Launch of new body for NSW Tourism industry

An important milestone in the advancement of the tourism industry in NSW has seen the official launch of the NSW Tourism Association.

Dedicated to supporting and advocating for the robust growth and sustainability of the tourism sector, the NSW Tourism Association aims to be the pivotal voice and champion for the industry, addressing the evolving needs and fostering a collaborative, thriving visitor economy.

With tourism industry interests and related awards programs in NSW having long been managed by Business NSW, the launch of the NSW Tourism Association brings the state into line with the rest of Australia.

Under the leadership of Chair Lori Modde, the Association brings together a group of founding members committed to spearheading initiatives that will not only fill the existing gaps within the industry but also propel it towards new heights of success and celebration.

Introducing the body, Modde explained “the tourism industry is at a crucial juncture, and our time is now to start building the foundations for growth and celebration.

“We envision an industry where collaboration and innovation lead to remarkable visitor experiences and substantial economic benefits for our communities across New South Wales.”

In addition to these initiatives, the association is pleased to be the licensee of the Quality Tourism Framework in NSW, an accreditation program that’s supports business development and promotion that is accessible to NSW businesses.

Emphasising the program's potential impact, Association Chief Executive, Natalie Godward noted “the accreditation program is a game-changer for businesses in NSW. It provides an incredible opportunity for them to develop various aspects of their operations, ensuring quality and excellence, not only statewide but nationally and internationally. Moreover, it allows businesses to showcase their commitment to high standards and continuous improvement to their customers.”

The Association recognises the vital contributions of its founding members who have dedicated their expertise and resources to establish a unified platform for creativity, advocacy, and excellence. Their collective effort highlights the importance of united action in addressing shared challenges and seizing emerging opportunities within the tourism landscape.

As the NSW Tourism Association embarks on this journey, it remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for policy change by working closely with government, industry stakeholders, other tourism industry councils, and communities to shape policies that benefit the tourism sector. It is also committed to building industry capacity by offering resources, training, and support to tourism operators to enhance service quality and operational efficiency. Through fostering strategic partnerships, they will be promoting collaboration across the industry and addressing industry gaps.

The launch event, held yesterday evening on Sydney Harbour, saw an outpouring of support from industry leaders, tourism businesses, and government representatives, all united in their commitment to a prosperous future for NSW’s tourism sector.

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