NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today welcomed the NSW Government’s $6 million commitment to implement a regional conferencing strategy that could attract conferences to the region and deliver an estimated $24 million in economic benefits across rural NSW.
“Whether it’s the Max Centre in Moree to the Town Hall or Lazenby Hall in Armidale, there are many wonderful towns and venues to hold a conference in our region and I welcome the extra business this funding boost could bring to the Northern Tablelands,” Mr Marshall said.
“Many of our local communities already have a strong track record of hosting a range of industry conferences of varying sizes and I want the Northern Tablelands to hosting even more.
“Our local hotels, motels and cafes in could benefit from the increased expenditure of visiting conference delegates.
“I will be asking Destination NSW to throw its support behind attracting conferences to our region that will help local businesses to boost their activity during the quieter periods of the year.”
Minister for Regional Tourism John Barilaro said the funding would include a mixture of grants and industry support.
“Regional tourism is a vital contributor to the State’s economy and more conferences in regional NSW will boost economic activity, and that means more jobs in our local communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The $6 million will include grants to councils and external organisations to attract new conferences to our major regional cities.”
A Regional Conferencing Strategy is currently being prepared by Destination NSW (DNSW). DNSW will consult with industry organisations to finalise the strategy by May 2015.
The strategy is expected to include a new business unit dedicated to regional conferencing. It will be tasked with building industry capability, developing promotional campaigns as well as co-ordinated business and financial support for conference bids.