The Minister also encouraged operators to register to attend one of the free skills workshops during the winter months.

“The funding is part of some $20 million allocated to regional tourism this year in the 2013-14 Budget, and will help tourism operators and businesses develop their products and promote their destinations and experiences to visitors from across Australia and the world.” Mr Souris said.

“There is also a new program of free workshops called NSW First, taking place across the region during June, July and August. Sydney, Wollongong and Coffs Harbour workshops are already full, with places filling rapidly for other locations.

“With more than 35,000 businesses and 68,400 jobs involved in tourism in regional NSW, it is critical that we provide resources and support to help build their businesses – the new funding, a strong regional budget, and a program of free workshops provides a terrific resource boost for our tourism industry. Tourism to regional NSW is now, more than ever, vital to rebuilding the NSW economy,” Mr Souris said.

Sandra Chipchase, CEO of Destination NSW, the Government’s tourism and major events agency which manages the Regional Visitor Economy Fund and is delivering the workshops said, “New funds and new skills will mean our NSW tourism industry has access to everything they need to build on the growth already experienced in the last two years, and drive more tourism business to their destinations.”

Further information on the application process can be found at destinationnsw.com.au/RVEF

The full NSW First workshop schedule and registration details can be found at destinationnsw.com.au/workshops

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