The NT Round Up, an annual trade incentive event and familiarisation tour, brought together 20 travel agents from across Australia and New Zealand for an immersive experience in the Northern Territory, Australia. This year’s event commenced in Alice Springs, followed by a four-day famil exploring the iconic landscapes and cultural heritage of the Red Centre, including Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, and Uluru.
Agents were chosen primarily for their active participation in Tourism NT’s Trade Training Program (TTP) and quarterly webinars. One agent also secured a spot through an application process via Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist Program (ASP). Additionally, some agents were nominated by their agencies based on sales performance or their suitability for the famil.
During the event, agents engaged with NT operators in a fast-paced, three-hour networking session at the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs. The speed-dating style event featured 19 NT tourism operators presenting their latest products and experiences, giving agents a comprehensive update on what the region has to offer.
Adding a splash of local culture, the agents also attended the fabALICE Festival and enjoyed a performance by Estelle, one of the festival’s celebrated drag artists, bringing a vibrant close to the evening.
Exploring the Heart of the Red Centre
After the networking event, agents embarked on a five-day famil designed to showcase the Red Centre’s unique offerings, despite occasional weather challenges. The journey began with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Alice Springs, offering sweeping views of the desert landscape. The group then joined Emu Run Experience to explore local landmarks, including Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, the Historical Telegraph Station, and ANZAC Hill, before concluding the day with a stargazing experience and dinner at Earth Sanctuary.
Next, the group travelled to Kings Canyon, stopping for lunch at Kings Creek Station before taking a scenic helicopter flight with Professional Helicopter Services (PHS) over the canyon’s dramatic cliffs, enhanced by the rare sight of waterfalls after recent rains. The group stayed at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, enjoying an evening of canapés, dinner at the Kings Canyon Bar & Grill, and a visit to Bruce Munro’s stunning Light-Towers art installation.
Cultural Insights and Scenic Marvels
Continuing their journey, the agents participated in the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, gaining insights into Indigenous culture and traditions. After lunch at Curtin Springs, they arrived at Ayers Rock Resort for a site inspection, followed by a lively BBQ dinner at the Outback Hotel pub.
The next day began with a SEIT Outback Australia sunrise tour of Kata Tjuta, where agents witnessed a rare natural phenomenon of waterfalls cascading down Walpa Gorge. The day continued with an exploration of Uluru, including guided walks and cultural site visits with Uluru Segway Tours and SEIT Outback Australia. Though weather conditions prevented a full Segway circuit, the group immersed themselves in local history and rock art at the Cultural Centre.
On the final morning, clear skies greeted the group at Imalung Lookout at Ayers Rock Resort, where they gathered to watch the changing colours of Uluru at sunrise, enjoying tea, coffee, and hot chocolate before their journey home.
Empowering Agents with First-Hand Knowledge
The NT Round Up famil provided travel agents with invaluable first-hand experience of the Red Centre’s natural wonders, Aboriginal cultural experiences, and local tourism operators. Armed with enhanced product knowledge and a deeper connection to the destination, the agents are now well-prepared to inspire their clients with the unique experiences that the Northern Territory has to offer.
New Zealand travel agents who attended were Jo McGrath from House of Travel, Tatyana Kelenc from First Light Travel, Rowena McCarron from Flight Centre Group NZ, Ruth Vaughan from Adventure Travel Wellington and, Danielle Hannagan from NZ Travel Brokers Dunedin.
