‘Love Letters to Alice’ campaign offers flight discounts as NT tourism faces crime fears and declining business confidence.
A special flight discount campaign has been launched under the “Love Letters to Alice” initiative to boost travel to Alice Springs throughout 2025.
The campaign, run in partnership with Webjet and Tourism NT, offers savings of up to $250 (US$157) on one-way flights and will be available until April 6, 2025, or until sold out.
The promotion covers direct flights from major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Cairns.
Participating airlines—Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Airnorth—will provide more affordable travel options, aiming to attract both tourists and locals to the heart of the Red Centre.
Monika Tonkin, acting chief marketing officer of Tourism NT, highlighted the significance of the sale, particularly in light of upcoming holidays and events.
“This is the ideal opportunity for Territorians to encourage friends and family from across Australia to visit them during the holidays and experience the rich adventure, culture, and relaxation that the heart of the outback has to offer,” she said.
AirAsia Resumes Bali-Darwin Flights
In a further boost to the region’s tourism and travel connectivity, Indonesia AirAsia has resumed flights between Bali and Darwin, with the first plane landing at Darwin International Airport on March 22.
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The airline will operate three weekly flights, adding over 55,000 seats annually between the Northern Territory and Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Minister for Trade, Business, and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said the new route enhances the Northern Territory’s connection with Asia, offering more travel opportunities for both business and leisure.
“We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia back to Darwin today,” she said.
“The Northern Territory Government is focused on pursuing new airlines and investing in our aviation sector to bring more people into the Territory and provide more options for Territorians.”
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby echoed these sentiments, stating that the increased connectivity would benefit the local economy by drawing in tourists and creating business opportunities.
Tourism Industry Struggles Amid Crime Concerns
The plan aims to revive tourism in the Northern Territory, where crime remains a key concern.
A Tourism NT survey of 51 operators conducted in June 2024 rated their business outlook at 72 out of 200—the lowest in the report’s 12-year history.
The outlook in Alice Springs is particularly grim, with 90 percent of operators expressing a poor forecast for the next 12 months.
In the Uluru region, 60 percent of businesses also reported a pessimistic outlook.
Tourism Central Australia called for government intervention, citing escalating crime levels as a direct threat to tourism.
Chief Executive Danial Rochford described a recent unprovoked attack on a visitor at an information centre, emphasising the need for stronger law enforcement measures.
“They were shaken up. It was just pure, unadulterated assault,” Rochford said.
