The NSW government has set new international visitor targets for its Visitor Economy Industry Action Plan (VEIAP).
It follows ‘an independent review’ of the plan, which outlines aggressive targets ‘to keep the state number one in the country for overnight visitors and accelerate growth to deliver maximum economic benefits through our visitor economy.’
NSW tourism minister Adam Marshall (Nationals) says, ‘International visitor markets like China and India represent significant growth opportunities for Sydney and rural and regional NSW, which is why we’re working on campaigns and strategies to fly more tourists to the state.’
‘We want to make tourism an engine industry for rural and regional NSW – that’s why we’ve also, for the first time ever, created a regional NSW target of $20 billion by 2020 and $25 billion by 2030’.
According to the plan’s ‘key themes and actions’ Sydney features prominently, yet there will be ‘increased funding and accountability for Destination Networks and renewed engagement with local councils.’
One stated focus is to ‘Put the visitor first,’ while another is removing ‘barriers to business.’
As for infrastructure investment, the NSW government plans to streamline the ‘processes for state-significant developments,’ and ‘focus on new regional flights.’
The Visitor Economy Industry Action Plan is available at www.bit.ly/2oUSVDE.
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