New South Wales’ tourism industry received a major boost today, with the announcement that it will receive significant government funding.
Tuesday’s NSW State Budget included a range of measures to boost infrastructure and regional tourism, including AU$135.3 million (US$134.3 million) to upgrade the Sydney Opera House, AU$159 million for the purchase of new buses and trains, AU$29.3 million to renovate the NSW Art Gallery, and AU$17 million to upgrade ferry wharves.
The budget also confirmed that Destination NSW, the state’s tourism promotion body, would be funded to the tune of AU$125 million per annum for the next four years.
Andrew Jefferies, General Manager of the Tourism Industry Council NSW welcomed the announcement, saying it “delivers real commitment for tourism and major events”.
“We strongly believe that the government is committed to boosting the state’s infrastructure that supports our tourism and major events industry,” Jeffries said. “The Treasurer has constructed a prudent and strategic budget that will deliver strong surpluses in years to come whilst delivering on election commitments to fund and upgrade the vital pieces of infrastructure that will grow the economy and tourism pie in the long run.”
