More hotel rooms, chefs needed for tipped tourism boom

Any increase would be off the back of an aviation boost, with international airports in Newcastle and Western Sydney set to open in the coming years.

But 40,000 extra hotel rooms, many more chefs and tour guides and better business event facilities state-wide would be needed, according to a government review of its visitor economy strategy.

Chef numbers in NSW need to be boosted to cater for the tourism boom, a report has found. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

The review found almost half of the $91 billion target could be spent in regional communities, but the quality of accommodation in those areas would need to improve to reap the rewards.

Premier Chris Minns said more competition could lure European visitors, while also keeping costs down for punters travelling within the state.

"People coming to NSW for a holiday is at an all-time high, but this review shows there are opportunities to grow it even more, partially due to more airports opening and more flight routes being secured," he said.

"We are ready to put our shoulder to the wheel and attract even more travellers to NSW, boosting local business and creating thousands of jobs."

Experience tourism, especially in regional areas, is expected to drive NSW's growth. (JASON O’BRIEN/AAP PHOTOS)

Recommendations flagged included making 'experience tourism' the cornerstone of the visitor economy.

It also suggested NSW continue to build aviation capacity, "dominate" the business events sector and get more out of the international students boon.

Earlier in 2024, the premier suggested NSW tourism strategies needed to look "beyond Sydney Harbour" and attract visitors to regional national parks and beaches.

"If they do come to Sydney, they'll see the harbour or go to Bondi Beach but if they can spend that extra week in town and explore the NSW south coast, well that's fantastic," Mr Minns said.