Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) has welcomed the budget announcement of $133.5 million investment in Destination NSW for 2013-14.
The industry body says this funding is vital for job and business opportunities in the state, as well as maintaining visitor economy momentum.
“The allocation of $133.5 million for Destination NSW will help the state achieve its aim of doubling overnight tourism expenditure by the end of the decade,” TTF chief executive Ken Morrison said.
NSW has 96,456 tourism businesses and the industry is responsble for generating $24.3 billion to Gross State Product.
"TTF’s National Tourism Business Count & Employment Atlas shows that tourism accounts for 159,400 direct and 120,000 indirect jobs in NSW," Morrison said.
The recent record-breaking success of Vivid Sydney drives home the importance of events to state tourism.
"The industry welcomes the $56 million allocated to secure events and further expand the Destination NSW Sydney and NSW Events Calendar," Morrison added.
Future events include the Bledisloe Cup, the Strictly Ballroom musical and the US Major League Baseball.
TTF is also pleased by funding for cultural upgrades, such as $70 million toward the Opera House and $27 million for the NSW Art Gallery.
“Major events and a vibrant arts and culture scene are major drawcards for domestic and international visitors," Morrison said.
“The budget also provides a solid funding base for tourism marketing which allows Destination NSW to enter into longer-term cooperative marketing partnerships," he added.
