Mr Barilaro said a new tourism initiative in India, features the State’s spectacular Snowy Mountains and showcases Regional NSW as a desirable year-round tourist destination.

‘We are continuing to work with travel agents and wholesalers to develop a series of
itineraries to showcase regional NSW,’ Mr Barilaro said.

‘Last month we welcomed our first group of Indian tourists, who experienced the
Snowy Mountains on a coach tour through the Kosciuszko National Park, which
included three nights in Thredbo Village.

‘Our visitors enjoyed fantastic walking trails through the national park, including
taking photos of the spectacular scenery.

“The new initiative is a key strategy for increasing visitation and this activity is seen
as a great opportunity to contribute to the goal of doubling overnight visitor
expenditure in NSW by 2020.

‘Visitors who come to the region in summer, spring and autumn can enjoy fishing in
pristine streams, exploring historic towns like Cooma, Nimmitabel and Tumbarumba
and enjoy fantastic local bars, restaurants and cafes.

‘The NSW Government is also investing in regional tourism with the new $110 million
Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund to support critical visitor economy
infrastructure,’ Mr Barilaro said.

This initiative comes on top of the success of the Jhappi Time campaign launched
earlier this year.

Jhappi Time was launched in February and is the only tourism campaign
implemented by an Australian state tourism body that specifically targets the visiting
friends and relatives market in India.

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