A NEW campaign launched by Central NSW Tourism could boost the region’s economy by up to $88 million.
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The While You’re Here campaign, which includes a series of downloadable Discovery Trails, will help locals boost their knowledge of the region’s tourist attractions and encourage visitors to spend more time, and consequently money, in Central NSW.
Central NSW Tourism executive officer Lucy White said educating locals on the wide variety of attractions was key to boosting the tourism industry.
She said around 28 per cent of the 4.58 million overnight visitors to the Central NSW were visiting friends or family.
“With 1130 natural and culturally significant sites, the aim of the campaign is to remind locals what’s in their own backyard, educate them on what’s new and make them proud ambassadors,” she said.
“And a little bit more goes a long way – if our guests spend an extra $15 per person per day, it will boost the economy by a staggering $88 million.”
This is the first time Central NSW has offered travel information and themed trails linking hubs such as Bathurst, Orange, Cowra, Forbes, Parkes and Mudgee with smaller, historic villages.
The six new Discovery Trails offer themed holiday plans under the titles Gold, Art, Nature, Country Folk, Technology and Food and Wine, and contain varying routes from half-day to seven-day adventures.
Hill End Village historic heritage project co-coordinator Lew Bezzina said the Discovery Trails would encourage visitors to stay for longer.
“It’s a fantastic initiative, it has taken a number of different tourist attractions and combined them together in a series of trails.
“It’s not just great for the tourist operators and businesses, but for the visitors who can pick a theme and see what destinations would interest them.”
Mr Bezzina said it would be good to see a boost in tourism, as the economic climate meant less funding was available for the historic village.
“If we do well other business around the region will also do well, too. As if people stay longer, they are likely to spend more money, but more food, fuel, coffee and more.”
Mr Bezzina said Central NSW had plenty for visitors.
“Take Hill End, it’s one of the most unique villages in the country, it’s one of few publicly owned historic sites and has such a rich history,” he said.