“The Zone Managers will work with Regional Tourism Organisations, local councils and industry to drive tourism across the State and help the NSW Government meet its goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020,” Mr Stoner said.

“The appointment of the Zone Managers, and the work they will carry out, fulfils an action of the Visitor Economy Industry Action Plan and provides a vital link between Destination NSW and its key stakeholders in the industry.

“The team will work within five visitor economy zones, defined by the Visitor Economy Industry Action Plan, across the State to co-ordinate Destination NSW, Government and the industry engagement processes,” Mr Stoner said.

The five zones are:

  • Greater Sydney (Metropolitan Sydney, including the northern beaches, the Hawkesbury region, Western Sydney – including Penrith and Parramatta, and the Sutherland area in Sydney’s south).
  • Sydney Surrounds (up to approximately 3 hours from Sydney – the Hunter, Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong areas).
  • North Coast (from the Queensland border down to the Great Lakes).
  • South Coast (Shellharbour to Eden and down to the Victorian border).
  • Inland (New England, Outback, Central NSW, Southern Highlands, Riverina, Snowy Mountains and the Murray).

Mr Stoner said the Zone Managers will also assist industry to develop competitive applications to access the NSW Government’s regional tourism funding.

“Industry will be able to apply for the NSW Government’s record $21.6 million Regional Visitor Economy Fund, as well as the Regional Flagship Events Program, which supports regional events,” Mr Stoner said.

“The Zone Managers will leverage Destination NSW activities and help drive tourism, which is a huge contributor to the State’s economy. In the year ending June 2014, 29.7 million people stayed 161.1 million nights and spent $28.1 billion in NSW,” he said.

Four out of the five NSW zone managers have been appointed. Recruitment for the Inland NSW Zone Manager is still underway.

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