A new digital platform set to inspire travellers to visit regional NSW was launched today in Broken Hill by Parliamentary Secretary Mr Jonathan O'Dea, who officially unveiled 'Travel In' on behalf of the NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Mr Stuart Ayres, in conjunction with Inland NSW and its project partner, Bauer Xcel Media.

“On behalf of the NSW Government, I am delighted to launch the Inland Digital Platform 'Travel In', an innovative tourism project aimed at growing overnight visitation and expenditure to the State's inland communities,” Mr O'Dea said.

“The funding for this project has been made available under the Regional Visitor Economy Fund (RVEF), administered by the State's tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.  

“Tourism to Regional NSW is vital in helping the NSW Government achieve its goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020 and we look forward to welcoming those visitors to Regional NSW as a result of this new digital platform,” he said.

Inland NSW Chairman, Rodger Powell outlined the launch of the platform as a major new initiative that will drive increased visitation and benefit  not only the Inland region but  Regional NSW as a whole by providing travellers with the ability to build personalised itineraries, based on rich content and a powerful booking engine.

“We applaud the NSW Government on its continued commitment to grow the regional visitor economy and today's launch of 'Travel In' is a case in point,” said Mr Powell.

'Travel In' will provide not only essential destination information but also capture the essence of non-coastal regions of NSW, showcase their local characters and deliver credible content, according to Inland NSW CEO, Graham Perry.

“Through Destination NSW, the Government's investment to the digital platform has made it a reality. In partnership with Destination NSW and Bauer Xcel Media, Inland NSW has delivered the first stage of this game changing online asset for regional tourism,” Mr Perry said.

“Think 'Gourmet Traveller' meets 'online travel agent'. Travel In brings together publishing level content with a booking functionality to provide the complete package – information and inspiration coupled with the ability to book. It's driving economic benefit and providing visitors with a better experience, meaning everyone wins.”

Development of 'Travel In' was supported by NSW Government funding through Destination NSW, with a grant of $832,000 over two years under the Regional Visitor Economy Fund (RVEF).

For more information on the new digital project go to www.travelin.com.au.

Left to Right: Rodger Powell, Inland NSW Chairman; Mr Jonathan O'Dea Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, Tourism and Major Events; Graham Perry, Inland NSW CEO; Robert Gallagher Bauer Xcel Media General Manager Travel