The NSW government’s ambitious target will double regional tourism from $12.7 billion to $20 billion per year by 2025, rising to $25 billion by 2030.

The push will see Orange, along with Bathurst, Mudgee, Albury and Tamworth, hosting premium sporting matches, and member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the government was already in talks with a variety of sporting codes.

“The NSW government has been quite aggressive in chasing the tourism market, now as part of it we have an ambitious target to double overnight stays by 2020 and we’ve really seen a big push in tourism and people moving to the bush for opportunities,” he said.

“The tourism sector is booming in our state, it’s one of the fastest growing industries in NSW, and as a government we want to make sure that every part of the state, including regional and rural centres, are going to benefit from this fast-growing industry.”

Central West NRL game development officer Dave Elvy said the addition of big matches, in any code of sport, would encourage new players and supporters.

“The participation rates have grown,” he said since the Penrith Panthers started its contract to play competitive fixtures at Bathurst’s Carrington Park.

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“It’s only going to help with the growth of other sports.”

Mr Elvey said sporting facilities in Orange, Bathurst and Mudgee were as good as anywhere in the state, and had the capacity to cater to big games.

Mitchell Cricket Council president Mark Frecklington said the move would be good for country areas and would help promote talent across all codes.

“People will travel if it’s a match of some note. This will be very attractive for a lot of people,” he said.

Western NSW Business Chamber regional manager Vicki Seccombe said investment in infrastructure would be needed.

“The key is to get more of those 36.6 million overnight visitors to Western NSW and that means targeting investment into infrastructure to support the tourism sector,” she said.

“We need better connectivity through the Blue Mountains to ensure shorter trip times and further investment into our airports.”