"Whilst taking every precaution we can, let's not get complacent, but let everyone know through Orange360, whatever the means be, that Orange is open, we want your money," he said.

It comes as the state government has launched a new campaign to encourage people from Sydney and NSW to holiday in regional areas to boost business.

Cr Turner said businesses were following COVID-19 restrictions but were struggling financially.

"They're desperate to return to profit and put on staff they had to put off," he said.

During debate at the latest council meeting about giving Orange360 $100,000 for a campaign to attract tourists Cr Turner said Orange should be open for business.

"We need to be careful, but we've got to start opening the country up, we've got to start opening Orange up. People are already coming, they are spending money helping the businesses recover."

Cr Turner said he had two sons in business who were "suffering very badly" due to the effects of the restrictions.

"I know first-hand what businesses are going through," he said.

Other councillors backed the spend but said it might be too early in the pandemic to encourage tourists now.

Cr Scott Munro said people needed to be positive.

"Things are pretty good in NSW, we're very, very lucky in NSW, Victoria's another story," he said. "We have got to promote our town. We've got to show we're not afraid."

Cr Stephen Nugent called for the wider promotion of Orange businesses.

"I'd like to see Orange360 perhaps consider promoting primary producers and creative industries here in Orange into the Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra markets," he said.

Cr Nugent said he wanted to see people from the cities "buy from the bush."

Cr Jason Hamling said Orange had received plenty of visitors and it had not led to a spread of the virus.

"The wineries, the cafes, the restaurants, they have all done the right thing, they've adhered to the rules," he said.

"Probably not right at the moment but the borders will open up, people will start travelling north, south, east and west, so we've got to keep Orange in their mind."

He said Orange360 should use local businesses for the campaign where possible.

Cr Tony Mileto said Orange needed to prepare itself for when the pandemic eased and tourism increased.

"There are other councils who are on the front foot in promoting their own regions," he said.

"They are setting themselves up. We need to be a competitor in this space.

"If we let other councils get on the front foot we are going to be behind the eight ball.

"I wouldn't support it right at the moment because I don't think the environment's right."

On Sunday Tourism minister Stuart Ayres said NSW residents could help reboot the state's visitor economy by hitting the road.

"We all want to make a difference by staying and spending locally, so let's enjoy all corners of NSW and jam-pack our itineraries with NSW's finest experiences," he said.

"You'll be rewarded with the diversity and beauty of our state and make a huge difference to our tourism businesses that are doing it tough."

He announced a campaign including an interactive Love NSW map that allows people to search for and identify tourism experiences based on a theme.

Mr Ayres said people could also find experiences within three hours' drive of a selected location.