New Funding to Boost NSW Tourism

The commitment of an additional $45 million in tourism funding will help to develop and reposition New South Wales as a premier tourism destination, according to peak industry body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

TTF Chief Executive John Lee said the additional funding is a welcome boost, stating "New South Wales has been lagging behind other states in tourism growth over recent years - and the extra money will help to arrest that decline.

"$45 million over four years will make a material difference to the ability of tourism agencies to promote the state both at home and abroad and to further develop our events calendar.

"TTF supports the goal of doubling overnight tourism expenditure in NSW by 2020 and believes that such a target is achievable with the right policies and funding support in place."

Lee said investing in tourism infrastructure will also play a key role in reaching the target, adding "the (NSW) Coalition's commitment to rebuild and expand the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre will allow us to host bigger conferences and conventions more frequently.

"Business travellers are the highest yield tourists, staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, catching taxis, visiting attractions and shopping, so having the right facilities to cater for business events is critical.

"We also need to continue to build Sydney's standing as a financial hub, which makes the development of Barangaroo vital.

"There's also a need to identify a suitable site for additional cruise shipping facilities east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as cruising continues to be the fastest growing sector of the tourism industry and the vast majority of superliners under construction simply will not fit under the bridge."

Image courtesy of the Australian Reptile Park, Gosford. 

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