Summer Holidays Point to NSW Tourism Recovery

NSW Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay is anticipating a billion dollar summer for the State's tourism industry with operators reporting an increase of up to 10% in summer holiday bookings this season.

Early trends indicate a significant boost for the State's tourism industry which supports more than 162,000 jobs and contributes more than $28.3 billion towards the NSW economy each year.

Minister McKay said it is shaping up as a great summer for the State's tourism industry stating "it's no secret 2009 has been a difficult time for tourism operators across the State, however, we are heading into typically the strongest month for domestic tourism.

"In January 2009, domestic holiday visitors spent more than 9.3 million nights in NSW injecting around $1.4 billion into the Stateâs economy.

"We are expecting more people to travel in 2010 as families take a hard earned break from what has been a tough year."

Minister McKay said Sydney is play a significant role in attracting visitors to NSW this summer period, adding "this week more than 1.5 million people (flocked) to Sydney to experience the world's best New Years Eve fireworks, on the world's best harbour and the Sydney Festival is also a major drawcard throughout January with around 250,000 expected for Festival First Night alone.

"Regional tourism operators are also expecting a boost as more residents look for holiday options closer to home.

"The NSW Coast is expecting a strong summer trading period with more families showing an interest in caravan and camping holidays."

Minister McKay said there was still time for families to take advantage of a fantastic range of holiday options available both in Sydney and across the State.

Ken Corbett, Chairman of the Tourism Industry Council of NSW said the news that occupancy rates are set to soar this summer was encouraging after a challenging year for the industry, concluding "bookings over summer are looking great for the coastal areas, from the Tweed right through to Eden."

Image: New Years Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour.

14th November 2008 - NSW TOURISM BACKS GOVERNMENT ACTION PLAN