The NSW Government is giving the regional visitor economy a $3.5 million boost through programs to support the development of new attractions and infrastructure, to refresh existing products, and to secure or create new event opportunities.
The programs will help businesses and regional communities recover from the impact of drought, floods, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic by creating jobs, enhancing the appeal of regional NSW, and improving the visitor experience.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said this is a significant opportunity for new and established business owners in the region to be visitor-ready and create new business event programs.
“These funding programs are just what our local businesses need to get back on their feet, embrace new opportunities and create experiences, attractions and tourism products that visitors will travel for,” Mr Saunders said.
“More visitors mean greater benefits for our local visitor economy and local community, so I encourage all business owners to consider how these Destination NSW programs could enhance their offering.”
The three funding streams that are now open are:
- Tourism Product Development Fund
- Stream 1 – Refresh and Renew Fund: offering $10,000 grants to regional tourism operators to update their product or experience
- Stream 2 – Experience Enhancement Fund: provides between $50,000 and $150,000 in matched funding to assist operators upgrade existing accommodation to improve their star rating, upgrade business and leisure event venues and facilities, repurpose existing infrastructure to provide new facilities or experiences not currently available within the destination, or to create new tourism attractions or experiences
- Regional Business Event Development Fund: grants of up to $30,000 to create, attract and support business events for regional NSW, and to motivate business event owners to incorporate regional NSW in their plans.
Applications for the $3 million Tourism Funding Program are now open and will close on 31 March 2021 while applications for the $500,000 NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund open today and will close on 30 April 2021. For information and to apply, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au.