Tourism News

$40 million packages launches new era of NSW regional tourism growth

The Forum of Regional Tourism Organisations (FORTO), representing thirteen regional tourism organisations throughout NSW, welcomed and commended the NSW State Government’s commitment to a new $40 million funding package set to ignite a new era of tourism growth across the state.

“That’s an additional $10.5 million to support regional tourism organisations over the next three years,” said FORTO Chairman, Peter Hale. “The funding and its accompanying strategy will create extra jobs, deliver a significant increase in visitor spending and provide a substantial boost to the NSW economy.

“This new tourism plan was developed in close consultation with industry and is strongly supported by the new Minister for Tourism, The Hon. Jodi McKay who is committed to change and continued industry liaison,” he said. “The strategy provides a real opportunity to show government what can be achieved with the right amount of money and the regions of NSW look forward to playing their role in ensuring state targets are met”.

The Forum of Regional Tourism Organisations was formed during the development of the new strategy, to more effectively communicate the specific needs of the 13 regional tourism organisations in the decision making process. “We will retain our strong voice to government and a leadership role in future strategic partnership,” said Mr Hale.

“Key aims within the new strategy are to expand international tourism into regional areas; improve business development for tourism operators; planning and investment; aviation opportunities and grow visitation to National Parks,” he said.
Regional NSW attracted 47.4 million visitors in the past year and generated $11.4 billion from domestic and international tourists.

The NSW Tourism Strategy was developed in response to the O’Neill Review into Tourism which was released in June this year.

$6 million refurb for Crowne Plaza Terrigal

Crowne Plaza Terrigal is to undergo a $6 million refurbishment following a multi-million dollar refurbishment of the ground floor of the hotel in 2007.

The hotel announced it will fully renovate all guest rooms from 1 February 2009, with the first floors to be completed by March. The project will see the hotel’s 196 rooms transformed by May 2009 to make the most of the outstanding ocean views, private balconies and spacious floor plans.

The hotel’s corridors, lobby and first floor landing will also be updated as an extension of the fresh room design to ensure a uniform feel throughout the hotel.

“This long overdue and very exciting project will reinstate Crowne Plaza Terrigal as one of the top seaside hotel, meeting and conferencing destinations in Australia,” said Director of Sales and Marketing, Iain Ganner. “The rooms will set new standards on the Central Coast and will be a perfect complement to the recently upgraded ground floor facilities and our established reputation for service and catering.”

The refurbishment of the rooms is the first major overhaul since the hotel was opened in 1988.
Eureka Property Investment Funds’ Eureka Core Property Fund No.1 owns the property which it purchased in 2005.

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