The world-class National Basketball League (NBL) 2022 Blitz tournament kicks off in Darwin this week!
Having events like this in the Territory is good for local business, tourism and our Territory kids. We know how important tourism is to the Territory – providing over 12, 000 jobs across the NT and injecting over $2.6 billion back into our local economy.
Taking place from Friday 16-23 September, the first game in the fixture will be between South East Melbourne and Adelaide 36ers, with 15 games happening over eight days.
The NBL Blitz is the only time of year when all 10 NBL teams converge in one location to prepare for the season ahead, which begins on 1 October. All the teams will take part in community engagement initiatives while in the Territory.
The Northern Territory is the best place to be visit and the NBL Blitz is another great reason to visit the Territory right now.
Accommodation indicators for Darwin for the month of July 2022 were positive for the hotel sector, with occupancy rates up by 30 per cent to 83 per cent in July 2022 compared to July 2021.
Similar high occupancy rates have also been seen in Alice Springs, with hotel bookings up by 22 per cent in July 2022 to July 2021.
New initiatives such as the 2022 Blitz tournament will bolster our visitor numbers during the traditionally quieter months.
Recently, the Territory Government announced their new Summer Starts Early in the NT campaign which aims to continue our great dry season tourism numbers. The campaign has seen Tourism NT partner with Australian airlines, online travel retailers, travel agents and car hire companies to provide great discounts and deals to get more people to the Territory.
To secure a spot at the NBL Blitz, visit here
Quotes from Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles:
“Families no longer need to travel interstate to watch great sport, we are bringing the live action right here to Darwin.
“But this isn’t just about great basketball, this is about attracting the best events to the Territory, to attract visitors, support local business and grow our economy.
“The Territory has a wonderful basketball community and this event will help develop the game in the Territory and continue to highlight our passion at the sport’s highest level.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Nicole Manison:
“Our billion dollar tourism industry is bouncing back and in its most exciting high season since the start of the pandemic.
“Having events like the NBL in Darwin is an opportunity for the NT to demonstrate what we are capable of. We can host national events and provide the best tourism and hospitality experience to match.
“We want the tourists to keep coming, especially in our traditional low season and that’s why we have invested $5 million into the Summer Starts Early in the NT campaign.”
Northern Territory Government
