BATHURST’S tourism sector is growing, with the weekend's Artisan Trades Trail and the upcoming Bathurst Winter Festival among a string of successful events.
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Traditional crafts were showcased at 10 locations across Bathurst on the weekend with people encouraged to jump in their car, or take the free shuttle bus, to explore the sites.
While the upcoming Bathurst Winter Festival, which is back for its third year, drew tens of thousands of visitors to the central business district in 2016.
The two events help broaden the city's appeal as much more than just a motorsport destination, Bathurst Regional Council destination development manager Lucy White said.
She said tourism was an emerging industry for the city, and one that council was focusing on as visitor numbers increase.
“Tourism has great potential for growth and driving investment in the region,” Ms White said.
Bathurst receives 928,000 visitors annually, which prides $181 million in direct expenditure.
“Around 325,000 people stay for a couple of nights,” Ms White said.
The ‘visiting friends and relatives’ tourism sector is worth $7.7 billion to NSW each year, and she said council was hoping to boost this area of Bathurst’s tourism.
While the weekend's Artisan Trades Trail highlighted traditional crafts, it also showcased the city's tourism destinations including Tremain's Mill, Abercrombie House and Miss Trail's House.
It also highlighted Bathurst region wine makers and community clubs.
With 600 paying adults taking part in the Artisan Trades Trail (children were given free entry if accompanied by an adult), Ms White said it was a successful event.
Bathurst receives 928,000 visitors annually which prides $181 million in direct expenditure.
- Bathurst Regional Council destination development manager Lucy White
She said the more locals who know about the city's tourism sites, the better they can recommend them when their friends and relatives come to visit.
This year’s Bathurst Winter Festival runs from July 1 to 16 and it will feature two street parties will also be held during the 16-day festival – ‘Ignite the Night’ on Saturday, July 1 and ‘Brew and Bite’ on Saturday, July 8
New illuminations will feature, as will a larger ice rink, a two-storey carousel and the ferris wheel will be back.