Tourism commitments will connect NSW to growth

The Baird Government’s announcement of a greater commitment to its tourism economy will help connect the state to expected strong tourism growth in 2015 and beyond, ATEC Managing Director, Peter Shelley said.

Responding to the announcement that a re-elected Baird Government would invest an extra $123 million into NSW tourism drivers, Mr Shelley said the state was set to benefit from positive signs in the industry.

“ATEC members have told us that forward bookings for the coming year are showing significant growth as the economic woes of Europe subside and these visitors re-engage in international travel,” Mr Shelley said.

“This positive mood is unleashing years of pent up demand for travel and Australia stands to benefit from that tide as we see the backlog of travel demand from a number of our traditional markets coming to the surface.”

“With the significant move in the Australian dollar in the past 12 months we can also look forward to our visitors spending more when they get here."

Mr Shelley said additional spending outlined in the Baird Government's commitments, particularly targeted funding for priority international markets, would help NSW to remain competitive in the international tourism marketplace.

“Australia has an irrepressible connection with the Asian market, led solidly by Chinese visitors, which has grown remarkably in the past 5 years and, with their appetite for international travel set to double by 2020, our biggest challenge will be retaining our share of that growth."

“As a near neighbour to China and other SE Asian countries we have the advantage of being the only ‘western’ nation in the region."

“International marketing campaigns are a critical plank in Australia’s tourism strategy and we are pleased to see the NSW Government is taking this opportunity very seriously.”

sourced:traveldailynews.asia