Tourism Research Australia figures show the tourism expenditure in NSW has dropped by $15 billion due to a fall in international visitors, and a surge in the number of NSW residents travelling overseas.

And it is leaving many tourism operators in a difficult situation.

"NSW tourism operators need local support now more than ever, as the sector recovers from the events of the past few years," said Libby Cupitt from from the award-winning Cupitt's Estate at Ulladulla.

"The best thing people can do is shop local, whether it be holidaying at home or supporting local businesses."

Owner of Bangalay Luxury Villas at Shoalhaven Heads, Michelle Bishop, said she was planning to do exactly that during the holidays.

"We're planning on going to Mollymook and having a big day there, leave early and have a morning at the beach, a late lunch at Cupitt's and then grab some yummy food from the providores at the beautiful Small Town provisions in Milton on our way home," she said.

"It's definitely something we'll be doing this holidays."

There were other places and activities Ms Bishop wanted to explore including Lake Conjola Swordfish Brewery at Sussex Inlet, Woebegone Free Dive on Jervis Bay, kayaking at Kangaroo Valley and sea kayaking on Jervis Bay.

"It's really nice to plan a day out and really explore a town or village in your own area," she said.

"If we could encourage everyone to spend three days out during the school holidays, pick somewhere for lunch, pick up something to take home, and go explore a great walk or a beach."

Supporting the region's visitor economy could be as simple as exploring who offered the best fish and chips or vanilla slices in the region, where you could get the best pub meals or exploring the region's highly regarded hospitality sector.