This report documents an initial stage of a project to assess the value of tourism to Southern NSW and to communicate influentially within the region to build support for further sector development. “Tourism has been identified in Australia’s ‘next wave of prosperity’ as one of the top five sectors of economic growth and has the potential to become Australia’s fastest growing industry, according to Deloitte.”
Following many long years of COVID-19, the region is in recovery mode, and tourists are returning. The region is seeing people coming for reasons beyond just visiting friends and relatives. In addition, those who are returning and not yet taking full advantage of local attractions, arts and heritage, or sporting events. There is limited engagement in sightseeing, with the majority of tourism spend associated
with overnight stays going to pubs, clubs and restaurants. Further development of the sector is essential to capture the full potential in the region.
A key challenge to future development is that there are a mix of perceptions about the value and future potential of tourism amongst everyday people, businesses and industries in Southern NSW. The benefits of the visitor economy are often hidden. Perceptions of negative issues and problems associated with tourists (noise, mess, poor behaviour, inflating rents, etc) also undermine the communities
confidence in the value of tourism to the region.
Engaging with the community to build an informed view on the value tourism will help to resolve issues and build support for further development.
Download a copy of the Value of Tourism to Southern NSW report.