Below is a A MESSAGE FROM DESTINATION NSW regarding the NSW bushfires:
Our thoughts and sympathies are with families and communities affected by the unprecedented bushfires in NSW, and our eternal thanks go to the emergency services who continue to battle the bushfires across the state.
With conditions constantly changing, it remains a challenging time for all of us in NSW.
Once the immediate threat of fires has passed, Destination NSW and the NSW Government will focus on supporting communities while they recover and there’s no doubt tourism will play an important social and economic role in that recovery.
Right now we are working with the State’s six Destination Networks to understand the impact of the bushfires by completing an audit of tourism infrastructure, product and experiences.
This will further inform and guide our developing plan to promote statewide travel in NSW and in impacted areas once it is safe to do so.
Whilst bushfires continue to impact parts of regional New South Wales, there are also many areas including the Sydney metropolitan area that remain unaffected.
Visitors to New South Wales are encouraged to maintain their travel plans and bookings over the summer period, but should be vigilant and seek the most up to date information prior to departure.
Anyone travelling in NSW should follow the instruction and advice of authorities including:
• Rural Fire Service
• National Parks
• NSW Police
• Bureau of Meteorology
• Live Traffic
• Tourism Australia
We continue to support NSW through ongoing marketing and promotional activities as appropriate.
Beyond this, we are actively representing the NSW tourism industry in the State Government’s bushfire recovery committees, and are working with Tourism Australia on an international approach to benefit NSW.
Be assured that we are committed to providing support to our industry operators as they get back on their feet. We will equip visitors with all the facts they need, remind them of the great experiences NSW has to offer and emphasise how their visit makes a difference.
We will keep you updated as recovery plans are developed.
Stay safe and best wishes.
Stephen Mahoney – Acting CEO Destination NSW