Millions of extra airline seats, thousands of new hotel rooms and a focus on experience-led tourism.
These are the cornerstones of an ambitious plan to transform the visitor economy in New South Wales into a $91 billion powerhouse by 2035.
The accelerated growth is expected to provide a big economic windfall for regional communities, with $44 billion (48 per cent) of the $91 billion expected to be spent in regional NSW. It is also hoped that 150,000 new jobs will be created.
NSW Premier Chris Minns was on hand to unveil the new strategy, set out in a government review of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy.
“From pristine beaches to lush national parks, NSW is an unbeatable hotspot for tourists across the globe,” he said.
“People coming to New South Wales for a holiday is at an all-time high, but this review shows there are opportunities to grow it even more, partially due to more airports opening and more flight routes being secured.”
To meet the $91 billion stretch goal, the review highlights key challenges including:
# The need for 40,000 extra hotel rooms, a 41% increase on what’s currently available
# Significant worker and skills shortages in roles such as tour guides and chefs
# Need for increased business event facilities in Sydney, Western Sydney and priority regional areas.
The next decade of growth will be underpinned by a potential increase of 8.5 million airline seats due to the new Newcastle Airport international terminal opening in 2025, the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport in 2026, increased capacity at Sydney Airport and growth in cross-border arrivals through Canberra Airport and Gold Coast Airport.
The Minns government has already been working to boost aviation capacity through support for the recently announced Turkish Airlines route to Sydney Airport and an agreement to support Newcastle Airport to attract more international routes.
This additional capacity will increase competition, providing a greater incentive for European travellers to choose NSW as their holiday destination and put downward pressure on the cost of holidays for NSW families.
“We are ready to put our shoulder to the wheel and attract even more travellers to NSW, boosting local business and creating thousands of jobs,” added Mr Minns.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dciths/visitor-economy-strategy-review
