The Wangarang team upon arriving at Pioneer Oval in Parkes ready to compete
With ongoing concern over the impact of the fuel crisis on regional tourism, sporting events continue to have strong attendances, providing a much-needed uptick in visitation.
Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson said “While many regional tourism operators are struggling, a bright spot continues to be the reliability and the frequency of regional sport tourism.”
“Sport continues to be a key pillar of the state’s tourism, keeping regional economies ticking over throughout the quieter months.
“Sports tourism already makes up one in every ten tourism dollars spent, and we want that to grow in regional NSW.
“Regional sporting events aren’t just about competition – they’re about filling hotel rooms, backing local businesses, and putting our communities on the map.”
“Parents are making the sacrifices they need to get their child onto the sporting field, and regional communities are welcoming them with open arms.
“Regional NSW is open for business, and I’m encouraging people to continue to make plans to get out and see what the regions have to offer.”
A recent Super Tag Gala Day held in Parkes on 14 April is a great example. Over 100 participants attended with teams travelling from Forbes, Orange and Dubbo and even from as far as Newcastle.
The team from Wangarang in Orange who attended the event said: “We hopped on the bus and made our way out for a day full of energy, teamwork, and plenty of laughs.
“The group took part in training drills, jumped into some friendly games of touch footy, and finished it all off with a wellearned sausage sizzle. It was a fantastic opportunity to get active, connect with others, and just enjoy being part of a supportive and inclusive sporting community.”
It just goes to show that sport and community is a huge draw card for our region.