NSW Claims Status as Australia's 'surfing capital' in tourism promotion

NSW is to be promoted as the premier surf destination in Australia as part of a NSW Government tourism initiative.

NSW Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay, who launched the new initiative with prominent female surfers Layne Beachley and Sally Fitzgibbons, said NSW is home to some spectacular surf destinations, stating "surfing and beach culture is a vital part of our national identity and it's a great way for visitors to connect with local people and our lifestyle.

"This is a great way to tap into this interest and to ensure we position NSW as the premier surfing destination in Australia.

"We want to highlight the beauty of the NSW coastline and the large number of dedicated surf schools and beaches available to holiday makers up and down the State."

Minister McKay said the initiative will target a number of key surfing markets including families looking for a coastal holiday, explaining "surfing is great fun for the whole family and we will be working closely with surf schools to let mums and dads know about some of the great experiences on offer in NSW.

"Tourism NSW will also be targeting the youth market, including backpackers, international students and working holiday makers who often want to experience Australia's surf."

Minister McKay said the initiative will include a designated Tourism NSW surf website as well as advertising and promotions in a number of surfing and tourism publications.

She concluded "Tourism NSW has partnered with Surfing NSW and with surf schools around NSW to promote our local beaches and encourage visitors to embrace one of our countryâs favourite pastimes.

"We are also home to 32 designated surfing schools in the country and these centres provide a professional and safe environment for everyone to learn to surf and enjoy the coast."

NSW's claim to being the premier surf destination in Australia is based upon:

• NSW has the largest resident surfing population in Australia (Source: Surfing Australia Magazine, 2007);
• The State hosts around 40 per cent of all overnight trips taken by Australian and international visitors who go surfing (Source: Tourism Research Australia, June 2009);
• The State has 77 of the country's top 100 surf beaches (Source: RealSurf.com, 2007);
• It possesses the most accessible surfing coastline in the country;
• There are 32 Accredited Surf Schools in NSW - more than any other State in Australia; and
• NSW is home to the two most successful Australian surfers ever - seven times world women's surfing champion Layne Beachley and four times men's surfing world champion Mark Richards.

For more information go to www.visitnsw.com/surf

Image courtesy of Manly Surf Snaps.

13th July 2009 - BEACHLEY SURF CLASSIC LEFT HIGH AND DRY