The launch of Destination NSW's million dollar Westfield accommodation voucher campaign demonstrates the increased importance of regional tourism, according to Inland NSW Tourism Chair, Rodger Powell.

"In my experience, this is the most innovative regional marketing campaign that Australia has ever seen and we at Inland NSW Tourism are confident it will pay dividends by contributing significantly towards the Government's ambitious goal of doubling visitation expenditure in NSW's by 2020," said Powell.

"NSW Government and DNSW in particular should be applauded for undertaking this bold campaign".

Inland NSW Tourism CEO Graham Perry said the organisation is busy shoring up support for the campaign.

"We are organising a series of webinars and actively encouraging accommodation operators across the Inland region to connect to NSWConnect and the other booking engines to be bookable online," said Perry.

Minister Souris also unveiled Inland NSW tourism's ‘Regional NSW BBQ Challenge’ at Centennial Parklands yesterday in celebration of the rich tapestry of food and wine available throughout regional NSW. The three regional events are to be held in Young, Bowral and Inverell in September culminating in the final challenge to be held at the Crave Sydney International Food Festival in October.

Said Perry, "in just a single day, NSW Government has demonstrated its commitment to regional tourism and its determination to champion the rich experiences that exist right across our state, as well as its support for the 150,000 men and women that support our industry every day".