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neW South Wales’ tourism & events industry’s recovery has been turbocharged, as the visitor economy bounces back with a more than $350 million investment in reviving events across the state.
Part of the Government of NSW’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, the tourism & events recovery package includes $150 million to support the recovery of major event activity, $50 million for a Regional Events Package to support major rural events, festivals, and agricultural shows, and $60 million for an Aviation Attraction Fund to incentivise international airlines to recommence flights to Sydney.
There is also $50 million for downtown Sydney’s Revitalisation Program to support events and activations; $25 million for the Festival Relaunch package to stabilise established commercial and not-for-profit festivals; $6 million to bring business events back to Sydney, and much more.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (pictured) said the package would supercharge the businesses and attractions that contribute $38 billion to New South Wales’ economy.
“More than 300,000 people rely on our tourism industry and our aim is to reclaim our position as one of the world’s favourite destinations,” Perrottet said.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the much-needed investment will help revive shuttered businesses and bring tourism providers back to their vibrant best.
“[The pandemic] was a one in one hundred year event which severely damaged our tourism industry; operators barely hung in there as they lost bookings, customers and staff,” Ayres explained.
“Now as we rebuild we can do so with confidence.
“For our visitor economy to reach its full potential we need event owners to dream big, airlines to fly in and for locals and visitors to embrace our world class venues and hospitality with enthusiasm once again.”
Treasurer Matt Kean added the Government wants to give the events sector the confidence to get back to business.
The investment was wellreceived by ICC Sydney Chief Executive Geoff Donaghy, who noted the advocacy of the members of the Sydney Business Events Coalition across various government bodies, ministerial offices, aligned association groups and all tiers of government had not gone unheard.