REGIONAL NSW will receive a $5 million boost from World Youth Day, with as many as 18,000 international visitors set to descend on towns across the state in July. The State Government will today release projections for the five-day event, which will culminate in Pope Benedict's first visit to Australia.
Government World Youth Day spokeswoman Kristina Keneally said that, although much of the focus would be on Sydney, the effects would be felt across NSW.
The Sydney Chamber of Commerce estimates the Catholic festival will inject $231 million into the state's economy, including spending on food, transport and other attractions.
Ms Keneally said many international pilgrims had already indicated their intention to use the trip Down Under to see other parts of Australia as well.
Under the Days in the Diocese program, 5000 pilgrims would travel to Goulburn/Canberra and about 2000 to Wollongong, she said.
Broken Bay would host as many as 1400, while Wagga Wagga would receive 650 and Wilcannia-Forbes an extra 400.
"People from places like Venezuela, the UK, Brazil, France, Germany, South Africa, Lithuania and the US will visit local businesses and attractions, enriching their experience of Australian life and culture, before their journey to Sydney for the main events," Ms Keneally said.
"These are young, happy people who are motivated to travel.
"We want them to come here, have an enjoyable and rewarding experience and consider metropolitan, regional and rural NSW when they are making future plans for travel, work and study."
Bathurst Mayor Paul Toole said locals were looking forward to welcoming the 1300 international visitors who would be in the area as part of World Youth Day.
"The pilgrims wanted to help out by being part of an environmental program and planting 2000 trees while they're here," Mr Toole said.
"The Bathurst community, and the youth in the area, are certainly looking forward to welcoming them.
"The many schools in the area have already sent out billeting information, so there'll be plenty of people participating in it."
In Armidale, Mayor Peter Ducat said residents were preparing for the arrival of as many as 500 pilgrims.
"We met with World Youth Day organisers fairly early in the year to work out the logistics and accommodation and other issues that are relevant to the city," Mr Ducat said.
"It's great for our city to see that number of people coming here and for Armidale to have the opportunity to be a part of it."
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