The NSW visitor economy has borne the brunt of the pandemic for the past two years with lockdowns, border closures and travel restrictions, so now is a perfect time to welcome international visitors to fill the mid-week travel gap left from domestic visitors, according to the State’s peak tourism organisation, the NSW Tourism Industry Council.
“The arrival of international visitors will bring life back to the world-class harbour city of Sydney, filling the vacant hotel rooms, booking tables at restaurants and visiting our attractions before they spread out to regional areas to visit wineries, sample local produce, national parks, engage in unique wildlife experiences and adventures,” said Business NSW Tourism Executive Manager Greg Binskin.
“Over the past few weeks, we have started to see a flow of international students and backpackers returning to our shores which is good news for tourism hospitality looking to fill thousands of vacant hospitality jobs,” Mr Binskin said.
“With our borders closed for years to key markets, the pent-up demand to visit Australia remains strong, and as the world airlines start to return to NSW, it’s the news the industry is starting to celebrate and plan.
“While we wait for the international visitors to return, now is the perfect time to plan a short break, reconnect with family and friends to dine outdoors and enjoy our moderate temperatures.
“With the NSW Govt recent announcement of the ‘Stay NSW and Parent NSW’ vouchers on top of the existing Dine & Discover vouchers, let’s get out and support the visitor economy, whether it’s on a trip to the beach, to our inland towns and villages or a trip to our world-class city of Sydney, you will be doing your duty to ensure businesses stay open and help them to navigate this pandemic and continue NSW as the premier visitor economy.” Mr Binskin said.
