Destination NT tickets are now on sale, with leading national and local speakers announced for the four-day event in Alice Springs from 11 to 14 November 2026.
This year’s theme, The Territory Spirit, celebrates the people, places, cultures and experiences that make the Northern Territory unforgettable. As the Territory’s premier tourism industry gathering, Destination NT gives businesses time to step away from day-to-day operations, reflect on the year, share experiences and prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Case studies, expert panels, workshops and peer-to-peer learning are set to help operators build resilience, diversify their products and put new ideas into practice.
Tourism and Events NT CEO Suzana Bishop said Destination NT was the industry’s biggest opportunity to come together, learn from specialists across Australia and make connections that could lead to new products and stronger partnerships.
“Strong, adaptable businesses are essential to a thriving visitor economy. Destination NT is an investment in practical learning that operators can take back and apply in their own businesses.
“Bringing Destination NT to Alice Springs for the first time puts Central Australia in the spotlight and gives operators from across the Territory the chance to experience the region while sharing knowledge and planning for future growth.
“I encourage everyone across our tourism, hospitality and events sectors to be part of it.”
The program begins on Wednesday 11 November with Sector Day, featuring short sessions, case studies and panels on emerging opportunities in priority sectors. Tourism Australia Agritourism Project Manager Kate Shilling will explore how tourism businesses and primary producers can create visitor experiences showcasing the Territory’s landscapes, produce and people.
On Thursday 12 November, award-winning filmmaker and television host Talia Liddle will MC the Aboriginal Tourism Forum, with Rosanna Angus from Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours delivering the keynote address. The Forum will celebrate the NT Aboriginal tourism sector and provide opportunities to share knowledge, build relationships and learn from Aboriginal tourism leaders and entrepreneurs.
The Destination NT Conference follows on Friday 13 November. Australian entrepreneur and RedBalloon founder Naomi Simson OAM will deliver the main keynote address, alongside breakout sessions and workshops offering practical insights for tourism, events and hospitality businesses.
Dark sky tourism expert Marnie Ogg, founder of Dark Sky Tourism Australia and the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance will present on the potential of dark sky tourism and offer free one-on-one sessions to help operators develop and strengthen visitor experiences.
“Karlu Karlu’s recognition as the Territory’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary confirms what we have long known: our night skies are a world-class visitor experience.
“Marnie Ogg’s presentation and product development sessions will help operators explore how they can turn that natural advantage into responsible, bookable experiences,” Mrs Bishop said.
Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) Conservation Reserve is only the third accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary in Australia. Its accreditation strengthens the Territory’s appeal as a dark sky destination and creates new opportunities for operators.
Destination NT will conclude on Saturday 14 November with the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards. Entertainer and television personality Tim Campbell will host the awards and provide end-of-night entertainment with his band.
Eligible Top End tourism, hospitality and events businesses can apply for a travel subsidy of up to $500 plus GST towards flights, accommodation or fuel. Applicants must be Tourism Top End members, attend at least two Destination NT events and submit an expression of interest by 30 October 2026, or before funding is exhausted.
“For eligible Top End businesses, the travel subsidy is there to help make attending possible. I encourage you to get your tickets and apply early,” Mrs Bishop said.
Destination NT is supported by platinum partner Journey Beyond and gold partners Airnorth, Eeger and Airport Development Group.
Tickets and program information are available here. here
