1 00:00:00,040 --> 00:00:00,400 Speaker 1: So we know. 2 00:00:00,480 --> 00:00:03,600 Speaker 2: The second round of the Territory Tourism Discount scheme got 3 00:00:03,680 --> 00:00:06,960 Speaker 2: underway on Tuesday, with discounts of up to twenty five 4 00:00:07,000 --> 00:00:10,920 Speaker 2: percent available on tourism products and experiences that are booked 5 00:00:10,920 --> 00:00:14,840 Speaker 2: across the Northern Territory between October one and March thirty one. 6 00:00:15,360 --> 00:00:19,040 Speaker 2: The discount applies to eligible bookings made through Visitor Information 7 00:00:19,160 --> 00:00:22,760 Speaker 2: centers in Darwin, Catherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs in Ulara. 8 00:00:23,239 --> 00:00:25,959 Speaker 1: Now it is needed, there is no doubt about that. 9 00:00:26,480 --> 00:00:29,040 Speaker 2: Not only are we heading into the wet season, which 10 00:00:29,080 --> 00:00:32,559 Speaker 2: is traditionally a quiet time for many businesses, but for 11 00:00:32,680 --> 00:00:36,040 Speaker 2: some the issues of crime recently have had a massive impact. 12 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:39,280 Speaker 2: Now joining me on the line from Alice Springs, the 13 00:00:39,479 --> 00:00:42,880 Speaker 2: CEO of Tourism Central Australia, Daniel Rochford. 14 00:00:43,159 --> 00:00:47,680 Speaker 1: Good morning to you, Daniel. All right, we're going to 15 00:00:47,760 --> 00:00:48,560 Speaker 1: have to try that again. 16 00:00:48,640 --> 00:00:50,720 Speaker 2: I'm not too sure what is going on with our 17 00:00:51,040 --> 00:00:53,279 Speaker 2: with my phone line, but as I said earlier, it 18 00:00:53,360 --> 00:00:56,080 Speaker 2: is probably operator Era on my part, so we'll do 19 00:00:56,120 --> 00:00:58,560 Speaker 2: our best to make sure we've got him on there. 20 00:00:58,960 --> 00:01:01,160 Speaker 2: But as I said these you know, there is no 21 00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:05,520 Speaker 2: doubt that the vouchers are absolutely needed. I mean, it 22 00:01:06,240 --> 00:01:08,319 Speaker 2: has absolutely been a tough time for a lot of 23 00:01:08,319 --> 00:01:12,720 Speaker 2: our tourism operators out there. Lot are struggling and continue 24 00:01:12,720 --> 00:01:14,959 Speaker 2: to struggle for many up here in the top end. 25 00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:20,039 Speaker 2: The dry season has been something that has obviously been 26 00:01:20,080 --> 00:01:23,600 Speaker 2: a difficult time for a lot of those businesses that 27 00:01:23,680 --> 00:01:29,440 Speaker 2: are traditionally really quite busy. Unfortunately, yeah, unfortunately, just not 28 00:01:29,480 --> 00:01:33,559 Speaker 2: getting the same level of business as what they traditionally would. 29 00:01:33,560 --> 00:01:35,480 Speaker 2: But in the Red Center, well, joining us on the line, 30 00:01:35,480 --> 00:01:39,200 Speaker 2: we'll try once more to find out how things are going. 31 00:01:39,280 --> 00:01:40,880 Speaker 1: Daniel Rochford, Good morning to you. 32 00:01:41,680 --> 00:01:43,600 Speaker 3: Good morning, Katie, and good morning to you listens. 33 00:01:43,920 --> 00:01:44,320 Speaker 1: Daniel. 34 00:01:44,560 --> 00:01:47,040 Speaker 2: It's been a tough time, there is no doubt about that. 35 00:01:47,080 --> 00:01:49,920 Speaker 2: I mean, the vouchers became available on Tuesday, though has 36 00:01:49,960 --> 00:01:52,560 Speaker 2: there been much interest in the Red Center so far? 37 00:01:53,680 --> 00:01:58,320 Speaker 3: We had the luxury, Katie, of having those booking windows 38 00:01:58,360 --> 00:02:01,920 Speaker 3: a little bit longer. We Stay's sale selling on the 39 00:02:01,960 --> 00:02:05,279 Speaker 3: first September, so we've had a little bit of extra 40 00:02:05,360 --> 00:02:08,839 Speaker 3: time to book and that's been really positive. A lot 41 00:02:08,880 --> 00:02:12,000 Speaker 3: of Territorians and a lot of people from around the 42 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:15,760 Speaker 3: country have taken advantage of these discounts and that's great 43 00:02:15,760 --> 00:02:16,040 Speaker 3: to see. 44 00:02:16,240 --> 00:02:17,280 Speaker 1: That is good to see. 45 00:02:17,360 --> 00:02:20,119 Speaker 2: I mean in terms of, you know, are you able 46 00:02:20,160 --> 00:02:22,280 Speaker 2: to kind of quantify if you've had a lot of 47 00:02:22,320 --> 00:02:26,720 Speaker 2: people through the door over recent days with these vouchers. 48 00:02:27,800 --> 00:02:31,240 Speaker 3: Look, it's been steady. You know, they're not kicking the 49 00:02:31,280 --> 00:02:34,600 Speaker 3: doors down, but it's certainly been steady and that's been 50 00:02:34,639 --> 00:02:37,040 Speaker 3: really pleasing. And a lot of the bookings are for 51 00:02:37,400 --> 00:02:39,520 Speaker 3: the next few weeks and of course, as you know, 52 00:02:39,639 --> 00:02:43,720 Speaker 3: we've got Masters games first time in twenty eighteen in 53 00:02:43,760 --> 00:02:45,800 Speaker 3: the next few weeks here in Alice Springs, and you 54 00:02:45,840 --> 00:02:47,919 Speaker 3: know a lot of people coming to the Masters are 55 00:02:47,919 --> 00:02:50,880 Speaker 3: really excited and they're taking the opportunity of going on 56 00:02:50,880 --> 00:02:52,680 Speaker 3: a hot air balloon or going out for a tour 57 00:02:53,160 --> 00:02:55,080 Speaker 3: to the West Max and the like. So you know, 58 00:02:55,080 --> 00:02:56,600 Speaker 3: we're really excited about that. 59 00:02:56,680 --> 00:02:58,320 Speaker 2: And that's a great thing to do, right if they're 60 00:02:58,320 --> 00:03:01,200 Speaker 2: already there, and if they're already planning on traveling there 61 00:03:01,280 --> 00:03:03,280 Speaker 2: is spending a little bit more money and a bit 62 00:03:03,280 --> 00:03:03,720 Speaker 2: more time. 63 00:03:03,760 --> 00:03:04,919 Speaker 1: There can only be a good thing. 64 00:03:05,840 --> 00:03:08,720 Speaker 3: Yeah, absolutely, And of course the booking window through to 65 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:13,680 Speaker 3: the end of March takes it takes into consideration great 66 00:03:13,680 --> 00:03:16,919 Speaker 3: events like fair ballas and even Pardiner I think seeks 67 00:03:16,960 --> 00:03:19,120 Speaker 3: in your mind at the depth there, so you know 68 00:03:19,160 --> 00:03:22,600 Speaker 3: where you know, would encourage all of your listeners if 69 00:03:22,600 --> 00:03:24,400 Speaker 3: you're thinking about coming down to one of our great 70 00:03:24,400 --> 00:03:28,080 Speaker 3: events or coming down through Central Australia as they're going 71 00:03:28,120 --> 00:03:31,280 Speaker 3: on your Christmas holidays, take advantage of these twenty five 72 00:03:31,280 --> 00:03:34,679 Speaker 3: percent off. It's there, to take advantage of it, get 73 00:03:34,720 --> 00:03:36,040 Speaker 3: out and get amongst it now. 74 00:03:36,160 --> 00:03:39,480 Speaker 2: Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Maray Claire Boothby had said 75 00:03:39,480 --> 00:03:42,160 Speaker 2: that the program's going to be extended for from two 76 00:03:42,240 --> 00:03:45,360 Speaker 2: months to six months. Do you reckon that's going to 77 00:03:45,400 --> 00:03:46,400 Speaker 2: have a positive impact. 78 00:03:47,480 --> 00:03:49,640 Speaker 3: Look, we said it at the time and we'll certainly 79 00:03:49,680 --> 00:03:53,640 Speaker 3: say it again that you know, we really welcome this initiative. 80 00:03:53,640 --> 00:03:57,400 Speaker 3: I think it was a really good initiative and also 81 00:03:57,440 --> 00:03:59,880 Speaker 3: the fact that it's been announced for a number of 82 00:04:00,280 --> 00:04:03,520 Speaker 3: is as well, so you know, we think you know spilling. 83 00:04:03,920 --> 00:04:08,520 Speaker 3: I think every single written document about tourism in and 84 00:04:08,560 --> 00:04:11,080 Speaker 3: all the territory says we need to do more about 85 00:04:11,120 --> 00:04:14,200 Speaker 3: the shoulder seasons than our low seasons, and this program 86 00:04:14,280 --> 00:04:17,720 Speaker 3: really drives at the heart of trying to tackle that issue. 87 00:04:18,080 --> 00:04:20,599 Speaker 2: Now in terms of how things are going at the moment, 88 00:04:20,640 --> 00:04:23,000 Speaker 2: we know that there was another pretty tough weekend in 89 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:27,520 Speaker 2: Ella Springs, Daniel, is that crime an anti social behavior 90 00:04:27,600 --> 00:04:30,320 Speaker 2: still having an impact when you look at the tourism sector. 91 00:04:31,400 --> 00:04:33,760 Speaker 3: Look, it's that a president and we do need to 92 00:04:34,120 --> 00:04:38,960 Speaker 3: recognize that. I think we're all you know, we've recently 93 00:04:39,000 --> 00:04:41,800 Speaker 3: met as an industry and look, there was a little 94 00:04:41,839 --> 00:04:44,680 Speaker 3: bit of an air of optimism amongst the tourism industry 95 00:04:45,320 --> 00:04:47,320 Speaker 3: at our recent TCA meeting. There were you know, the 96 00:04:47,480 --> 00:04:49,760 Speaker 3: understanding of the change of governments and you know, the 97 00:04:49,800 --> 00:04:53,680 Speaker 3: new government's policies around crime and anti social behavior are 98 00:04:53,680 --> 00:04:57,120 Speaker 3: well known, and you know, we're suddenly looking forward to 99 00:04:57,160 --> 00:05:00,880 Speaker 3: them being able to get through the leisures of processes 100 00:05:00,920 --> 00:05:04,200 Speaker 3: at the next sitting of Parliament to start putting in place, 101 00:05:04,880 --> 00:05:09,160 Speaker 3: you know, additional measures that hopefully will curb that crime 102 00:05:09,200 --> 00:05:10,719 Speaker 3: and anti social behavior issues. 103 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:12,600 Speaker 2: Yeah, and this is the thing, you know, I've just 104 00:05:12,640 --> 00:05:15,120 Speaker 2: come back from overseas. I was in New Zealand and 105 00:05:15,160 --> 00:05:17,240 Speaker 2: it's interesting when you travel somewhere else and you sort 106 00:05:17,240 --> 00:05:19,640 Speaker 2: of look at the offerings in place and you go 107 00:05:19,680 --> 00:05:22,520 Speaker 2: to yourself. The Northern Territory has actually got so much 108 00:05:22,600 --> 00:05:23,640 Speaker 2: natural beauty and. 109 00:05:23,560 --> 00:05:24,719 Speaker 1: So much on offer. 110 00:05:25,600 --> 00:05:27,600 Speaker 2: But you know, if people travel there and they don't 111 00:05:27,640 --> 00:05:30,320 Speaker 2: feel safe. It has a huge impact. So we have 112 00:05:30,400 --> 00:05:33,480 Speaker 2: to reverse what is going on. I know it's easier 113 00:05:33,560 --> 00:05:35,360 Speaker 2: said than done. We've got to stop the crime, and 114 00:05:35,400 --> 00:05:39,000 Speaker 2: then it's like it's a matter of really rebuilding our 115 00:05:39,040 --> 00:05:42,440 Speaker 2: reputation so people realize we're open for business and we're 116 00:05:42,480 --> 00:05:44,200 Speaker 2: safe very much. 117 00:05:44,240 --> 00:05:47,440 Speaker 3: So it's a two part process really is you know, 118 00:05:47,480 --> 00:05:49,599 Speaker 3: we need to make sure that we get around the 119 00:05:49,640 --> 00:05:54,120 Speaker 3: crime and antisocial issues, but then also be absolutely prepared 120 00:05:54,120 --> 00:05:57,039 Speaker 3: to get on the front foot. One thing I will say, 121 00:05:57,120 --> 00:06:00,000 Speaker 3: Okatie is the feedback that we're getting from our visitors 122 00:06:00,160 --> 00:06:03,840 Speaker 3: day in, day out is nothing short of amazing. They 123 00:06:03,880 --> 00:06:07,920 Speaker 3: are absolutely having a wonderful time here in Central Australia. 124 00:06:07,680 --> 00:06:11,160 Speaker 3: And you know, you know, you and I know about 125 00:06:11,440 --> 00:06:14,919 Speaker 3: the fundamental, first fundamental of marketing and that's the word 126 00:06:14,920 --> 00:06:18,159 Speaker 3: of mouth advertising. And you know, hopefully that those good 127 00:06:18,240 --> 00:06:20,800 Speaker 3: messages will get out there. But of course, you know, 128 00:06:20,839 --> 00:06:23,600 Speaker 3: we cannot recognize that. You know, the crime and anti 129 00:06:23,600 --> 00:06:26,120 Speaker 3: social issues are all purveying and you know they've been 130 00:06:26,120 --> 00:06:28,039 Speaker 3: there for such a long time, and you know, I've 131 00:06:28,080 --> 00:06:30,560 Speaker 3: talked about it for many years now and I guess 132 00:06:30,640 --> 00:06:34,000 Speaker 3: ultimately you know, there is an air of optimism that 133 00:06:34,040 --> 00:06:38,760 Speaker 3: the new government will implement new policies that will ensure 134 00:06:38,839 --> 00:06:42,320 Speaker 3: that that crime and anti social behavior stuff gets starting 135 00:06:42,360 --> 00:06:43,040 Speaker 3: to be dealt with. 136 00:06:43,200 --> 00:06:45,200 Speaker 2: Yeah, we have to, you know, we've got to We've 137 00:06:45,200 --> 00:06:46,760 Speaker 2: got to see some change in that space. 138 00:06:47,279 --> 00:06:47,599 Speaker 1: Daniel. 139 00:06:47,600 --> 00:06:50,279 Speaker 2: I want to ask you though, in terms of, you know, 140 00:06:50,320 --> 00:06:54,280 Speaker 2: the kinds of experiences that are the most popular in 141 00:06:54,360 --> 00:06:58,040 Speaker 2: Central Australia with the vouchers, is there anything that's you know, 142 00:06:58,080 --> 00:07:02,200 Speaker 2: that's really sort of going off very quickly, Yeah. 143 00:07:02,120 --> 00:07:05,120 Speaker 3: Very much so. Sort of our premium experiences like hot 144 00:07:05,120 --> 00:07:09,080 Speaker 3: air ballooning going down to Kings Canyon Earl of course, 145 00:07:09,680 --> 00:07:13,160 Speaker 3: our day trips out of Alice Springs, all of these 146 00:07:13,160 --> 00:07:15,920 Speaker 3: have been hot ticket items thus far. And you know, 147 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:19,520 Speaker 3: i'd certainly encourage all of your listeners to jump onto 148 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:22,840 Speaker 3: our website at discover Central Australia dot com or give 149 00:07:22,880 --> 00:07:27,480 Speaker 3: our information centers in ten Creek, Alice Springs and Yolara 150 00:07:27,640 --> 00:07:31,120 Speaker 3: call and have a discussion with our consultants there who 151 00:07:31,160 --> 00:07:32,920 Speaker 3: can be able to help you and want you in 152 00:07:32,960 --> 00:07:35,640 Speaker 3: the right direction. And of course don't forget at the 153 00:07:35,640 --> 00:07:38,080 Speaker 3: Great Seam at Tourism top End and the Catherine Information 154 00:07:38,200 --> 00:07:39,640 Speaker 3: Center are there to help as well. 155 00:07:40,120 --> 00:07:41,880 Speaker 2: Now, mate, before I let you go, we know the 156 00:07:41,960 --> 00:07:45,520 Speaker 2: Luxe Festival has kicked off not only up here in 157 00:07:45,600 --> 00:07:49,320 Speaker 2: the top End, but also in Alice Springs. My understanding 158 00:07:49,360 --> 00:07:52,880 Speaker 2: is there's been record entries. Are there some pretty you know, 159 00:07:53,200 --> 00:07:55,720 Speaker 2: creative entries there in the Red Center? 160 00:07:56,840 --> 00:08:00,520 Speaker 3: Well? I know this might be somewhat controversial, but could 161 00:08:00,880 --> 00:08:04,520 Speaker 3: could Could Alice Springs actually be the luxA capital of 162 00:08:04,560 --> 00:08:08,280 Speaker 3: the Could we take that away from you guys up there. 163 00:08:08,480 --> 00:08:11,400 Speaker 3: I don't know that record. We've got a record number 164 00:08:11,440 --> 00:08:15,080 Speaker 3: of entrants this year for the Luxter Festival, and you know, 165 00:08:15,160 --> 00:08:19,760 Speaker 3: everything from your traditional luxes to lux of waffles, lux 166 00:08:19,840 --> 00:08:23,080 Speaker 3: of pizzas and even Alice Strings Brewery's got on the 167 00:08:23,480 --> 00:08:28,480 Speaker 3: charge and got a luxA beer which I've had a 168 00:08:28,560 --> 00:08:32,240 Speaker 3: quick taste and it's yeah, it's not pretty damn awesome. 169 00:08:33,520 --> 00:08:36,560 Speaker 1: What it hints of coconuctual? What's the. 170 00:08:38,640 --> 00:08:41,800 Speaker 3: Cafe lime? And you know that, you know it's actually 171 00:08:42,040 --> 00:08:45,360 Speaker 3: it's like you are literally drinking a luxA, which of 172 00:08:45,360 --> 00:08:48,600 Speaker 3: course you do. But yeah, so there you go, o Katie. 173 00:08:48,600 --> 00:08:51,440 Speaker 3: Who would have thunk it that Alice Springs is going 174 00:08:51,520 --> 00:08:54,440 Speaker 3: to be potentially the next lux the capital of the 175 00:08:54,440 --> 00:08:55,240 Speaker 3: Northern Territory. 176 00:08:55,320 --> 00:08:57,720 Speaker 2: I tell you what that beer It all sounds a 177 00:08:57,720 --> 00:09:00,559 Speaker 2: bit fancy like we've we've you know, we've got a 178 00:09:00,600 --> 00:09:03,080 Speaker 2: bit toffee nosed in Alice Springs. 179 00:09:03,120 --> 00:09:06,120 Speaker 3: You know, here we go, here we go. So look, 180 00:09:06,200 --> 00:09:08,520 Speaker 3: if you don't believe me, you know, I encourage all 181 00:09:08,520 --> 00:09:11,320 Speaker 3: your listeners to come down. And if there's any cynics 182 00:09:11,360 --> 00:09:14,800 Speaker 3: amongst your listeners that might think, oh no, Alice Springs 183 00:09:14,800 --> 00:09:17,600 Speaker 3: could never be the luxA capital of the Northern Territory, 184 00:09:17,679 --> 00:09:20,240 Speaker 3: well I would encourage you to all come down in 185 00:09:20,280 --> 00:09:23,920 Speaker 3: the next month and experience how amazing the Alice Springs 186 00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:24,640 Speaker 3: luxes are. 187 00:09:24,920 --> 00:09:27,959 Speaker 2: Well, I reckon everyone will also be jumping on board 188 00:09:27,960 --> 00:09:29,040 Speaker 2: for the Masters Games. 189 00:09:29,080 --> 00:09:30,120 Speaker 1: Mate, When do they kick off? 190 00:09:30,160 --> 00:09:34,559 Speaker 3: Exactly, Yes, in a week and a half time, so 191 00:09:35,520 --> 00:09:39,040 Speaker 3: not this weekend, but next weekend. So that's come around 192 00:09:39,080 --> 00:09:42,440 Speaker 3: really quickly. We've you know obvious, you know, entrance aren't 193 00:09:42,679 --> 00:09:45,520 Speaker 3: to where they were previously, but we you know, I 194 00:09:45,559 --> 00:09:48,600 Speaker 3: think most were not expecting that to be the case. 195 00:09:48,640 --> 00:09:53,480 Speaker 3: But from a tourism perspective, Katie, look, any increase in 196 00:09:53,960 --> 00:09:58,640 Speaker 3: visitation to us is always warmly recognized and accepted. So 197 00:09:58,679 --> 00:10:01,360 Speaker 3: we're very thankful for the the team at the anti 198 00:10:01,720 --> 00:10:04,320 Speaker 3: major events and putting that together with our local community 199 00:10:04,360 --> 00:10:06,960 Speaker 3: and here's to a successful games well. 200 00:10:07,040 --> 00:10:13,319 Speaker 2: Daniel Rochford, CEO of Tourism Central Australia. Always appreciate your time, mate, 201 00:10:13,360 --> 00:10:14,880 Speaker 2: good to chat with you. 202 00:10:14,920 --> 00:10:17,520 Speaker 3: No problem came and I'm just I've just got to 203 00:10:17,600 --> 00:10:19,240 Speaker 3: duck away and get another luck. 204 00:10:20,760 --> 00:10:22,640 Speaker 1: I said, I was saying on yesterday. 205 00:10:22,679 --> 00:10:25,280 Speaker 2: It's just an excuse really to eat anything lux or 206 00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:26,240 Speaker 2: inspired every day. 207 00:10:26,400 --> 00:10:31,360 Speaker 3: Daniel, absolutely bring it on. It's amazing thing territory, isn't it. 208 00:10:31,360 --> 00:10:33,559 Speaker 1: It is good on you mate, Thanks so much for 209 00:10:33,600 --> 00:10:34,480 Speaker 1: your time this morning.