Regional events are set to play a key role in growing the NSW visitor economy in 2025, according to Destination NSW.
Tourism Research Australia data shows regional NSW contributed a record $26 billion (49%) to the NSW visitor economy in the year ending September 2024.
“Regional communities will play a vital role in growing our state’s visitor economy,” said Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham.
“Of our 2035 $91 billion growth target, regional NSW will attract a very large proportion of that spending.”
The NSW Government says it is supporting communities to host events that “reflect local character and create authentic experiences, attracting visitors and driving expenditure”.
Parkes Elvis Festival is one of the first regional events to kick off 2025, with more than 250 fans boarding the Elvis Express at Sydney’s Central Station on January 9.
The event is expected to draw more than 11,000 visitors to Parkes this week, from 8-12 January 2025, injecting an estimated $11 million in ex-region expenditure into the local economy.
In FY2024-25, Destination NSW is investing in more than 85 regional events, including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Great Southern Nights, Bluesfest, Narooma Oyster Festival, Mundi Mundi Bash, Bathurst 1000, Deni Ute Muster and Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko.