The 2024 Northern Territory Brolga Tourism Awards celebrated 27 winners from local businesses, organisations, and individuals, at a ceremony in Alice Springs, with a record 94 nominations from across the Territory, the highest in five years, the government said, which comes amid troubling times for the industry.

“Tourism and hospitality are a vital part of our plan to rebuild the Territory’s economy, and these awards are a chance to celebrate the commitment and achievements of our local tourism businesses,” Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said.

“By supporting our tourism operators, we’re building a future where the Territory’s unique destinations and experiences will bring visitors back to our regions and boost our local economy.”

Australian Walking Holidays distinguished itself by winning awards in both the Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism categories. Also, Chris Day of the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission was honoured with the esteemed Tourism Minister’s Perpetual Trophy for his commitment and contributions to the industry.

“Mr Day is a Territory icon who has had significant involvement in a range of parks and tourism-focused initiatives and facilitated delivery of quality and sustainable tourism experiences including the Alice Springs mountain bike trail network and design and development of the Larapinta Trail,” Ms Boothby said.

“It is so important to acknowledge our local icons like Mr Day and all the dedicated operators who work tirelessly to ensure our visitors have the most memorable Territory experiences.”

She said the dedication, creativity, and resilience of the Territory’s tourism operators will shape a strong future for the industry, “and when tourism thrives, the Territory thrives.”

The Safari Lodge Motel in the Barkly region has won the 3 – 3.5 Star Accommodation category award, while the NT Driver Guide – Escorted Touring received recognition in the New Tourism Business category.

The 22 winners from the Territory will represent the region at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, set to take place on March 21, 2025, in Adelaide, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the national awards program.

List of 2024 winners:

Major Tour and Transport Operators – AAT Kings

Tourism Minister’s Perpetual Trophy – Chris Day

Excellence in Food Tourism – Cooinda Lodge Kakadu – Dird Full Moon Dinner

Festivals and Events – Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

Business Event Venues – Darwin Convention Centre

Major Festivals and Events- Darwin Festival

Caravan and Holiday Parks – Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

Excellence in Accessible Tourism- Darwin Waterfront

Unique Accommodation – Gorge View Bush Retreat

4 – 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation – H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel

Tourist Attractions – Katherine Outback Experience

Chair’s Choice Award – Katherine Outback Experience

Tourism Industry Employee Award – Martijn Weezepoel

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services – Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge

New Tourism Business- NT Driver Guide – Escorted Touring

Tour and Transport Operators – Offshore Boats

George Dunne Award Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Rex Neindorf

3 – 3.5 Star Accommodation- Safari Lodge Motel

Cultural Tourism – SEIT Tours

Visitor Information Services – Top End Visitor Information Centre

Tourism Retail, Hire and Services – Uluru Audio Guide

Major Tourist Attractions – Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences – Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia – Wintjiri Wiṟu

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries – Willing Distillery

Northern Territory People’s Choice Tripadvisor / Shiji ReviewPro Award – Willing Distillery

Ecotourism – World Expeditions – Australian Walking Holidays

Adventure Tourism- World Expeditions – Australian Walking Holidays