New Guides to Bolster Natural Disaster Resilience in the Tourism Industry

The NSW Government has launched a set of new guides to bolster tourism businesses resilience to bush fires and other natural disasters.

The three guides provide information on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters. They have been developed by Destination NSW, in collaboration with Resilience NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service, in response to recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW First Quick Tips for Tourism Businesses ‘tourism resilience’ guides would be an invaluable resource for regional operators.

“The advice in these guides comes from three NSW Government agencies that have extensive knowledge of emergency response, overcoming adversity and the visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said.

“Given the complex landscape of managing visitors on site, incoming visitors, staff and suppliers, the guides provide straightforward and practical advice to help tourism businesses keep everyone safe and informed.

“With NSW responding so positively to the call to get vaccinated, we’re hopeful for a bumper summer of visitation across the State, so we encourage businesses to use this time now to prepare before guests arrive.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said these guides demonstrate another step taken to address recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry following the devastating ‘Black Summer’ of bush fires in 2019-20.

“Bush fires, floods and other extreme weather events are a part of our landscape, particularly in areas where most of us enjoy our holidays.

“Our emergency services stand ready to respond, but individuals, businesses and communities alike have a responsibility to have a clear plan” Mr Elliott said.

To access the guides, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/NSWFirst.