Tourism NT spotlights Indigenous experiences in new campaign

By Alexandra Coulton

Tourism NT has launched a new, national marketing campaign, ‘Culture is closer than you think’, highlighting the Aboriginal experiences available only in the Northern Territory.

The campaign reminds Aussies that no passport is needed to experience truly amazing cultural experiences from some of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.

Produced by creative agency Common Ventures, the campaign will run across digital, OOH, social media, YouTube and PR, and will be supported by paid and earned media and influencer partnerships

Two dedicated itineraries for both the Top End and Red Centre have been launched alongside the campaign, as well as an educational video for travellers – voiced by NT local, Gurindji man and prominent ABC radio presenter Charlie King.

As part of the ‘Culture is closer than you think’ campaign, Tourism NT has also partnered with Welcome to Country to offer deals for a range of Aboriginal tourism operators and experiences across the whole of the NT – launching today.

“Nowhere lets you connect with Aboriginal cultures like the NT which is home to a rich and diverse range of authentic Aboriginal experiences. Here in the NT, you don’t just see it, but can immerse yourself in cultures that are thousands of years old,” Tony Quarmby, Tourism NT’s executive director of marketing said.

“We are very lucky to have countless ways that visitors can learn and connect with Aboriginal cultures in the NT, whether it’s in a Saltwater Ceremony in Darwin, exploring ancient rock art galleries in Kakadu, camping on Country in Arnhem Land, visiting art galleries in Alice Springs, experiencing cultural festivals like Parrtjima – A Festival in Light and Taste of Kakadu, or learning about the ancient stories of Uluru.”

Paul Ah Chee Ngala, chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Committee, added that the NT’s Aboriginal Tourism Strategy found that 80 per cent of visitors to the NT would like an Aboriginal tourism experience.

“This new campaign will share more than 150 authentic Aboriginal experiences and offerings that we have here in the NT – many of which reside in local Aboriginal communities,” he said.

“These include close to 50 bookable Aboriginal cultural tours, plus Aboriginal art galleries, accommodation providers, ethical retailers and natural attractions like national parks. The campaign will continue to develop a sustainable and prosperous Aboriginal tourism sector across the NT, and one that is at the forefront of Aboriginal tourism in Australia.”

Tourism NT’s ‘Culture is closer than you think’ campaign follows the launch of its ‘Summer starts early’ campaign in July 2022, and its multi-award winning ‘Seek Different’ campaign which also launches into the New Zealand market today.

The New Zealand iteration of ‘Seek Different’ – originally planned for launch in late 2019 before Covid-19 hit, will roll out with a 30-second TVC across NZ television and video-on-demand platforms, as well as digital channels including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

The New Zealand ‘Seek Different’ campaign will also be supported by print and OOH advertising, a media partnership with The New Zealand Herald and a range of PR, social, influencer and owned content activities including the launch of a dedicated microsite that will host guides and deals to help New Zealand travellers plan their visit.

The media strategy, executed by Atomic 212, will target the 50+ high-value traveller segment specifically in Auckland and the North Island.

You can find out more about the ‘Culture is closer than you think’ campaign and deals HERE.

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

aboriginal Aboriginal Tourism Committee Charlie King Common Ventures Culture is closer than you think northern territory Paul Ah Chee Ngala red centre Tony Quarmby top end tourism nt