The NSW Government will invest nearly $3 million in seven regional tourism businesses across the State, Minister for Regional Tourism John Barilaro announced today.

“Regional tourism makes a significant contribution to the NSW economy. Last year more than 50 million international and domestic overnight and day trip visitors to Regional NSW, spent close to $13.3 billion,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The NSW Government is supporting and growing the tourism industry through investing in marketing, promotion, and product development for regional tourism businesses.

“The funding is part of a record $21.6 million commitment to the Regional Visitor Economy Fund (RVEF) program over three years, an increase of over $6 million on previous funding.

“The RVEF helps to grow local economies across regional NSW and contribute to the NSW Government’s goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.

“Tourism and travel employs 158, 000 people, which directly accounts for 1 in every 23 jobs in NSW and over half of the international visitors to Australia are coming to destinations within NSW.

“The investment will be shared right across NSW, including Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, the Snowy Mountains and the Central and South Coast.

“The successful applications show the wide range of experiences that will be on offer for travellers to regional NSW.

“From eco-friendly cabins to waterparks, regional tourism businesses are innovating and expanding, which will help attract tourists of all ages and interests to boost local economies.”