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The NSW Government has launched a new Visitor Economy Strategy, which aims to grow the state’s airline capacity by 8.5 million seats.
The plan will include the development of a new Statewide Aviation Strategy, which will have a particular focus on Newcastle and Western Sydney International (WSI) Airports. It aims to generate $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035.
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Initiatives already flagged include the $12.5 million NSW Take-Off Fund and the $16 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund.
“This strategy will help us unlock opportunities and partner with the private sector to deliver an additional 8.5 million aviation seats, 40,400 new accommodation rooms and 150,000 new jobs,” said NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper.
“The opening of Western Sydney International and Newcastle Airports will be transformative for NSW, creating new pathways for global connection and visitation that will fuel growth in tourism, trade and investment.
“The new Strategy ensures we’re ready to harness that growth from day one and positions NSW to lead the next evolution of Australia’s visitor economy.”
Newcastle Airport has welcomed the announcement, with CEO Linc Horton saying he is “pleased to see the clear focus on boosting aviation capacity, unlocking new routes and attracting major investment, which aligns strongly with our vision at Newcastle Airport”.
It comes as the airport completes its new international terminal, with flights to Bali set to commence on 21 October.
“The region’s new terminal will connect our 1.4 million-strong catchment with more destinations, more easily and will play a key role in delivering on the Strategy’s ambitious targets, especially the 8.5 million new airline seats and $91 billion visitor spend by 2035,” said Horton.
“We particularly welcome the NSW Take Off Fund and its support for unlocking new routes, alongside the Statewide Aviation Strategy announcement. These initiatives put regional airports like Newcastle front and centre in driving tourism, trade and connectivity for NSW.
“We look forward to working closely with Destination NSW to bring this vision to life and to deliver real outcomes for NSW.”
WSI will also work with the NSW government on the strategy, which follows the announcement in March of the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund to entice international airlines. The airport is slated to open late next year.
“This initial investment with the State Government is very welcome news and another strong signal that Western Sydney International Airport is well and truly open for business,” Simon Hickey, chief executive at WSI, said at the time.
“This airport – Sydney’s only 24-hour international gateway – will deliver a major boost to the state’s visitor economy and provide further support for the vibrant and diverse tourism attractions that NSW has to offer for both domestic and global travellers alike.
“WSI is built for growth, with plans in place that will eventually see it become Sydney’s biggest international airport, handling more than 80 million annual passengers, which is akin to London’s Heathrow airport today.”
