Each state and territory within Australia has its own government tourism agency to work with the industry within its borders.
These agencies also work in partnership with the Federal Government to promote Australia as a tourism destination internationally. Within each state and territory there are a number of other organisations which address issues of tourism and the needs of tourists.
Organisations include:
Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment
Business Enterprise Centres (BECs)
Industry and Sector Associations
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS)
TASAC - Tourist Attraction Signposting Assessment Committee
Business Events Sydney (BESydney)
Office of Environment & Heritage
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA)
Australian Business Licence Information Service (ABLIS)
Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the New South Wales Government’s statutory authority responsible for events aquisition and marketing and promoting NSW tourism. See About Us for more information.
NSW Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment brings together specialists in urban and regional planning, natural resources, industry, environment, heritage, Aboriginal and social housing, and regional New South Wales.
Business Connect
Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program. It provides advice, events and resources to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business.
One-to-one advisory sessions are complemented with a range of events and resources providing practical insights and business skills development.
Business Connect advisors are independent professionals. They have experience running their own business, qualifications in a business-related discipline, or advisory experience. Over 40,000 NSW customers have accessed support through Business Connect.
For more information visit: nsw.gov.au/businessconnect
Business Enterprise Centres (BECs)
BECs are generally funded by DSRD and are also sometimes referred to as Small Business Advisory Centres. BECs offer a free service to help businesses develop. View a listing of BECs in NSW
Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
TfNSW was established in 2003 as a lead agency of the transport portfolio group, and is responsible for:
- developing and coordinating high-level transport priorities in New South Wales
- providing funding for New South Wales public transport services and major capital works
- planning and implementing New South Wales transport priorities in collaboration with other agencies
- integrating policies, regulations and service initiatives across metropolitan and rural and regional New South Wales
- regulating the New South Wales bus, taxi and hire car industries, and
- managing New South Wales bus and ferry contracts.
Public passenger bus services in New South Wales are regulated under the Passenger Transport Act 1990 and Regulations. However, there are also other laws which affect the way that public passenger transport services, such as tourist and charter bus services, can be operated. A system of accreditation is used to ensure safe and reliable passenger bus services to the travelling public of New South Wales.
For further information you can phone Transport for NSW on (02) 8202 2200, attend the office at 18 Lee Street, Chippendale or visit the website: transport.nsw.gov.au.
Industry and Sector Associations
Industry and sector associations exist for almost every type of business and are able to provide specific advice, training and networking opportunities for your business. Most associations produce a newsletter to keep members informed of issues affecting their industry. If you are not clear which association may suit your business, talk to a few of them and see which ones offer the best support. You could also get some advice from your Local Tourist Association or tourism manager regarding the best association to help you develop and enhance your business.
A comprehensive guide to the different associations that may be relevant to your type of business is available in the Destination NSW Industry Contact List.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS)
The Roads and Maritime Services manages the roads and traffic system of NSW, in conjunction with local government agencies.
For more information go to rms.nsw.gov.au
TASAC - Tourist Attraction Signposting Assessment Committee
TASAC is a group formed by the NSW State Government to have overall responsibility for the planning and implementation of tourist signposting systems.
TASAC is made up of representatives of Destination NSW, the RMS and Destination Networks (DNs).
TASAC’s key activities include:
- developing Tourist Signposting policy for New South Wales
- assessing applications for tourist signposting to determine their eligibility
- providing input to National Tourist Signposting policy
- consulting with other agencies to develop strategies and identify priorities in implementation of signposting initiatives
- project management of signposting initiatives across the state
- communication of Tourist Signposting policy, initiatives and issues to stakeholders
- quality control of Tourist Signposting.
Read more about TASAC or for enquiries email TASAC@dnsw.com.au.
Business Events Sydney (BESydney)
- Formerly the Sydney Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB)
Destination NSW and BESydney are committed to the development of tourism as a key strategic industry in New South Wales with a view to generating employment, business growth and investment.
Destination NSW is responsible for tourism promotion, planning and development targeting the tourism market for Sydney and NSW, within Australia and overseas. BESydney’s role is to promote and develop Sydney and regional NSW as the premier business events tourism destination within Australia and overseas.
BESydney provides a variety of services to members including bid development strategies, event planning services and key linkages within the meetings industry through road and trade show events to promote Sydney and regional NSW.
BESydney is a not-for-profit membership-based organisation, which provides free advice and assistance on convention and meeting planning. It plays a pivotal role in securing major meetings for Sydney and regional NSW, for meetings, conventions, incentive travel and special events.
For more information call 1300 134 920 or go to businesseventssydney.com.au
Forestry Corporation
Forestry Corporation is a state owned corporation sitting within the NSW Trade & Investment Cluster. The role of Forestry Corporation is to sustainably manage approximately 2.2 million hectares of native state forests and plantations for the supply of timber, along with a wide range of other social, environmental and economic values. State forests provide a significant resource for recreation, sport, tourism and training and offer a range of nature-based opportunities that are not readily available on other land tenures.
Tourism operators require an annual permit to undertake activities in state forests. Forestry Corporation aim to promote and encourage the development of tourism ventures in state forests through the availability of annual and statewide permits to provide operators with some security when making investment decisions for their business.
These opportunities are based on the willingness of operators to address sustainable and responsible practices. Applications for permits should be made to the relevant regional office of Forestry Corporation.
For more information go to forestrycorporation.com.au
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
The NPWS focuses on the conservation and protection of the state’s natural and cultural heritage including the protected area reserve system such as national parks, nature reserves, native animals and plants, aboriginal sites, objects and places of special significance to Aboriginal people, parks and reserves throughout New South Wales.
Tourism operators wishing to conduct businesses (tours, surf schools, etc) within National Park boundaries, must obtain the required approvals and authorisations from the NPWS before they can conduct activities within a National Park.
For more information go to nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Sydney Olympic Park Authority
Sydney Olympic Park Authority is responsible for managing and developing the 640 hectares that comprise Sydney Olympic Park and maintaining it as a lasting legacy for the people of New South Wales. Under the management of the Authority, the Park has rapidly developed into an important urban centre and built on its legacy as a premier destination for sporting, entertainment and cultural activities and one of Australia’s largest urban parklands.
For more information go to sopa.nsw.gov.au
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA)
SHFA is responsible for the commercial and public management of some of the most valuable and historically significant real estate in Australia. Along with high-profile tourist destinations, The Rocks and Darling Harbour, it owns White Bay Power Station, the Rozelle railway yards and Ballast Point. Other areas in its care are the Circular Quay promenades, King Street Wharf promenade, the Conservatorium of Music and the Luna Park reserve. Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority can assist if you are considering operating your tourism business in these areas.
For more information call 1300 655 995 or go to shfa.nsw.gov.au
NSW Fair Trading
NSW Fair Trading is the consumer protection agency in New South Wales and works to assist consumers in resolving a wide range of issues. In doing so, it also advises traders on fair and ethical practice, registers businesses and promotes cooperatives, provides occupational licensing and maintains product safety and standards.
For more information go to fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Australian Business Licence Information Service (ABLIS)
Many businesses require licences and permits to operate. ABLIS is a service provided through the NSW Fair Trading that fast tracks what a business needs to know about licences relevant to its operation. In an average interview time of three minutes, the service can provide all the information on any licences that a business may require.
For more information go to ablis.business.gov.au
