The Sydney Business Chamber says that while the city's calendar of events and festivals has been internationally recognised at today's World Festival and Event City Awards, any future accolades are at risk without an increase in Government tourism funding.
'Sydney has an internationally rewarded reputation for its diverse range of quality events, but to stay on top, the NSW Government must restore funding to market these events in this highly competitive global arena, "said Katherine O'Regan, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber.
"The NSW Government's recent $35 million-dollar budget cut for tourism promotion puts the ongoing economic benefits of the city's events and festivals at serious risk.
""For the ninth year in a row now Sydney has been recognised by the International Festivals and Events Association for its outstanding quality and creativity in the festivals and events industry. This has been built on the success of the likes of Vivid, Mardi Gras, Sydney Running Festival and Australian Fashion Week."
"Last year event visitors to NSW stayed 5.5 million nights and spent $2.2 billion, with over 70 per cent of international event visitors to NSW participating in or attending events in the Sydney region."
"These are great results, but the city can't rest on its laurels, the tourism sector needs more Government support to promote Sydney and its events to a global audience."
