Blue Mountains News

Mr Mallard said the Grants Program, which is part of the $6 million NSW Regional Conferencing Strategy and Action Plan, provides investment into the regional visitor economy on a matched-dollar-for-dollar basis.

“I am delighted that the Australian Bushfire Building Conference will be receiving $26,000 to help attract more business event visitors to the Blue Mountains which will generate lucrative opportunities for our region’s tourism industry,” Mr Mallard said.

“Staging business events is a great way to not only boost overnight visitation but encourage more visitors to experience everything that’s on offer, from our fantastic food and wine scene, natural attractions, spectacular scenery and renowned hospitality.”

“The Bushfire Building Conference to be held in September at both Springwood and Fairmont Resort, Leura is a National Conference building upon our communities deep experience of bushfires whilst showcasing the beauty of the Blue Mountains and why it is an ideal conference location,” Mr Mallard said.

“We look forward to welcoming first-time and returning visitors to our region for the Australian Bushfire Building Conference as a result of this NSW Government funding boost which contributes to our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to NSW by 2020,” he said.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the NSW Regional Conferencing Strategy and Action Plan, which was released last August, aims to grow and enhance NSW’s position as a world leading tourism and events destination.

“We want to make sure that our fantastic rural and regional hotels, restaurants and local attractions are welcoming visitors from far and wide all year round and this Strategy and Action Plan ensures regional NSW is on the bookings radar for those planning their next conference or business event,” Mr Marshall said.

“Conferencing is worth around $140 million to the NSW regional economy and we’re committed to grow this number even further through our Regional Conferencing Development Grants Program. I congratulate the Australian Bushfire Building Conference on their wonderful initiative which is set to drive investment into the local community and generate more jobs.”

For more information on the NSW Regional Conferencing Strategy and Action Plan, including the Grants Program, go to, the Meet in NSW website.