Regional NSW to Benefit from Event Funding

A wide range of sporting, cultural, arts and culinary events in Regional NSW will benefit from a funding boost from the NSW Government after successfully applying for funding from the $500,000 available in the 2016 Regional Flagship Events Program.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres announced 36 events and festivals across the State will receive NSW Government funding that will go towards marketing activities aimed at driving overnight visitation to the region.

“Events are vital in helping grow the NSW economy as they provide compelling reasons for visitors to explore a particular part of NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

“In the year ended June 2015, Regional NSW welcomed more than 53 million international and domestic visitors who spent over $14 billion.

“Maintaining and growing NSW as Australia's number one tourism and events destination is one of this Government's key priorities and the Regional Flagship Events Program helps us to achieve this by creating additional exposure for our beautiful State.”

The Regional Flagship Events Program is managed and administered by the State's tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

The Program provides successful events with annual funding of either $10,000 or triennial funding of $20,000 per year for three years.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the 36 successful events and festivals will not only provide economic and community benefits, but will highlight local attractions and the unique tourism offerings in Regional NSW.

“I encourage visitors to begin planning a trip to Regional NSW to learn why NSW is home to some of our country's best events which continue to draw people back to the region year after year,” Ms Chipchase said.

To view the 2016 Regional Flagship Events Program go to http://www.destinationnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/20151207-regional-nsw-to-benefit-from-event-funding.pdf.