Tourism Northern Territory will move its base operations from Darwin to Alice Springs in an effort to “increase the dwindling tourist numbers seen over the last decade”, according to Minister for Tourism Matt Conlan.

The relocation of Tourism NT to Alice Springs is part of the government’s plans to re-invigorate visitor numbers and help revitalise regional and remote tourism.

“I am committed to returning tourism to a top priority of government and I will work hard to ensure tourism once again becomes a major pillar of the Northern Territory economy,” Minister Conlan said.

“A component of Tourism NT will continue to be based in Darwin and I am currently working with Tourism NT to determine the details and how this will be implemented.”

In addition to the relocation a new Northern Territory Tourism Commission will be established to provide strategic direction and guiding principles for the Mills Government.

“The Commission will be selected from senior industry figures and will play an integral role in rebuilding the Territory’s iconic Tourism industry,” Minister Conlan said.

Shadow Minister for Tourism Ken Vowles said the CLP Government’s plan to shift Tourism NT’s operations to Alice Springs will be detrimental to the future of the industry.

“This will not attract one extra tourist or tourism dollar and puts one of the Territory’s biggest industries at risk,” Minister Vowles said.

“Tourism accounts for 10 percent of the Territory’s economy and around 16,000 jobs and this move will put jobs on the line.”

Following the announcement that the Queensland Government will cut 2700 positions in the Health sector, as part of a cost-cutting campaign, Shadow Minister for Health Kon Vatskalis said the Country Labor Party (CLP) must guarantee there will be no cuts to Northern Territory Health services or staff.

“The CLP offered nothing for Health in the lead up to the election and it is clear where they are looking to make cuts,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“Health is critical to the Territory and the CLP must give their word that they will not follow in the footsteps of their southern Liberal counterparts and axe thousands of Health jobs.”

What are your thoughts on Tourism NT's move to Alice Springs? Leave your comments below.