The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has welcomed the news that the Giles Government will invest $4.75 million in a Tourism Infrastructure Development Fund. The fund will make part of a new suite of tourism products that will be announced at the upcoming state budget.

Chief Executive, Margy Osmond said “it is now well known that tourism has the potential to be an economic growth strategy. It is great to see the Giles government at the opportunities for growth and jobs beyond the mining construction boom and investing in tourism, an industry which is a jobs creator and a trigger for prosperity.

“It is particularly pleasing that the program will focus on regional, remote and Indigenous tourism products. These are areas where sustainable economic development is desperately required. Investment like this has the potential to make a real difference.

“The Northern Territory government set ambitious growth targets as part of the Tourism Vision 2020 Strategy to deliver a $2.2 billion visitor economy by 2020. It will be initiatives like this that will help the Territory’s tourism industry achieve that target and grow jobs into the future.

“The Northern Territory is home to some of the greatest natural wonders and experiences in Australia – and indeed the world. Exciting and dynamic destination branding, investment in visitor infrastructure and a more effective regulatory environment will ensure the Territory is able to leverage these unique tourism assets to support growth in the economy.”