The NSW Government is looking across the ditch to boost tourism numbers to the state, through a new two-year strategic partnership with Air New Zealand.
NSW Premier Mike Baird signed the agreement this week during his first official visit to Auckland.
Commenting on the arrangement, he said ‘strong cultural, diplomatic and business links’ with New Zealand will benefit tourism.
According to latest figures, NSW welcomed 396,000 visitors from across the ditch in the year to March 2015. With the partnership this figure is expected to increase and result in an additional estimated $6.4 million in annual overnight visitor expenditure to NSW.
Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase expects the agreement will also cement the strong relationship the exists between the two countries.
“The close proximity of our countries means Sydney and Regional NSW are fantastic short break destinations where New Zealanders can come to enjoy our spectacular scenery, food and wine and many of the best major events in Australia.”
Sandra Chipchase, Destination NSW CEO
“In the past month alone we have welcomed visitors from New Zealand who have come to see major events such as the Bledisloe Cup and 2015 Netball World Cup.
“We also have a packed Spring and Summer Calendar to look forward to that includes the Sydney Running Festival, NRL Grand Final, Australian Open of Golf, Matilda The Musical, Rugby Sevens, AUS-X Open Supercross and V8 Supercars Sydney 500.”
In the year to March 2015, visitors from New Zealand stayed a total of 4.5 million nights in NSW and spent $473 million during their stay. The average length of stay for visitors from New Zealand to NSW was 11 nights.
