NSW FOOD AND WINE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS DURING 2014

A new Tourism Research Australia (TRA) report commissioned in conjunction with Destination NSW has found visitors are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about food and wine and are seeking authentic experiences, highlighting the efforts of the NSW Government to promote the sector.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Troy Grant said during 2014, the NSW Government had leveraged Tourism Australia’s ‘Restaurant Australia’ campaign, while developing innovative publications, digital marketing campaigns, industry partnerships and promotional activities.

“Visitors to NSW are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and wine experiences, from hatted restaurants and small bars in Sydney to oyster shucking and fresh seafood on the coast, wonderful beef, lamb, pork and venison, great fruit and vegetables, and the welcoming cellar doors throughout the State’s wine regions,” Mr Grant said.

“The TRA report confirms the Hunter Valley as the most visited food and wine destination in NSW, receiving 39 per cent of visitors. The Blue Mountains, Mudgee and Southern Highlands were also some of the most highly visited regions.

“Developing and promoting the sector remains a key focus for the NSW Government. In the year ended September 2014, overnight and day trip wine tourism visitors spent $1.9 billion, contributing significantly to the State’s visitor economy.”

Minister for Regional Tourism John Barilaro said visitors to NSW were spoilt for choice when it came to food and wine experiences.

“Our regions provide the best seafood, wonderful beef, lamb, pork and venison, great fruit and vegetables and welcoming cellar doors. They not only stock our local restaurants, but support the hospitality industry across the State,” Mr Barilaro said.