The NSW Government will invest more than $8 million into grant programs aimed at helping the recovery of the NSW visitor economy.
Through Destination NSW, the government will deliver the grants and support recipients to best manage their project delivery.
The $8.35 million will be delivered through the following programs:
$4.1 million Tourism Product Development Fund – to support regional accommodation renewal and new visitor experiences
$1.5 million Regional Event Fund – to support new and flagship regional events
$2 million Co-operative Marketing Program – leveraging Destination NSW’s new Feel New marketing campaign
$750,000 Regional Business Event Development Fund – to create, attract and support new business events for regional NSW
Nationals MP, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding was great news for the local visitor economy and would support tourism businesses across the Cootamundra electorate as life after COVID-19 restrictions resumed.
“More than ever, our visitor economy needs support to build on the potential of the tourism offering in our region, which is amongst the best in the State," Ms Cooke said.
“In previous years, events such as the Harden Kite Festival and Warbirds Downunder Airshow were awarded grants under the Regional Event Fund.
"Thanks to these grants, the events are expected to be bigger and better than ever when they return next year.”
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the funding would be a significant boost to the visitor economy as travel restrictions lifted.
“This funding will create jobs, enhance the visitor experience, support the return of lifestyle and business events in regional NSW and promote our regions as ‘must-visit’ destinations, generating hundreds of millions in visitor expenditure,” Mr Ayres said.
“Supporting our tourism operators is a top priority. They are the backbone of the visitor economy – their passion and resilience and incredible diversity of offerings are key to the state’s success.”
For more information on these funding programs and all other support available to businesses, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/funding.