5 April 2023
Visitors to the Northern Territory spent a record $3.12 billion in 2022, boosting the economy and providing well-paying jobs in all regions.
The latest visitor data released by Tourism Research Australia for the year ending December 2022, shows domestic visitors are staying longer, spending more and travelling more within the Territory.
1.66 million overnight visitors were reported for the Northern Territory in the year ending December 2022, a 30% increase compared to the year ending December 2021, with 48% growth from interstate markets.
Visitation in the final quarter of 2022 was a particular highlight, with a significant increase of 65% compared to the same period in 2021.
1.57 million domestic visitors travelled to the Territory in 2022, up 23% compared to 2021, they spent $2.94 billion and stayed an average of 6.2 nights.
Of these, 826,000 were visiting for a holiday, a 24% increase from the previous year.
New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland represent the latest interstate holiday source market for the Northern Territory, indicative of the advertising campaigns run down south.
Importantly, 39% of interstate holidaymakers participated in Aboriginal cultural activities during their trip.
Domestic holiday visitors increased by 21% when compared to 2021 for the Top End, amazingly, over 208,000 visitors went to Kakadu National Park, its highest visitor numbers in 13 years.
For Central Australia, domestic holiday visitors and business travel increased 21% and 24% respectively for the year ending December 2022 compared to 2021.
With the international borders opening in February, 90,000 international visitors came to the Northern Territory in 2022, with the top 5 source markets being USA, UK, Germany, France and New Zealand.
The record $3.12 billion in expenditure is a 69% increase from the same period last year, an additional $1.3 billion on 2021, it’s also 20% higher than pre pandemic level.
To see the tourism research please visit here
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Nicole Manison:
“2022 was a record year for visitor expenditure in the Northern Territory, that’s $3.12 billion in the hands of our hardworking tourism operators, local retailers and hospitality venues.
The Northern Territory is cementing its place as a preferred holiday destination for Australians, who are staying longer, spending more and travelling more within the Territory.
Every region in the Territory saw an increase in visitors in 2022, and 2023 is only looking to be bigger and better as we welcome back international travellers.”
Northern Territory Government
