For the 12 months to March 2010, domestic overnight visitor expenditure in the Northern Territory grew eight per cent ($100 million) to $1.3 billion despite falls in visitor numbers (5 per cent to 1 million) and visitor nights (4 per cent to 6.3 million).

Across Australia, domestic overnight visitor numbers dropped by 3 per cent to 66 million and visitor nights fell slightly for the year ending March 2010. Domestic overnight visitor expenditure remained steady across Australia at $42.9 billion while day trip visitors increased nine per cent to 147.5 million.

Federal Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, and Northern Territory Minister for Tourism, Malarndirri McCarthy MLA, welcomed the results. Minister Ferguson said: “Total expenditure by visitors in the Northern Territory has held up well despite recent economic uncertainties.

In a tough twelve months, the industry here has been able to innovate and improve their products, to convice consumers of the value of domestic tourism. “The strong Australian dollar, increasing airline competition, and the lure of nearby international destinations present ongoing challenges to our domestic industry.

Domestic tourism is the industry’s bread and butter, it accounts for almost three quarters of Australia’s tourism consumption so it is encouraging to see continuing solid performance” “The Australian Government is supporting the industry to grow its share of domestic tourism through two important campaigns - No Leave No Life, which has been delivering some good results by encouraging Australian workers to use their accumulated leave and now the next phase of There’s Nothing Like Australia, which includes a schedule of domestic marketing activity which commenced earlier this month.

“Tourism Australia’s new interactive travel planning site showcasing almost 30,000 images and stories from everyday Australians not only appeals to our international markets but reminds all Australians about the pleasure of holidaying in destinations such as the Northern Territory.” Minister McCarthy said: “Tourism Australia’s campaign will shine a spotlight on the attractions of the Northern Territory, from the desert to the sea, from Nitmiluk to Kakadu.

With expenditure on the rise, tourism operators will have the confidence to invest in even better services and attractions.” The Australian Government has committed $5.5 million over four years to roll out the National Tourism Accreditation Framework (NTAF). Ministers Ferguson stated the NTAF will lift standards and recognise quality by allowing participating businesses to display the TQUAL Mark. Minister Ferguson said, “The TQUAL Mark comes with the marketing power of Tourism Australia to make it instantly recognisable with consumers, affecting their choices and spending habits.

In this way, it rewards and supports quality throughout the Northern Territory tourism industry and gives businesses the opportunity to convert day visitors to overnight visitors.” The complete results from the National Visitor Survey can be downloaded from www.ret.gov.au/tra.