However, the CEO of the state’s leading tourism accommodation body said he was disappointed at the cut in funding of about $35 million to the Destination NSW Budget.

“This move is short-sighted considering the competition for the tourism dollar from other states – in particular Queensland and Victoria,” he said.

“Sydney in particular has 10,000 hotel rooms currently in the pipeline – now is the time we should be ramping up and promoting what our state has to offer.”

But, Mr Johnson said the sector welcomed the Government’s announcement of $71 million over four years for an additional 100,000 free TAFE and VET courses.

“These include 70,000 fee-free courses for young job seekers combining work and study through a traineeship – something we have pushed for as a way to address the skills shortages the accommodation sector faces,” he said.

“TAA NSW is currently working closely with TAFE NSW on developing specific recruitment strategies for young job-seekers including VET programs so any boost in this area is welcomed.”

Mr Johnson said other Budget positives for the sector included:

• $76.6 million for the Sydney Opera House renewal program and security upgrades.
• $167.2 million to relocate the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta and expand storage at the Museum Discovery Centre.
• $113.5 million to rejuvenate the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.
• $103.4 million for the Sydney Modern project to transform the Art Gallery of NSW.
• As part of the Restart NSW Commitment, Regional Tourism Infrastructure receives $103.7 million to fund critical regional tourism infrastructure.
• $25 million will go towards establishing the Byron Bay Sustainable Tourism Fund.
• $25.2 million to improve access to NSW national parks through upgrading and extending walking trails, improving visitor infrastructure and facilities, and introducing online and digital tools for virtual tours.

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