The Regional Flagship Events Program provides one year grants of $10,000 and three year grants totalling $60,000 to support the marketing and advertising of important regional events and festivals. The grants were awarded following a competitive process administered by major events and tourism agency Destination NSW.

“Major events and festivals are vitally important for the regional visitor economy. Successful events bring visitors to regional areas, giving a huge boost to local hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions,” Mr Souris said.

“Regional Flagship Events and festivals such as the Blue Mountains’ Sculptures at Scenic World, Bangalow’s Sample Food Festival, Port Stephens’ Tastes at the Bay and Narooma’s Great Southern Blues Festival all attract visitors, create local jobs and boost their regional economies through tourism.

“Visitor expenditure in Regional NSW is now worth more than $13.7 billion to year end September 2013, an increase of more than 11.1% compared to the same time last year,” Mr Souris said.

“I encourage visitors to take a holiday in Regional NSW and combine that holiday with attending one or more of the many fantastic events or festivals on offer.”

Details of the 37 events can be found in the document below.

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