No Images? Click here NSW FIRST TO TOP 100 MILLION OVERNIGHT VISITORSA record 31.6 million Aussies travelled across the State in 2017, staying over 100 million nights in total, making NSW the first in Australia to reach these incredible results. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said that the latest record-breaking National Visitor Survey results also show that more interstate visitors and more NSW residents are choosing to travel within our own State. “NSW continues to set the bar for domestic overnight visitor numbers, with the State welcoming 31.6 million visitors in the year ended December 2017, which is nearly 10 million more than Queensland and 7.1 million more than Victoria,” Mr Marshall said. “This exceptional growth was evenly spread, with both Sydney and rural and regional NSW visitation growing by eight per cent. “Australians are also spending more than ever before when travelling in NSW, with expenditure growth up 11.6 per cent; double the national growth percentage." Mr Marshall said the record domestic visitor data follows NSW’s record results in the latest International Visitor Survey, making NSW the number one destination of choice for national and international visitors last year. Image credit: Dee Kramer Photography. TOURISM SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR TATHRANSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Bega Andrew Constance have announced a $100,000 Tathra and coastal region tourism support package, designed to assist the local tourism industry following the devastating March bushfires. Ms Berejiklian said the funding will support a campaign to help drive overnight visitation to the region with an extensive marketing and advertising strategy, support for upcoming Sapphire Coast events and media familiarisation visits. “The NSW Government knows how valuable tourism is to the Sapphire Coast, which is why we want to send a clear message to travellers that the region’s hotels, restaurants and local attractions are open for business and ready to give that warm welcome the area is known for,” Ms Berejiklian said. Mr Constance said the campaign will spread the word that the Tathra community is back on its feet, and grab the attention of travellers who are looking to book their next break. To kick off the campaign, Destination NSW secured a special Today Show weather broadcast from Tathra on Monday 26 March to promote the region ahead of the Easter holiday period. The Tathra and coastal region tourism support campaign will be developed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in consultation with Destination Southern NSW and Sapphire Coast Tourism. REFURBISHED BYRON BAY YHA FIT FOR ‘FLASH-PACKERS’The Byron Bay Youth Hostel Association (YHA) has had a multi-million dollar makeover, breathing new life into the popular backpacker destination. The renovation has expanded the property to 199 beds, across a mixture of multi-share and private rooms, with all new rooms featuring ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. The stunning renovation has an Australian art theme, with three masterpieces from iconic Aussie creatives. The lobby features artwork by local artist Robert Moore, a beach-themed mural by street artist Mulga is around the luxe pool and a vintage photo of 1960s surfer Horrie Budd adorns one entire wall. The newly refurbished Byron Bay YHA caters for solo travellers as well as groups or families, offering good-value accommodation with multi-share rooms from $31 per person per night and $110 per room per night for a double room. To find out more, visit Byron Bay YHA. NEW LION EXHIBIT THE PRIDE OF TARONGANSW Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton has welcomed the opening of Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s new Lion Pride Lands precinct, featuring an immersive safari adventure for guests to get up close to the Dubbo Zoo’s Lion pride. A $9 million joint investment between the NSW Government and Taronga Conservation Society Australia, the 3.8 hectare precinct is the largest investment in an animal exhibit in the Zoo’s history. “Lion Pride Lands at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo sets the bar for world-class guest experiences,” Ms Upton said. “In addition to offering space and an unrivalled environment for the lions, the precinct offers up-close viewing from a replica African Maasai village, home to a herd of goats, as well as an immersive drive-through experience in Pride Lands Patrol. These experiences will inspire the Zoo’s guests to connect with lions, to understand what it’s like to live in close proximity to lions and to understand their plight in the wild.” Lion Pride Lands will be open every day from Easter onwards, and entry is included in the cost of admission. For more information, visit taronga.org.au/LionPrideLands. Image: Minister Upton at the opening of Taronga Western Plains Zoo's new Lion Pride Lands. VISITORS TO SYDNEY SPOILT FOR EVENTS THIS EASTER LONG WEEKENDSydney is the place to be for the Easter Long Weekend, with the Harbour City offering visitors a wide variety of cultural experiences, sporting excellence and world-class events to entertain and delight all-comers. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said, “The Easter Long Weekend presents a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, with Sydney offering a diverse and exciting line-up of world-class events. “Visitors to Sydney over the Easter Long Weekend can immerse themselves in the spectacle that is the Sydney Royal Easter Show, be inspired by Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, the 21st Biennale of Sydney and The Lady and the Unicorn, or experience elite sport live with five NRL Premiership games taking place across the Harbour City, Stakes Day at Rosehill Gardens and AFL Premiership action at the famous Sydney Cricket Ground.” In addition to a packed schedule of events in the Harbour City, there is also plenty happening in regional NSW. For a full list of what’s happening around the State, head to visitnsw.com. For more information on what to eat, do and see over the Easter Long Weekend in Sydney go to Sydney.com. Image credit: David Clare/Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. CELEBRATING 50 YEARS |