Blue Mountains tourism welcomes NSW government grant after fires

STRUGGLING Blue Mountains tourism operators have welcomed a state government grant to help promote the area after the bushfires.

The Three Sisters rock formation in the NSW Blue Mountains. Picture: Jeff Herbert

THE Blue Mountains regional tourism authority has welcomed an emergency government grant as the region attempts to lure back local and international visitors scared off by its bushfire crisis.

The NSW Government has given Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) $227,500 to promote the region as safe to visit and open for business, despite the ongoing emergency.

BMLOT chairman Randall Walker said the past few weeks had been "very challenging" for the region's tourism industry, with losses of up to $2 million a day and jobs at risk as tourists have cancelled bookings or stayed away.

"This additional funding is required to stem the decline," he said.

"We will now be able to focus on recovering to previous visitor and visitor expenditure levels of four million visitors and $550 million a year.

"Our tourism industry generates more than 5100 equivalent full-time jobs. I know a number of tourism people - business owners and employees - were among those who lost their homes ... to also lose their job would compound the devastation to a family."

Visitors who wanted to help the local industry should "spoil themselves" with a short break or day trip to the region, Mr Walker said.

"Stay in one of our quality hotels, motels, guesthouses and B&Bs; dine in one of our world-class restaurants or cafes such as Silk's Brasserie at Leura or Echoes Restaurants at Katoomba; visit one of our outstanding attractions such as Scenic World or Jenolan Caves near Oberon; book an adventure with one of our outdoor guides; and we'll throw in some of the most spectacular vistas on the planet for free, such as the famous Echo Point Lookout at Katoomba or Hassans Walls at Lithgow.''

He said as the bushfires had occurred on the northern side of the Blue Mountains escarpment, the most popular tourist sites had not been affected.

Announcing the grant, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said he was concerned by news motels and B&Bs in the area were reporting cancellations and businesses were suffering.

"I want to send the message to everyone that the Blue Mountains are open for business," he said.

"This is one of the most scenic parts of the world, with outstanding restaurants, attractions and accommodation.

"Tourism literally supports hundreds of jobs in the Blue Mountains. Many people have already lost their homes. It would only add to their heartache if they lost their jobs too,'' Mr O'Farrell said.