Travel Agent recently caught up with Marie Tetlow, chief executive of Tourism Northern Territory, while in Los Angeles promoting the region she describes as "Australia's outback—the quintessential Australian experience." Between Western Australia and Queensland, the Northern Territory is twice the size of Texas. With 204,000 people, the Northern Territory accounts for less than one percent of Australia's total population, and Aboriginal people make up 30 percent of its population.
"The
Representatives from Venture North Australia were also at the meeting with Tetlow. "We can arrange tours for as few as one person," says Brendan Bainbridge, director of Venture North Australia. "It's a cross-cultural experience—we go to areas that aren't overrun." Bainbridge describes his tours as being ideal for families and special interest groups, especially those interested in viewing rock art in southern and central Kimberly. "For visitors to have an authentic outback experience, they have to sacrifice some luxuries," advises Bainbridge. The travel agent liaison for Venture North Australia is Director Nerida Hilly. She can be reached at [email protected]. Dreaming Trails
The average visitor to
"Only two percent of outbound visitors to
Tetlow adds that lodging in the
"We have an education program for agents, Northern Territory Specialist, which is a subsection of the Aussie Specialist program," says Tetlow. Visit www.tourism.australia.com or www.australiasoutback.com for more information.