Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has welcomed the NSW Government’s launch of a major new tourism campaign with Australia’s national carrier Qantas, to encourage more Chinese visitors to NSW.
Premier Mike Baird launched the campaign after meeting with Qantas China-based executives in Shanghai during his second official visit to China as Premier.
The new joint campaign between the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, and Qantas features a large outdoor digital billboard promoting travel to Sydney and NSW with Qantas.
“Tourism is an important part of our regional economy. This campaign in China will showcase the magnificent beauty and wonders of our region and help us capture a share of the estimated $2 billion that is now spent by Chinese tourists in NSW each year,” Mr O’Dea said.
“This new campaign follows a recent ‘Tourism from China’ cocktail reception I hosted as Parliamentary Secretary for Major Events and Tourism. The well attended Parliament House event was addressed by Tourism Minister, Stuart Ayres, and brought together key personnel from the Chinese tourism sector.
China is NSW’s largest inbound tourism market with 526,000 visitors arriving from China last financial year - an increase of 24 per cent on the previous year. These visitors spent almost $2 billion during their stays.
The campaign also highlights other regional areas including the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, to potential Chinese visitors.
“With record numbers of Chinese holidaymakers travelling to Australia and the opportunities opening up as a result of the Free Trade agreement, I am delighted this campaign will showcase the best experiences our state has to offer,” Mr O’Dea said.
The campaign includes the digital billboard in Shanghai promoting travel to NSW. In addition, NSW with Qantas and travel partners will promote travel packages for Chinese visitors to experience the Vivid Sydney Festival in 2016.
