TOURISM INDUSTRY WELCOMES FUNDING FOR EVENTS, ARTS AND TRANSPORT IN NSW BUT TOURISM MARKETING FEELS THE PINCH

The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia has expressed disappointment in the NSW Government’s decision to cut funding for the state’s destination agency in today’s State Budget but welcomed extra support for arts, culture and public transport.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond warned the funding cut to Destination NSW’s marketing budget was a concerning announcement from the State Government, which could impact the recovery of our international visitor economy.

“Reduced funding for marketing at Destination NSW will make it harder to market Sydney and regional NSW as a travel destination, potentially meaning fewer visitors from across Australia and overseas,” Ms Osmond said.

“We’re facing one of the most competitive global tourism markets we have ever seen and with other states maintaining their funding for tourism marketing agencies, New South Wales risks falling behind.”

“Given international visitors are still below pre-pandemic levels in New South Wales, we need all the support possible to attract visitors, to help support tourism operators and thousands of Australians they employ.”

However, Ms Osmond said it was great to see the State Government set aside $1.2 billion for arts, culture, music and the night-time economy.

“We encourage families to head into Sydney’s CBD during the September school holidays and visit some of our treasured museums, which are now even more attractive with the State Government offering free admission,” she added.

She also praised the continued support for major events like Vivid, Mardi Gras and the Sydney Festival, as well as the Narooma Oyster Festival on the state’s south coast and the Great Southern Nights festival.

Visitor infrastructure in the state’s national parks will also receive a $74 million upgrade over four years.

“This will help ensure national parks are properly maintained with new walking paths, camping grounds and other local amenities to help attract more visitors,” Ms Osmond said.

She also welcomed the investment in public transport and road upgrades, to help improve the passenger experience across the state.

The $72.3 billion to be invested over the next four years to improve road, train, metro, bus, ferry, light rail, and active transport options, including improved access to the Western Sydney International Airport is a good outcome.

“It’s great to see the State Government is investing in the vital transport infrastructure we need to make Sydney more accessible and successfully plan for the future,” Ms Osmond said.