Tourism Jobs On The Rise
Newcastle Herald
Thursday April 3, 2003
OVERSEAS conflict has propelled Hunter tourism growth but skyrocketing insurance premiums are still a headache for many operators, the Hunter's tourism head said yesterday.
Last year 102 tourism establishments in the Hunter enjoyed a 7.6 per cent jump in employment growth.
Hunter Regional Tourism Organisation executive director Frank Ryan said more people have visited and prices have risen.
Mr Ryan said since the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, fewer Australians have travelled abroad.
``We know there has been a decrease in the tendency to travel overseas," he said.
He said 65 to 70 per cent of the Hunter's tourism market was from Sydney.
Despite the healthy increase in tourist numbers, some insurance premiums have increased by 50 to 100 per cent and have taken their toll on tourist operators, particularly in the horseriding sector.
``Public liability insurance has led to businesses closing," Mr Ryan said.
``The market is tough, there's no denying that."
He said although only 6 per cent of tourists to the Hunter are international visitors, they are a lucrative market thanks to the weak Australian dollar.
International tourists tend to spend more and stay longer.
The Hunter Regional Tourist Organisation in partnership with Hunter councils and Tourism NSW has launched a $240,000 print media advertising campaign to encourage Sydneysiders to sample Hunter attractions.
© 2003 Newcastle Herald
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