Wednesday, 25 July 2018
THE tourism sector continues to boom in the New England North West with the region achieving its highest volumes of international visitors, overnight stays and expenditure on record, according to the latest International Visitor Survey from Tourism Research Australia.
Member for Northern Tablelands and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the result was brilliant news for the local economy.
“Millions and millions of tourism dollars are being spent all across our region and straight into the pockets of local hotels, pubs, restaurants, boutiques and businesses,” Mr Marshall said.
“In the year ending March 2018 there were 42,100 international visitors ( up 11.8 per cent on the previous year) who stayed 1.2 million nights ( up 4.1 per cent) and spent $63.8 million in the region,” Mr Marshall said.
“Our region accounted for 4.8 per cent of visitors, 8 per cent of visitor nights and 6.2 per cent of expenditure in all of regional NSW for the same period, results we can all be very proud of.
“Not only is the New England North West attracting more international visitors, but the word is out amongst Aussie travellers as well, our region is growing into a tourist hot spot.
“We are now regional NSW’s seventh top region for international visitors, fourth for visitor nights and fifth for expenditure, which is amazing.”
Mr Marshall said tourism in the region was everyone’s business and more visitors equalled more money being spent locally and more jobs for locals in what is a rapidly growing sector.
“I’ll continue to work hard with local communities and councils to keep this momentum going throughout this year and beyond,” he said.
“Our region is like no other part of NSW. Visitors come here for the warm country welcome, our outdoor adventures, culture of great food, wine and music and the natural beauty of our part of the State.
“We know that the more visitors we can attract to New England North West, the more heads on hotel beds, more diners in our restaurants and more shoppers in our boutiques, all driving our local economy.”
Overall, regional NSW received its highest international and domestic overnight visitors, nights and expenditure on record and exceeded Australia’s overnight growth in all metrics for the year.
“NSW continues to set the bar high for international visitor numbers and we won’t be resting on our laurels.”
“The government has been working with industry to develop the next Visitor Economy Industry Action Plan looking towards more ambitious tourism targets to 2030.
MEDIA: Adam Marshall 0429 440 054