The Fyles Government says six international hotel operators and investors have shown “strong interest” in the proposed new hotel at the waterfront, but the government could not say if any had submitted a formal expression of interest.

The Intercontinental Hotel Group, Toga Far East Hotels, Accor, EVT, Marriot, and Radisson Hotel Group have expressed strong interest in the prime waterfront real estate.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the hotel, to be integrated with the Darwin Convention Centre, will be a crucial development to attract visitors and new business to the Territory.

“The Darwin Convention Centre Hotel is listed in the NT infrastructure plan and pipeline 2022 as one of the key projects that align with the strategy’s investment objectives,” Ms Fyles said.

“This dry season saw our hotel operators stretched to capacity and the room available was tight. This hotel will be a much-welcomed addition to the thousands of tourists who are eager to visit the Territory.”

CBRE Hotels, the Territory Government’s commercial advisor, opened the submission of EOI to the market last month and will close by the end-January next year.

An EOI is an initial step in the market process to obtain a private sector proponent to construct, acquire, and operate the new hotel.

The government envisions the new hotel – which will offer views of the Darwin Harbor and the Waterfront if it gets up – to have a maximum of 250 rooms, providing upscale accommodation options for business and leisure travellers, and will be constructed on Stokes Hill Road next to the Convention Centre.

“It’s also great for local, well-paying jobs in tourism and hospitality, and will have flow-on benefits to surrounding restaurants, tour operators and will reinvigorate our waterfront area,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Nicole Manison said.

She said that the international interest in the project proves the opportunity being offered to investors to be a part of a thriving and exciting precinct.