern Territory. One of the things that came through very strongly to me on the first tourism exchange that I have been to, one of the biggest of its type in the world - certainly the biggest in Australia - is that we are really up against it in terms of product that is out there and we really have to maintain our competitive advantage regarding quality and service. We need to do that to continue to be ahead of the game and attract more tourists to the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory had a unified presence at the ATE in Territory Alley, as it was known. On each night, ‘Taste of the Territory’ functions were held where kangaroo and barra sartees were barbecued in the alley, and attracted hundreds of visitors from around the world. It was a very successful exposure of Territory product and, again, exposing people to and having them show interest in the Northern Territory.
One of the areas of competitive advantages we have, and one of the niches that this government is committed to developing, is the interest that people from around the world have regarding Aboriginal culture. That is one of the key things that came through. The government is currently reviewing the Aboriginal tourism development strategy. I do not know if I have said this in this House before, but surveys of our interstate and international visitors to the Northern Territory show that 35% of those visitors choose to come to the Northern Territory - they make their decision to come to the Northern Territory - because they want to experience Aboriginal culture and art. That really is a competitive advantage. It is a unique niche that we need to focus on and develop even further. With regard to the strategic review the Tourist Commission is conducting at the moment, that is going to be one of the key focus outcomes that is going to come from that.
At the heart of ATE, Barbara Weir, a Territory artist, was provided with space and time to paint a spectacular piece of art, which was auctioned for $US10 000. That is going to be donated to a charity of Barbara’s choice.
Again, I congratulate the Tourist Commission and the 35 Territory tour operators who went attended. It really was a fantastic experience. It has generated a lot of business for the Northern Territory. I hope next year that the shadow minister for tourism can come to ATE along with me and I extend that invitation.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016