NT tourism faces crisis as visa cuts and rising costs threaten closures
Operators are calling for federal support. Rising costs and proposed visa cuts threaten tourism business closures during the wet season.
Tourism operators in the NT's Top End are calling on the federal government to establish a fund to help struggling businesses survive the wet season. Rising fuel costs, fewer flights and a delayed tourism season have already hurt operators.
The Coalition's new immigration policy will cap second-year working holiday visas at 45,000 nationally. Third-year visas will be capped at just 5,000.
The NT sector says 7,200 backpackers worked in the territory last financial year. Those workers fill crucial roles during the busy season.
Without them, many small and family-run tourism businesses risk closing during quiet months.
- 7,200 last financial year
- NT backpackers employed
- 45,000 nationally
- Second-year visa cap
- 5,000 nationally
- Third-year visa cap
- David Littleproud, tourism
- Federal shadow minister
Why it mattersTourism is vital to the NT economy. Business closures would cost jobs and reduce visitor attractions across the territory.
AustraliaIf tourism businesses close, thousands of Northern Territory workers could lose jobs and the region's tourism appeal would weaken significantly.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
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