The AHA NSW has both welcomed the State Government’s plan for $100 Friday meal vouchers in the Sydney CBD.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the vouchers, which can only be used on Fridays, will boost the city economy, support jobs and bring fizz back to Friday in the city.
“We have listened to businesses and know that it’s time to make Fridays fun again and ensure the Sydney CBD doesn’t just survive but thrives,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This will be a targeted program designed to get more people back into the heart of the greatest city on earth and on the way through spend a little extra on retail and services businesses.
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said the $50m scheme, to be announced in next week’s Budget, would help struggling hotels by bringing more people into the CBD on Fridays.
“Sydney’s hotels have been struggling ever since the pandemic hit and are still only at 50% capacity,” Mr Whelan said.
“A lot of people have been working from home during the pandemic and staying away from the city centre. We welcome any move that encourages people back into the CBD to enjoy a discounted Friday lunch at one of our top CBD pubs.
“I would like to congratulate NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet on this great new initiative to breathe some life back into the city centre on what is traditionally one of our busiest days of the week.”
The scheme will allow 500,000 people to access the CBD Friday vouchers.
The NSW Government will also make up to 200,000 accommodation vouchers worth $100 each available to NSW residents.
Photo credit: Nikki To
