Central NSW is a billion dollar tourist magnet with revenue up 18 per cent

Figures released this week by the federal body Tourism Research Australia showed the total expenditure from tourists in the region reached a record $1.06 billion in the year to June 2018.

That was up from $900 million in 2017.

They also revealed a 15 per cent increase in visitor numbers with 2.68 million people heading to the region which includes Orange and extends from Lithgow to west of Dubbo.

The average amount each tourist spent in the area also rose three per cent to $399 from $386.

Destination Country and Outback NSW Tourism Network acting general manager Rhonda Taylor said food, drink, nature and sport were attracting people to the region from Sydney.

She said food and drink were “the foundation” for the region’s tourism.

“A 15 per cent increase is something we should be proud of. It’s a very strong increase and let’s keep it going,” she said.

Orange360 general manager Caddie Marshall said regional sporting carnivals and tourism events were vital for the region.

“This is down to the hard work of people who are hosting events and who are driving the numbers,” she said.

Ms Marshall said sporting events, including the Newcrest Challenge and last month’s NSW Masters Championship road race cycling events attracted hundreds of people to the region.

She said the athletes often returned for holidays placing further demand on accommodation of all kinds.

“Our Airbnb market has just exploded,” she said.

NSW Central was ranked 14th in Australia for visitors, which was ahead of Canberra, the Blue Mountains and Hobart.

Centroc portfolio chair for regional development Cr Bill West said he was delighted with the figures.

He said the region had a wide range of events and experiences.

“If you come into the region for an event there is the opportunity to experience many other [things]. It’s not just a one-stop shop,” he said.

NSW Tourism minister Adam Marshall said the Central and Outback NSW regions had achieved  record numbers of domestic overnight visitors and nights-stayed, and their second highest expenditure, and the government wanted it to continue.

“The NSW government has set the state’s first regional tourism target of $25 billion in visitor expenditure in rural and regional NSW by 2030,” he said.