out into the surrounding gardens.
Parrtjima – A Festival in
Light will return to Alice
Springs in September.
All of this activity comes as Darwin
recently welcomed its first-ever
direct flights from China. Donghai
Airlines began direct non-stop flights
between Shenzhen and Darwin at
the end of May. It is anticipated
they will open up opportunities for
Chinese business events to be held
in the Northern Territory and will
also encourage Chinese delegate
participation at conferences being held
by organisations which aim to attract
international participation.
Central Australia is also set to benefit
from increased aviation opportunities.
Jetstar and Virgin Australia have recently
begun new services from Brisbane
into Central Australia. These will not
only serve to make access easier for
the Australian business events market
but will present new route options for
international participants to attend
NT-based events.
Virgin Australia has just begun a
new twice-weekly return service on
Tuesdays and Thursdays between
Brisbane and Alice Springs. The new
service will enable business event
travellers from Brisbane and beyond
to enjoy easy access to Alice Springs,
as well as the option to continue on to
other NT destinations for pre and post
touring. Jetstar will begin new direct
flights between Brisbane and Uluru
three times a week from August 3.
This increased air access gives event
planners more opportunities to time
their meetings in Alice Springs with
some of the ci ty’s own unique events
and festivals. The free outdoor festival,
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, will
return to Alice Springs from September
28 to October 7. The festival location
at Alice Springs Desert Park provides a
spectacular off-site venue and activity
option for conference and incentive
groups visiting Alice Springs.
Other events and festivals of
consideration for business event
planners include the quirky Alice
Springs Beanie Festival in June, the
exciting Alice Springs Apex Camel Cup
in July and the iconic Henley on Todd
Regatta held in the town’s dry river bed
in August. Business event planners can
integrate these events into their social
programs or offer them as pre and post
touring options.
INSPIRING
DESTINATION No2
Visit our website, email or call us for more information:
Website: www.ntconventions.com.au Email: [email protected] Tel: 1800 656 209
www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 3, 2018 21