That was the message from the NSW Tourism Association following yesterday’s announcement of the Budget by the state government.
The association welcomed new infrastructure and event support but warned that the Budget did not go far enough to meet the critical challenges facing tourism operators across both regional and metropolitan areas.
These challenges include rising costs, increased regulation, workforce shortages and shifting visitor patterns.
Describing it as a “a status quo budget”, the association called for a more strategic, future-focused approach to tourism investment.
Key tourism Budget highlights:
# $324.5 million allocated to Destination NSW to support tourism marketing, events and visitor economy development programs.
# $1.66 billion investment in the state’s broader creative economy, including arts, festivals, museums and night-time activation.
# $30 million committed to a new ferry wharf at the $836 million Sydney Fish Market, improving access and attracting visitation.
# $50 million allocated to convert part of Moore Park Golf Course into public parkland, enhancing green space and liveability in Sydney.
# $1.5 million boost to the Regional Event Fund to support destination events and overnight visitation across regional areas.
“As other states across Australia use tourism to grow their economies, it’s critical that NSW can keep pace,” said Natalie Godward, CEO of the NSW Tourism Association.
“We need to be at the forefront of route development and visitor attraction, not playing catch-up.”
The association has identified four key areas where it says the budget falls short:
# No new destination marketing campaigns to directly stimulate visitation to regional NSW.
# No targeted support package for tourism businesses grappling with rising operational costs.
# Limited investment in visitor infrastructure, experience development, or digital capability across the regions.
# No renewed funding for the Aviation Attraction Fund to support route development and visitor growth.
“As costs and competition increase, it will mean Destination NSW will have to do more with less,” added Ms Godward.
www.nswtourismassociation.com.au
