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The Tourism Industry Council of NSW launched a new initiative 'Tourism in Focus', that aims to highlight the importance of tourism to the NSW economy and to celebrate tourism business excellence.

A week long celebration, running from 30th July to 3rd August, Tourism in Focus involves local bureaus, information centres, local media centres and tourism centres.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, encouraged tourism operators across the State to support this initiative, to lift the industry's profile and acknowledge its contribution to the NSW economy, stating "NSW Tourism in Focus is a programme of activities promoting the benefits that tourism brings to the State," said Mr Souris.

Tourism is a major contributor to the NSW economy, injecting more than $25 billion and supporting more than 150,000 jobs.

Minister Souris added "tourism operators are committed to delivering the very best experience to the millions of visitors to NSW each year. NSW is the gateway to the nation with more than half of all visitors to Australia spending time in the state. This would not be the case if it were not for the commitment of both industry and the NSW Government towards growing tourism.

"There will be a range of events during the Tourism in Focus week also aimed at promoting entry to the annual Awards and activities to support entrants through the submission process."

Presented by the Tourism Industry Council NSW and supported by Destination NSW, the NSW Tourism Awards celebrate tourism businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement and success throughout the year.

To highlight the role tourism operators play in the economy, the winners of the 2011 NSW Tourism Awards - many who went on to win the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards - are part of the focus of the week's celebrations.

Tourism Industry Council of NSW Chief Executive Andrew Jefferies believes it is vital to raise the profile of tourism businesses and the contribution they make to the state's economy.

He explains "we encourage the industry across New South Wales to highlight the unsung heroes in your local area; those working and running the pubs, hotels and tourist attractions that employ and buy local product - the reason people visit the region!

"We want to evoke a sense of passion and pride in the people who allow us to make life long memories through our family holidays and work trips we take in our state. It is a chance to celebrate and remember the hard work of our neighbours, friends and communities whose businesses are at the core of the NSW Tourism Industry."

Events and promotions for Tourism in Focus include:

• All local tourism bureaus and local councils will be encouraged to host recognition and information events with the tourism businesses in their area;
• Webinars for tourism businesses on how to enter the NSW Tourism Awards; and
• Community engagement through social media activity.

For more information go to www.ticnsw.com.au/nsw-tourism-in-focus

Images: Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney Harbour (top) and Mt Keira, Wollongong (below).

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11th February 2011 - NEW FUNDING TO BOOST NSW TOURISM

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