Qantas to spruik us overseas

THE Northern Territory will be promoted on the international stage like never before as the NT Government and Qantas enter into a $7 million co-operative agreement to create jobs and boost the economy.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Matt Conlan said the deal, to be announced today, would market the NT as a leading tourist and event destination to the world.

"This is the biggest airline marketing partnership deal in the Territory's history," he said.

"The three-year agreement will target key markets including Australia, US, Japan, United Kingdom and America, and other international regions using a range of advertising and marketing strategies.

"The Qantas story has its roots in the NT and it is only fitting that this partnership will lead to growth for the airline and for the NT.

"The agreement will attract more visitors to the Territory, create more jobs and boost the economy.

"The Country Liberals Government's vision is to attract 1.7 million visitors to the Territory annually by 2020, about 400,000 more than we receive currently, and this partnership will help deliver that outcome in conjunction with one of the world's most respected airlines."

Mr Conlan said the partnership would make the NT more visible with the Qantas Group in international and domestic markets all year round.

It would also allow the NT to work with other states that have partnered with Qantas to promote Australia and encourage further regional visitation to the NT.

Latest figures show international visitors spent a total of $352 million in the NT in 2012, which was down from $398 million the year before.

Qantas executive manager international sales Stephen Thompson said the agreement was expected to deliver huge dividends for the NT, particularly for inbound tourism.




http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/07/16/322861_ntnews.html