Mr Barilaro said the funding will be used to deliver a collaborative new marketing campaign celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Bathurst, Australia’s oldest inland settlement.

“In 2013 the NSW Government committed a record $21.6 million to the RVEF over three years, to help boost local economies across Regional NSW and contribute to the goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to the State by 2020,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Regional tourism is a vital contributor to the State’s economy. Last year Regional NSW received 50.4 million international and domestic overnight and day trip visitors, who spent $13.3 billion.

“The NSW Government is committed to growing the State’s visitor economy and initiatives like the RVEF support this development and are important in encouraging economic growth in our regional communities,” he said.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said Central NSW is a region with a rich history and cultural heritage, and it is fantastic that this funding will help promote these assets to potential visitors in 2015.

The campaign partners the Bathurst 2015 Heritage Committee, Bathurst Council, Blayney Shire Council, Cowra Tourism, Mudgee Region Tourism, Orange City Council, Amazing Bathurst, Cabonne Shire Council, Parkes Shire Council and Forbes Shire Council.

For more information visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/RVEF

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