MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today welcomed the NSW Government’s $123.35 million commitment of new money to secure more major events and boost the State’s visitor economy by an estimated $481 million if re-elected.
Pleasingly, the additional funding includes $40.6 million of new money for regional NSW. It brings the total tourism and major events budget to over $643 million, which includes more than $190 million for regional NSW.
The additional $40.6 million for regional tourism is estimated to boost visitor expenditure in regional NSW by $96.2 million.
Mr Marshall said the 25% increase in tourism funding was a big win for rural and regional NSW.
“I’m thrilled the NSW Government is committing $40.6 million more in funding to grow regional tourism,” he said.
“Local hotels, motels, restaurants and cafes throughout the Northern Tablelands can position themselves to get a chunk of the $96.2 million in economic benefits, which will create more jobs.
“Our local region has a variety of fantastic tourist attractions including the beautiful Ebor falls and gorges in the east to the natural artesian hot springs at Moree and variety of transport and art museums in between.
“This funding injection will give this vital local industry the extra competitiveness needed to continue to grow.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Troy Grant said currently one in five visitors to Sydney also visit the regions and the Government is focused on extending their stay.
“The state’s tourism industry is currently responsible for 158,000 jobs state wide and 68,000 regionally, which will increase with this additional Government funding,” Mr Grant said.
“We are proud of the performance of the NSW tourism and events sector, and we are optimistic that a lower Australian dollar and lower oil prices will create economic conditions for more growth and more jobs.
“This will allow us to show off and support the world class tourism destinations in regional NSW, especially the sub-sectors of food, wine, adventure and eco-tourism.”
Minister for Regional Tourism John Barilaro said the NSW Government estimates that the additional $40.6 million for regional tourism will boost visitor expenditure by $96.2 million.
“Together with the $110 million Infrastructure Fund and the $300 million Rebuilding NSW Fund, this regional tourism budget boost will unlock some of the world’s best tourism destinations, grow regional economies and create jobs,” Mr Barilaro said.