Western Australia and New South Wales have both committed funding to the recovery of their respective state tourism industries in an effort to prop up the sector while the impact of bushfires and Coronavirus is fully absorbed.
In a campaign dubbed ‘Now’s the time to love NSW’, backed by with the hashtag #RecoveryWeekend and AUD$10 million from the NSW government, residents are being encouraged to book a getaway to a fire-affected area to help kickstart cash flow into struggling regional businesses.
Consumers are being urged to share the love on social media but snapping a photo with a frame of heart-shaped hands to help show the world the state is open for trade.
“Recovery will take time and the NSW Government is here for the long haul,” said NSW Minister Jobs, Investment and Tourism, Stuart Ayres.
“This $10 million will provide immediate help and set up long-term support for the industry to help businesses get back on their feet.”
In Western Australia, an injection of $10 million doubles a similar financial boost made a few weeks ago to help businesses offset the effect of mass cancellations.
The moves have been welcomed by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA), with TAA Chief Executive, Michael Johnson, saying the drought, bushfires and Coronavirus had left a devastating impact on the tourism sector throughout the state.
“The Government’s $10million Tourism Recovery package will provide some immediate relief and encourage travellers to book a local getaway, which will benefit tourism operators and businesses in areas like the South Coast, Hunter and Blue Mountains.”
Johnson has told HM the organisation plans to lead by example and will hold a number of its upcoming board meetings, events and functions to regional locations in NSW including Batemans Bay and the Blue Mountains.