Tourists to follow Royals' adventure

THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to leave more than a royal glow at Uluru, with tourism operators tipping a boost to business from their visit.

Prince William and Kate flew out of Yulara airport in Australia's red centre on Wednesday after a stay of less than 24 hours.

In that time, however, they put the jewels of desert Australia on display to the world.

Scores of media cameras captured the royals at iconic Uluru, a destination already high on the to-do list of UK holiday-makers.

British tourists are the biggest group of international visitors to the Northern Territory, with about 35,000 coming each year.

The Northern Territory government has already boosted its international marketing budget by $8 million in an effort to capitalise on the exposure from William and Kate's visit.

The government is hoping for a 10 per cent improvement in visitor numbers as a result of the royal tour.

Ray Stone, executive general manager of sales and marketing for Uluru resort operator Voyages, said the royal tour should increase international visitor numbers, adding momentum to a change already evident in the market.

When you look at the coverage (the royal tour) is getting in the UK, it will have a significant effect on our business, Mr Stone said.

I can't put a number on it but obviously we are at a point now where consumer confidence in the UK is growing, Mr Stone said.

We have been seeing increases (in inbound tourist numbers) out of the UK market for the first time in five or six years.

Mr Stone visited the UK in March and said tour operators had told him then that business was picking up.

It remains to be seen how many tourists will want to copy William and Kate's night of """""glamping""""" under the desert stars in the luxury tents of Longitude 131 resort near Uluru.

Baillie Lodges, the company that owns Longitude 131, has a strict privacy policy and would not detail the royals' visit beyond a brief statement saying it was delighted to have hosted the couple.

"It was an absolute honour to host the Royal couple at Longitude 131 and we're very glad they were able to experience the spiritual heart of Australia during their tour," Baillie Lodges Managing Director James Baillie said.

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