The NTMEC currently runs some of the NT’s largest and most well-known events, including Darwin music festival BASSINTHEGRASS and award-winning Indigenous festival Parrtjima – A Festival in Light. The events organisation also administers government grants for public events throughout the Northern Territory.
Tourism NT is the state’s tourism body and includes Northern Territory Business Events.
The potential merging of the two organisations aims to increase efficiency and make the most of the expertise of the two bodies for the benefit of visitation to the NT.
“We have two highly skilled teams – one specialising in destination events and another in destination marketing,” said the NT minister for tourism, hospitality and major events, Marie-Clare Boothby.
“NTMEC was established 25 years ago to fill a gap in large-scale event management.
“Since then, its role has evolved and its focus on attracting visitors now aligns closely with the objectives of Tourism NT.
“It’s time for a more coordinated, smarter and more effective strategy that builds tourism around strategically marketing our iconic events and delivers real outcomes for our economy.
“Events in the Territory are a major drawcard for tourists, and we need to ensure our approach is as effective as possible.
“We have exceptional expertise across NTMEC and Tourism NT, and by working together, we can increase our reach, attract more visitors and ensure the Territory remains a top destination for major events.
“A more targeted and strategic approach will deliver stronger outcomes and better value for Territorians.”
The territory government is planning stakeholder consultation over the next few weeks to devise a combined tourism and events model.
The move to combine the two entities comes after the CEO of the Northern Territory Major Events Company, Suzana Bishop, became the CEO of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality following the election of the Country Liberal Party to govern the NT in 2024.
