Thanks to the NSW forward thinking government, ARMIES of wealthy Chinese are heading to regional NSW - swapping their smog for our grog — after the state government launched a major new advertising blitz to get more cashed-up Asian holiday-makers into the bush. (Daily telegraph May 2017)
A whopping 1.2 million Chinese flocked to Australia last year with the Chinese tourism market worth around $13 billion to Australia by 2020. But many of those holiday-makers have not thought to venture outside capital cities yet— something the NSW government is changing.
In a bid to ramp up the Asian invasion, the NSW state government has launched an advertising campaign in Hong Kong specifically aimed at enticing tourists to Mudgee and Dubbo.
Elsewhere in NSW, Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole officially opened the Urunga Wetlands to tourism (abc.net May 2017).
"Its for the locals but more importantly its about bringing visitors to the region" he said. "It will continue to support your town and local community".
According to SGS Economics and Planning (2016), Victorias rural towns are faring worse than any other state's. We need a lifeline.
Victoria is lucky enough to still have stunning wetlands, some internationally recognised for environmental significance and many home to unique and endangered birdlife. These wetlands are our lifeline, capable of luring the rapidly growing and extremely lucrative nature tourism to our rural doorsteps.