Regional travel is back, and businesses in the Southern Highlands are set to benefit from an influx of tourists.
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Steve Horton, chair of the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry said regional travel was vital to the Southern Highlands.
"Places like Berrima need the visitor economy to survive," he said.
"Small businesses like cafes, retail stores, wineries and other tourism businesses rely on the visitor economy to survive.
"The visitors coming into our area from Canberra, Sydney and the Illawarra generate a huge amount towards the Southern Highlands Economy.
"This is the reason that businesses have struggled over the past four months during the lockdown."
Mr Horton said service industry businesses that were permitted to stay open did well during COVID-19.
"Essential retail such pharmacies and hardware stores did extremely well during COVID," he explained.
"However those unfortunate enough to be considered non-essential were forced to close for three months and then when we were able to open Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra were closed to regional travel which lead to an additional month with very little trade."
Izabella Lane from Destination Southern Highlands explained that regional travel was extremely important for the Southern Highlands.
"More than 1.5 million domestic 'day visitors' come to the Southern Highlands each year spending approximately $118 million," she said.
"Likewise, overnight domestic visitors spend approximately $264 million each year.
"Regional travel to our Shire provides a major stimulus to the local economy with restaurants and takeaway outlets, grocery stores and general food, drink and entertainment retailers being the largest beneficiaries."
With a Destination NSW 'Feel New Southern Wales' campaign recently released, Destination Southern Highlands plans to make the most out of it to attract visitors to the region.
"Destination Southern Highlands will be leveraging from the recent Destination NSW campaign," Ms Lane explained.
"This campaign provides 'buy-ins' at different levels for regional NSW.
"The council is also working in partnership with Destination Sydney Surrounds South and key industry representatives with a Visitor Economy Recovery Taskforce.
"This includes undertaking a new Digital Marketing Strategy & Recovery Social Media Campaign which will combine with the Destination NSW campaign."
Ms Lane explained that Destination Southern Highlands would continue to promote their existing social media campaign to encourage visitors to visit the Southern Highland.
"Our shire abounds in wonderful and unique experiences," she said.
"In line with the recently launched DNSW brand campaign, 'Feel New', visitors can expect to find something to renew, refresh and rejuvenate themselves in the Southern Highlands.
"We have activities to entice nature and outdoor lovers, art lovers, book fans, wine connoisseurs and foodies and boutique and antique shoppers.
"These are just a small sample of the delights to be experienced in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW."
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