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The new Northern Territory Government to relocate is to move Tourism Northern Territory's base operations from Darwin to Alice Springs.

According to newly appointed Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Major Events Matt Conlan the move is to "increase the dwindling tourist numbers seen over the last decade" and forms part ot the new Government's plans to re-invigorate visitor numbers and help revitalise regional and remote tourism.

Minister Conlan explained "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.

"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 new Country Liberal Government.

Minister Conlan added "the Commission will be selected from senior industry figures and will play an integral role in rebuilding the Territory's iconic tourism industry."

Shadow Minister for Tourism Ken Vowles said the plan will be detrimental to the future of the industry, stating "this will not attract one extra tourist or tourism dollar and puts one of the Territory's biggest industries at risk.

"Tourism accounts for 10% of the Territory's economy and around 16,000 jobs and this move will put jobs on the line."

Matthew 'Matt' Conlan was last week appointed Minister for the Territory's five leisure portfolios, being named Minister for Arts and Museums; Minister for Sport and Recreation; Minister for Racing; and Minister for Parks and Wildlife in addition to the Tourism and Major Events portfolio.

6th September 2012 - MATT CONLAN ASSUMES NORTHERN TERRITORY LEISURE PORTFOLIOS

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