Transport not good enough: TTF

The NSW government needs to up its game in the transport department if it wants to rival the likes of New York, Paris and Tokyo.

According to the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF), the transport network is a critical pawn in the visitor economy game, and needs an overhaul to shake things up for the state.

TTF released its plan for the tourism industry in NSW yesterday with a report focusing on Backing Our Strengths. It’s no surprise then that it highlights the areas where the government could step in to improve the tourism industry by turning its attention to the state’s transport.

Chief executive Margy Osmond said the current system looks at domestic commuters, but neglects to cater for travellers bustling in from overseas.

“If you think about some of the most popular cities in the world – New York, London, Tokyo and Paris – their impressive public transport networks are considered selling points in their own right.”

“TTF is calling on the state government to develop a specific tourism and transport policy that outlines mechanisms to improve the experience of visitors on the public transport network.

“The policy should consider the customer experience through the lens of international or interstate visitors – many of whom face language barriers and have no familiarity with our transport system.”

Osmond went on to say that while NSW is leading the race in transport and tourism investment, they still need to push the boundaries.

She said that designing such a plan would sit NSW above the rest in terms of tourism promise, and that TTF continues to endorse the Baird government’s decision to boost funding to tourism and infrastructure by $600 mil.

“This is a worthy investment,” Osmond stressed.

“The visitor economy contributes $28.4 billion to gross state product and supports more than 95,600 businesses. Tourism supports more than 267,000 NSW jobs, 158,000 of these directly, and accounts for nearly 1 in every 14 jobs across the state.”

“If we are going to get close, we must take a holistic approach to attracting visitors. Every little bit counts.”

“This is particularly the case for visitors without an English speaking background.

“NSW is working hard to be an attractive destination for visitors from the burgeoning Asian middle classes, these visitors in particular will benefit from a system that is legible and intuitive.”

Image: Daily Telegraph

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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