Youth Crime Skyrockets in Alice Springs, Threatening Tourism
- Youth crime in Alice Springs has escalated, prompting government curfews for minors.
- Tourism operators report a decline in visitor numbers due to safety concerns.
- The ongoing issue of youth crime poses a significant threat to the region's tourism recovery.
Tourism in Alice Springs, a major base for visitors to Australia's Northern Territory, has suffered due to increasing youth crime. The Northern Territory government has responded to the surge in violence with curfews prohibiting minors from the town center at night, following violent incidents reported in early 2023. This rise in crime is highlighted by a 50 percent increase in violent offenses committed by youths from 2019-20 to the year ending November 2023. Many tourism operators report significant declines in bookings, which some attribute directly to the negative media coverage surrounding youth crime. While some industry leaders note other factors, including rising living costs and decreased flights, they emphasize the urgent need for government support to ensure the tourism sector's recovery. As cancellations mount, popular tourist facilities like the Ross River Resort have announced closures, further impacting the region's economy.