NEWS   PRODUCT UPDATES   CONTACT Tourism Northern Territory’s Message to Our Partners The Tourism NT team and our partners on the ground have continued planning for and have been patiently awaiting news of Australia’s border reopening plan. While the wait may continue a bit longer, Tourism NT is eager to welcome back North American travelers as soon as it’s safe to do so. For now, check out some of what we’ve been up to in order to make sure your clients will have the perfect Outback adventure as soon as they’re ready and able to travel! What's new in the NT New Heli-Mountain Bike Tour Alice Springs Helicopters recently launched a groundbreaking new heli-mountain bike experience, leveraging the world-class mountain bike trails around Alice Springs. The helicopters are fitted with custom-made bike racks, giving riders an exhilarating way to access the trails. With five different landing sites to choose from, riders can enjoy stunning sites from the air before touching down amid the hills to hit the trail. LEARN MORE Taste of Kakadu Food Festival Returns After the festival was canceled in 2020, the iconic food festival celebrating Aboriginal bush foods of the Top End returned for 2021. The Taste of Kakadu Food Festival was celebrated in Kakadu National Park May 28–30, with visitors enjoying a three-day journey of bush food discovery celebrating Kakadu’s culture, country and cuisine. Tourism NT and Kakadu National Park remain hopeful that international visitors may be able to attend the festival for activities such as canape cruises, range-guided tours, cooking demonstrations and more in 2022. LEARN MORE The Kangaroo Sanctuary Crowdsourced a Name for a Joey Tourism NT worked in partnership with The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs to crowdsource name ideas for a new joey at the sanctuary. Tourism NT shared a Facebook post asking for name recommendations in early May, and by the end of the month, the post was shared dozens of times and had hundreds of comments with name ideas. After much debate, the little joey was named Opal, for Australia’s national gemstone. We appreciate all who contributed ideas! LEARN MORE Ayers Rock Resort Bookings Update After news of recent communication and ongoing commentary from the Australian government, Ayers Rock Resort has made the difficult decision to cancel all inbound FIT and Group bookings due to arrive at Ayers Rock Resort up to and including December 31, 2021. Additionally, the resort will not accept any new inbound FIT or Group bookings to arrive from January 1 to March 31, 2022. All existing bookings for this timeframe will remain confirmed for the time being, and bookings are currently open for arrival from April 1, 2022. While not an easy decision to make, the removal of inbound bookings up to December 31, 2021 allows the resort to more accurately manage inventory and maximize the domestic tourism opportunities given current circumstances. For more information, please contact the Voyages sales team at sales.emails@voyages.com.au. LEARN MORE NT IN THE NEWS Bloomberg Story Names Top End Rock Art a “New World Wonder” The Top End’s rock art was coined one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” by Bloomberg writer Brandon Presser. Appearing alongside global destinations such as Baalbek, Lebanon; Nahanni, Canada and the kelp forests of South Africa, the Top End’s rock art was identified for its “constellation of elaborate rock paintings, some more than 60,000 years old.” The article features locations in both Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land. LEARN MORE Lonely Planet Highlights the Surprising Sides of the NT Think you know the NT? Think again! In a recent content campaign with Lonely Planet, writer Lindsay Brown takes a look at all the ways the NT may surprise you. For starters, the NT isn’t all a desert! As the article points out, the Top End is in fact a tropical monsoon ecosystem, which varies immensely from the semi-arid desert ecosystem of the Red Centre. Check out the rest of the article to find out what else the writer debunks! LEARN MORE PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS As the situation around COVID-19 continues to improve with a more streamlined vaccination rollout across North America and continued precautionary measures for international travel, we’re hopeful that international visitors may be able to return to the Northern Territory sooner rather than later. As you begin planning trips with your clients, please keep in mind the following tour operators and accommodation options within the Northern Territory! Guluyambi Cultural Cruise Owned and operated by the Djabulukgu Association representing the Traditional Owners of Northern Kakadu and parts of Western Arnhem Land, the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise touring company specializes in Aboriginal cultural and nature-based cruises and tours. The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise is a boat tour on Kakadu’s East Alligator River, which includes a leisurely cruise upstream while an Abogirinal guide shares insights into local culture and mythology, as well as the river’s ecosystem and food chain. The guide will also share bush survival skills and show a display of traditional hunting and gathering skills to provide guests with an intimate and personalized cultural experience. LEARN MORE Drive the Savannah Way Have you ever heard of the “Savannah Way?” While lesser known than iconic NT drive routes like Explorer’s Way or Red Centre Way, this route provides an unforgettable look at the Victoria River region of the Territory. Travel from the rainforests on the border of Queensland through the middle of the NT stopping in Lorella Springs, Katherine, Gregory National Park, Timber Creek and more before crossing into Western Australia. Learn more about the drive itinerary here, or check out the beautifully shot video below! LEARN MORE The Jatbula Trail Trekking enthusiasts seeking a tropical paradise need look no further than the Jatbula Trail, a 38-mile adventure that winds along the edge of the escarpment from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn Falls. The hike is a true wilderness experience, with jaw-dropping waterfalls and high quartzite cliffs, shady monsoon forests and crystal-clear creeks. Spot ancient Aboriginal rock art on caves and rock overhangs and take a refreshing dip in the swimming holes you’ll encounter along the way. Australian Walking Holidays operates a six-day full-pack trek on the trail with experienced guides for the ultimate hiking adventure. LEARN MORE     CONTACT US Australia's Northern Territory c/o Myriad Marketing 5800 Bristol Parkway Suite 660 Culver City, CA 90230 tourismnt@myriadmarketing.com