China Southern Airlines has launched Darwin’s first direct service to China in years, with a three‑times‑weekly Guangzhou connection expected to deliver 52,000 seats annually.

To mark the inaugural flight, Tourism and Events Northern Territory (Tourism NT) and Kakadu Tourism hosted a large familiarisation (fam) group of Chinese trade, media and airline delegates in Kakadu National Park, showcasing the Northern Territory’s landscapes, culture and wildlife.

Representatives from GZL International, Zuzuche Guangdong, China Youth Travel Service, Guangzhou Newstar International Travel Service, Trip.com, Aconcept, Guangzhou Kings Tour, Guangzhou Swallow Holiday and Shenzhen CEPT joined the fam trip, escorted by Tourism NT with ground transport provided by Down Under Safaris.

The group began their visit at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru, dining at the Manjmukmuk Restaurant and exploring the Ochre Art Gallery showcasing works by local Bininj/Mungguy artists. They then took a scenic flight with Kakadu Air over waterfalls before landing at Cooinda, staying overnight at Cooinda Lodge.

Delegates toured the Warradjan Cultural Centre, learning directly from Traditional Owners about 65,000 years of Aboriginal habitation and culture in Kakadu. A Yellow Water Cruise offered close encounters with the park’s wildlife, including birdlife and crocodiles up to five metres. Dinner at Mimi’s Restaurant featured Northern Territory produce, including crocodile dishes.

The fam trip concluded with a visit to Nourlangie (Burrungkuy), one of Kakadu’s best-known sites, recognised for its ancient rock art and panoramic escarpment views.

Kakadu Tourism’s director of sales & marketing, Sam Waldron, said that while it was a “flying visit” to Kakadu, the group had been able to experience the dramatic landscape and rich culture of one of Australia’s most significant destinations.

“China Southern Airlines is the sixth new direct service introduced to Darwin in the past year and we believe that with Kakadu’s easy proximity from Darwin and unique attractions that we can really build our inbound market substantially over the next few years,” she said.

“Next year is the 40th anniversary of Crocodile Dundee, which originally put Kakadu on the international tourism stage back in the 1980s. Today, Kakadu is even more attractive to visit, with greater accessibility to key tourism locations, enhanced accommodation at Cooinda and the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, and a wider range of touring options.”