More flights and more regional visitors are among five pillars that will hold up a new visitor spending plan, the NSW government says.
The government has just launched its Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 which calls for an annual visitor spending target of $91 billion with incremental lifts in revenue by 2026 ($59bn) and 2030 ($71bn).
Tourism Research Australia figures show visitors spent $53.2 billion in NSW last year.
FLIGHTS, REGIONAL VISITS AMONG FIVE PILLARS
- Boost aviation capacity by 8.5 million seats, unlock 40,000+ new accommodation rooms and employ more tourism workers.
- Promote Sydney, and the rest of the state, beyond its well-known attractions.
- Run a 12-month calendar of major sport, culture and business events.
- Boost travel and food attractions across metro and regional areas.
- Improve the tourism’s sector’s access to data and consumer insights.
The government points to a state aviation strategy, expanded events calendar and new investment as key to the plan.
Specifically, it launched a $28.5m fund for Sydney’s two international airports to attract more flights as Newcastle Airport prepares to host overseas services.
Newcastle just opened a new terminal which will more than double its passenger capacity from 1.2 million to 2.5 million passengers, the airport says
It also extends trading hours with a cap increase for concerts and major events.
NSW Premier Chris Minns says his state “can’t afford to stand still”.
“We’re backing our strengths and unlocking new opportunities across Sydney, Western Sydney and regional NSW.”
Tourism and Jobs Minister Steve Kamper describes the 2035 annual revenue target of $95bn as “ambitious”.
“If we want to grow our visitor economy, we need to grow our capacity and we need to attract investment,” he says.
He adds that this strategy will allow them to unlock opportunities and find private sector partners.
“The opening of Western Sydney International and Newcastle airports will be transformative for NSW,” he predicts.
“The new strategy ensures we’re ready to harness that growth from day one.”
The new Western Sydney international airport will operate 24-7 and is due to open next year.
Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond welcomed the new plan.
“We must work together to achieve these goals. Collaboration between government and industry will be key,” she says.
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter says the new strategy provides a clear pathway that “will give businesses the confidence to continue investment in their growth”.
NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward welcomes government’s intention to attract more world-class events, focus on experiences and use data to drive growth.
MORE ON NSW TOURISM: Click here for the Destination NSW website
CHINESE FLIGHTS SURGING
China Southern Airlines says it will ramp up its Guangzhou-Sydney service to a record four flights a day this summer.
The airline will add 74 extra return flights and nearly 44,000 extra seats as services grow from 21 to 28 a week using the 297-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The new service will start from December 13.
Sydney Airport Group Executive for Aviation Growth Greg Botham says the extra flights will push total capacity between Sydney and China to over 53,000 seats a week by the end of the year with new export opportunities.
Regional General Manager Jason Sun, China Southern Airlines says the decision allows them to “meet growing travel demand” between the countries.
