$2.25 million funding now available for tourism in regional NSW

The NSW Government is to release $2.25 million for regional tourism projects, with tourism providers invited to apply for funding from the second contestable round of the NSW Government's Regional Visitor Economy Fund.

Announcing the funding, NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris stated "I recently announced total funding of $7.2 million for the regional tourism industry for the 2013-2014 financial year. This second contestable round will make another $2.25 million available. I encourage all NSW tourism operators to apply.

"The Regional Visitor Economy Fund is assisting regional tourism providers to improve products and services, as well as promoting their destinations to international and domestic visitors.

"NSW is Australia's premier state and Regional NSW provides a diverse range of leisure, adventure, food and wine, cultural and major events experiences for visitors."

The Regional Visitor Economy Fund is a $21.6 million, three year commitment and is a key component of the NSW Government's Visitor Economy Industry Action Plan. The Regional Visitor Economy Fund represents a $6 million funding increase for Regional NSW.

The Fund for 2013-2014 includes a grant pool of $3.7 million which was quarantined for Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), while a further $3.5 million has been made available through two contestable rounds of funds open for industry, local government and RTOs.

Tourism providers may apply for both marketing and product development funding which will be awarded through a competitive application process.

Minister Souris added "tourism to Regional NSW is vital to rebuilding the NSW economy. Visitor expenditure in Regional NSW was worth more than $13.1 billion to year end June 2013, an increase of more than 6.1% compared to year end June 2012."

Applications for the second round of the Regional Visitor Economy Fund are now open and close on Friday 31st January 2014.

Applications can be made via the Destination NSW website at www.destinationnsw.com.au/rvef

Image courtesy of Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.

19th June 2013 - BUDGET BOOST FOR NSW TOURISM