Free $50 holiday vouchers for millions of Australians to boost tourism in Stay NSW program

Millions of Australians desperate for a post-lockdown getaway can now apply for a free $50 voucher to holiday in their own backyard. 

Every NSW resident will receive a Stay and Rediscover voucher to go towards accommodation in hotels, camping grounds and caravan parks across the state.

The vouchers have been available since Monday, February 21, and will be rolled out in stages, with every NSW resident expected to access their $50 credit by March 3.

Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the initiative as part of his $250million Stay NSW package in October, designed to give the economy a much-needed boost. 

Unlike the previous Dine and Discover initiative the two $50 vouchers can be combined to cover a larger expense. 

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the vouchers would encourage travel in NSW and boost the accommodation industry. 

‘This is a win-win for NSW – the vouchers will give hard-hit businesses much needed stimulus, while also encouraging residents to explore our great state,’ he said. 

‘The Stay NSW program has been expanded and fast-tracked, so people can enjoy a staycation sooner.

‘Whether it’s a quiet country inn, the family-run caravan park or a hotel in the Sydney CBD, every budget needs a boost this year.’ 

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello (pictured) said the vouchers would encourage travel in NSW and boost the accommodation industry

Stay and Rediscover vouchers to go towards accommodation in hotels, camping grounds and caravan parks across the state. Pictured are holidaymakers in the Hunter Valley wine region

Mr Dominello said mates and relatives could put their vouchers together to pay for a significant accommodation cost, with no redemption limit.

The vouchers can be used seven days a week and on public holidays, with more than 1,200 businesses applying for the program.  

Mr Perrottet in October said he was confident the travel initiative will be as successful as the government’s initial Dine and Discover vouchers. 

‘Millions of people around the world dream of visiting Sydney and our regional areas. This package not only ensures they can, but that they’ll experience the very best of what we have to offer,’ Mr Perrotett said at the time. 

‘It’s also great news for people right across our state, reviving events and businesses and bringing our major draw-cards back to life. 

‘Our aim is to reclaim our position as one of the world’s favourite destinations.’ 

Tourism minister Stuart Ayres added: ‘Every dollar counts when you’re a tourist and we want to stretch that dollar as far as we can.’ 

Mr Perrottet (pictured) in October said he was confident the travel initiative will be as successful as the government’s initial Dine and Discover vouchers

Sydneysiders can put their $50 Stay and Rediscover vouchers towards accommodation in hotels, camping grounds and caravan parks (pictured, country dancers in Tamworth)

The Stay and Rediscover initiative will work similar to the successful Dine and Discover scheme and will replace the $100 vouchers for stays in the CBD.

It comes just a few days after NSW Treasurer Matt Kean announced the state government would be extending a lifeline to the events and festival sector and providing an additional $43 million in funding. 

The industry was particularly hard-hit by restrictions during the latest Omicron outbreak with organisers forced to cancel some events just days prior.  

‘What we want to do is preserve the fabric of the economy,’ he said. ‘Ensure that we come through this, not only safely but we come out stronger.

‘So my message to the community is very clear – we will stand with businesses, with families and with workers in NSW to make sure that we come through this safely but also make sure that we come out the other side stronger.’