The martial history of the NT is at the centre of a new tourism campaign. Image: Tourism NT.
The Finocchiaro Government has released an updated Military Heritage Tourism Action Plan as part of a $3 million boost to military tourism.
The plan includes a new Military History Tourism Grant program, a $1 million pool of funding to aid businesses to develop opportunities for military tourism, expand existing options and improve visitor experiences.
The move also includes an audit of 30 key military heritage locations to assess signage, infrastructure and digital presence requirements to ensure that the sites are accessible and engaging to tourists.
The government pointed to the large crowds at military history events such as the Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Service to indicate the high interest in the military history of the Top End, known as Australia’s first battlefield.
“We are establishing the Territory as a ‘must-do’ military tourism destination and making it a major drawcard,” Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said.
“More bombs were dropped in the Territory than Pearl Harbor, including hundreds of kilometres from Darwin with historical sites right along the Stuart Highway.”
Following the completion of the military site improvements, the Territory will launch a marketing campaign to spread awareness of the revamped opportunities.
“With our rich history and ongoing role in defence, we have a clear competitive edge,” Ms Boothby said. ”There is no better place in Australia to learn about military heritage than right here in the Territory.”
An AI trip planner, also in development as part of the program, will collect digital information about heritage sites, products and experiences to generate itineraries individualised to user preferences.
A newly created Military Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee will set out a 10-year strategic plan for the future of the military tourism industry in the Territory.
