NSW launches $10 million tourism push as state faces bushfire recovery
As NSW starts to rebuild after a horror summer, there’s no better time to rediscover it than right now, according to a new tourism campaign.
Welcome to Don’t Delay Your Stay, news.com.au’s campaign to support communities hard hit by this summer’s devastating bushfires. Many of these regions rely on tourism so one of the best ways to help is to visit and spend time in some of the most beautiful parts of our great country.
NSW residents are being urged to holiday at home and spend locally as the state faces a long recovery from one of the most brutal periods of bushfire and drought in history.
Destination NSW has launched a new social media campaign called Now’s The Time To Love NSW, which calls on people to spend time in the state’s regional areas and share their photos and videos online.
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NSW was the worst hit state during the summer’s horror bushfires, with fire destroying about five million hectares through multiple regions including the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury, the South Coast and the Southern Highlands.
The crisis has also devastated the tourism economy in fire-affected regions and those nearby, at a time regional towns and cities face an expensive rebuilding effort.
Destination NSW’s $10 million marketing campaign aims relies on content generated by people going out and exploring NSW towns and cities.
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Travellers are encouraged to capture images – framed by hands in the shape of a love heart – and share them online using the hashtag #LoveNSW.
NSW tourism minister Stuart Ayres said the campaign aimed to remind travellers about all the experiences that could be enjoyed in the country’s number one holiday destination, which was all the more important during such a difficult time.
“The prolonged drought and unprecedented bushfires have broken our hearts and
had a devastating impact on thousands of operators in our beautiful state,” Mr Ayres said.
“That’s why now’s the time to love NSW – we need to show the world that our many
spectacular sights and experiences are in great shape, and they’re welcoming
visitors right now.”
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The campaign is happening alongside the Federal Government’s $20 million tourism push “Holiday Here This Year”, which is part of a $76 million federal bushfire recovery package.
The bushfire crisis is believed to have wiped billions of dollars from the tourism industry.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said people were delaying or cancelling their travel plans, including to areas not directly affected by the fires, leaving hotels, restaurants, caravan parks and other businesses suffering.
“We are asking people to commit to holidaying in their own backyard this year – whether it’s a drive up the coast, taking a trip interstate or ticking off a bucket-list destination – and to spread the word that Australia is ready to welcome more travellers,” Ms Harrison said at the launch of the Holiday This Year campaign.
DON’T DELAY YOUR STAY
The next few months will be critical in rebuilding communities hit hard by the recent bushfires.
News.com.au has launched the Don’t Delay Your Stay campaign to encourage Australians to support the communities who need our help by visiting. Over the coming weeks we provide detailed guides, interactive maps and videos showing you all the great places right at your doorstep.
We are kicking off the campaign with detailed guides to the Blue Mountains, East Gippsland and Kangaroo Island and will be adding more each week to give you a comprehensive guide on everything to see and do in some of the most beautiful parts of our great country.
By booking a trip to these regions we can all help the local economy and pump much-needed funds back into towns that need tourist dollars to survive.
Check out news.com.au’s Australian Holidays for all your Don’t Delay Your Stay travel inspiration