The NSW Government has announced a record $43 million over four years in a major overhaul in the way regional and rural areas attract visitors, including the creation of six new Destination Networks throughout NSW.
Member for Hawkesbury, Dominic Perrottet welcomed the announcement, saying the establishment of Destination Sydney Surrounds North will be a huge win for tourism in Hawkesbury.
“Hawkesbury has so much to offer as a tourism destination, and is a haven for adventure and nature lovers. We believe it will play a key role within Destination Sydney Surrounds North.”
“For the first time, industry, local government and tourism organisations in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area will be eligible to apply for various tourism funds including the Regional Visitor Economy Contestable Fund and Regional Flagship Events Program which are managed and administered by the State’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW,” said Mr Perrottet.
“They will also be able to connect with the new Regional Conferencing Unit to be created within Destination NSW, which will grow our business offering.”
“We are confident we can provide Hawkesbury’s tourism and events industry with a more sustainable platform to help boost economic growth as result of the changes being introduced by the NSW Government,” said Mr Perrottet.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres, said providing operational funding to a new Sydney Surrounds North Destination Network, as well as the creation of a new Destination NSW Regional Division to work with them closely on a range of activities, will provide a solid base for the growth of tourism in the region.
“The Hawkesbury LGA will benefit greatly through the new structure, including through funding opportunities that will enable the growth of the tourism industry. We are confident through the new structure, and record funding, we will deliver the results the Hawkesbury deserves.”
The Destination Networks were created after consultation with 93 key industry associations and stakeholders on ways to improve the outcomes for the Regional NSW visitor economy.
Details on how to apply for the Regional Tourism Economy Contestable Fund and the Regional Flagship Events fund will be available soon.
For more information about the Destination Networks visit dnsw.com.au/destination-networks.