The NSW Government’s agenda towards strengthening the visitor economy in regional NSW, was a key message behind Deputy Premier John Barilaro’s address at the CBR Region Tourism Forum, held late September.
The Forum, in partnership with Destination Southern NSW and CBR Region Tourism Advisory Forum, drew together representatives from all Southern NSW’s local government areas, as well as stakeholders across the tourism sector.
Keynote speaker Mr Barilaro discussed the NSW Government’s focus on boosting tourism in regional areas by partnership and infrastructure spending. Some areas mentioned were: the cruise ship industry, sports venues, NSW parks, tourism accommodation and other tourism-related infrastructure.
Destination Southern NSW General Manager Sean Haylan and Chair Richard Beere highlighted the unique position the southern region and Canberra have in enhancing regional NSW tourism opportunities.
“With the regions complementing tourism offerings in the ACT as well as providing as an international gateway through the Canberra Airport, Southern NSW is uniquely positioned to capitalise on regional dispersal” said Richard Beere.
Southern NSW contributes almost $4,000 dollar a minute from tourism related spending, and we have an opportunity to double this spending through collaborative activity.
Mr Haylan said the forum was invaluable to promote the cross-border opportunities and was appreciative of the support from Mr Barilaro and the Canberra Region Tourism Advisory Forum, and would continue to seek opportunities to drive collaboration between the ACT and NSW.