In positive news for local business, the New South Wales (NSW) visitor economy has reached unprecedented heights, with the Snowy Mountains emerging as a standout performer. According to the latest data released by Tourism Research Australia, the Snowy Mountains recorded a year-on-year occupancy rate growth of 8.9 percent, the highest in regional NSW, while the Blue Mountains followed closely with a 7.2 percent increase.
PHOTO: International visitation has surged to 3.8 million visitors this year in NSW.
NSW has solidified its reputation as the leading destination for travellers, with historic record breaking visitor expenditure reaching $53.2 billion — a 3.6 percent increase from the previous year, the highest among states in Australia. The robust recovery of the tourism sector is marked by an increase in both international and domestic visitors. Notably, international visitation surged by 11.1 percent year-on-year to 3.8 million visitors, contributing $12.0 billion in expenditure, a 10.7 percent rise from the previous year.
A spokesperson for the Cooma Visitors Centre shared in regards to a busy morning in February, “It’s been a busy morning and we’re feeling the love, with visitors in from QLD, NSW, SA, WA and Canada. They are armed with free maps and advice, ready for a travelling adventure around the Snowy Monaro.”
PHOTO: The Cooma Visitors Centre has a busy morning with domestic and international visitors CREDIT: Cooma Visitor Centre.
Outside of the Snowy Mountains and Blue Mountains doing well, the North Coast of NSW recored the state’s highest increase in regional visitation, up 11.1 percent to 6.3 million visitors, showing significant recovery from previous flood impacts.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper praised the positive trajectory, stating, “The NSW visitor economy has surged past $53 billion for the first time in history, with more people visiting and spending in our state than anywhere else in the country. This is delivering real benefits for local businesses and supporting thousands of jobs across NSW.”
PHOTO: Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper.
He acknowledged the challenges faced during the COVID years but emphasised the resilience and subsequent growth in the tourism sector.
NSW experienced overall high accommodation occupancy rates, with the state achieving an 81 percent rate, while Sydney reached 87 percent, and regional NSW recorded a respectable 70 percent.
These developments are part of a broader strategy to enhance NSW’s tourism appeal, including significant investments such as the $16 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, aimed at boosting international flights and attracting more visitors.
Surely this grants for the rapidly growing community to have access to an indoor pool all year round? Cooma is the central base for more than just the town but so many rural families as well. And yet there is no access to a public 25m indoor pool for the general ‘9months’ of cold weather we experience.
How are our children to learn water safety, a crucial life skill, let alone the many other benefits to the community of having access to a public community 25m heated pool.