Darwin in front line, but open for business

Business Asia, Sept 30, 1999

Government officials in Darwin have moved to reassure tourists and investors from Australia and overseas that the city is open for business despite initiatives associated with East Timor.

Tourism Minister Mike Reed said it was "business as usual" in Darwin.

Aside from East Timor-related activities, the city is preparing for the NT-BIMP-EAGA Finance and Investment Conference from October 27-28.

Reed said civil transport links into the Territory's capital were operating as normal.

"Darwin airport has functioned as a joint civil and military operation for years and the increased military traffic using the airport doesn't pose any difficulties for commercial passenger movements," Reed said.

Darwin has become the hub for Australian and United Nations activities following the international community's decision to send a peacekeeping force into the troubled East Timor area.

Reed said the city was busy, but visitors should not be deterred.

"Darwin is a modern and well-serviced city that can provide a great tourism experience while also operating smoothly as a base for the international community's response to East Timor," he said.

"A visitor to Darwin probably wouldn't even notice the difference from quieter periods because the activity is mainly confined to the evacuee reception centre in Darwin's northern suburbs."

Daryl Manzie, the NT's Minister for Asian Relations, reaffirmed Reed's comments.

"There's certainly a lot of hotels full, which really just mirrors what's been happening mid-year anyway with some of the big events we've had on. It's been a busy year for tourism," Manzie said.

"There's certainly a few more uniforms around and a lot of activity in the port. But apart from that there's no real feeling of anything being different here."

Manzie said the city "feels alive" and that the usual number of backpackers was still flocking to the Top End's capital.