13 August 2008

A Historic Day for NSW Tourism

ATEC says that the New South Wales Government has sparked the dawn of a new era for the stateÃ¢â¬â¢s tourism industry following the release of its radical new draft tourism marketing framework.

Tourism Industry Council of NSW Chairman Ken Corbett hailed Tourism MinisterÃ¢â¬â¢s Matt BrownÃ¢â¬â¢s new emphasis on industry collaboration via industry groups and Ministerial taskforces as a win for NSW.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœFrom today, NSW is back in the tourism businessÃ¢â¬~, Mr Corbett said.

Mr Corbett said that the new arrangements for tourism in New South Wales were not only significant for the state but for Australia as a whole, as Sydney is the nationÃ¢â¬â¢s truly iconic global destination.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe have come a long way from the situation existing just two years ago when NSW was regarded as underperforming and under-resourced by the tourism industry around the countryÃ¢â¬~

Mr Corbett said, Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe cumulative impact of the creation of Events NSW, backed by $40 million, plus additional funds anticipated from the industry itself will potentially catapult the state into a national leadership position.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe welcome the new emphasis on Sydney, particularly the attention to its brand." "We also welcome the trust the Government has shown in industry by assigning it the task of marketing the stateÃ¢â¬â¢s regions,Ã¢â¬~ Mr Corbett said.

Mr Corbett said the new arrangements would deliver a more managed approach to the regional tourism market and would allow much greater involvement by regional tourism operators in the planning process.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe particularly welcome the new and extensive arrangements for industry consultation and cooperation." "TodayÃ¢â¬â¢s announcement is the culmination of a lot of blood, sweat and tears and an unprecedented level of industry cooperation,Ã¢â¬~ Mr Corbett said.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe NSW Tourism Industry Council is proud of the role we have played in both coordinating the industry and putting our views forcefully and patiently to Government.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe would like to thank the Iemma Government, and in particular Tourism Minister Matt Brown, and we would also like to further recognise the efforts of Mr John OÃ¢â¬â¢Neill, whose detailed report into tourism in NSW for the basis of many of these reforms.

A Report by The Mole