Tourism is a key industry in the region, both in terms of value-add and employment. According to the Southern Highlands Destination Strategy 2020-2030 Background Report (Nov 2020) visitation in the region had risen by more than 50% since 2014. According to the report the region is dominated by domestic visitors, with day-trip visitors accounting for 70% of total visitation in 2019 and domestic overnight visitors accounting for 30% of total visitation.

The lack of locally based economic drivers such as retail businesses and tourism could present potential future issues for the region’s economy, leaving it susceptible to future shocks. Tourism is a key opportunity for the Southern Highlands and the proposal seeks to respond to this opportunity.

There is a strong connection between tourism and economic development. Tourism contributes to vibrancy and growth in a local economy. In the Southern Highlands region domestic tourism visitation is strong. The proposal will attract and support visitors to Berrima and the region by providing much needed high quality accommodation, the opportunity to experience fine dining in a unique setting, providing a large function centre for events such as conferences & weddings and through the promotion of the historic gaol as a ‘must see’ tourist destination.

In addition to providing support for local domestic tourism there will be an opportunity to tap into the international visitor market with the soon to be completed Western Sydney International Airport. The new airport is only a little over an hour by road from Berrima so there is a great potential opportunity to market the proposed historic gaol as a destination to key international tourism markets.