Dubbo Regional Council will spend $125,000, matched by another $125,000 from the NSW government, to highlight family-based activities like water skiing at Burrendong Dam or exploring the Wellington Caves through the Great Big Adventures campaign.

The campaign will run across television and social media.

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Mayor Ben Shields said the local economy benefited enormously through tourism with each overnight visitor spending an average of $125 per day on food, entertainment and accommodation.

“Encouraging more families to make a trip to our region or giving visitors a reason to stay and extra night or two can make a big difference to the local economy through increased spending for hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops and attractions which all benefit from having a high number of visitors,” he said.

In the year ending March 2018, the Dubbo region has enjoyed steady growth with 1.3 million domestic overnight day trip visitors who stayed 1.6 million nights and spent $390 million.

Cr Shields said while the royal visit put the spotlight on Dubbo and the region for a short period of time, the campaign would consistently promote Dubbo and the Great Western Plains throughout the year.

Dubbo MP Troy Grant said with Dubbo on the world stage now was the perfect time to market the region.

“We want families to pack up the car and go on an adventure to discover what’s on offer around Dubbo and the Great Western Plains,” Mr Grant said.

“From places such as Sydney, Newcastle, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga. Bathurst and Armidale, the drive to Dubbo is easy and awaiting you as a vibrant regional city with a rich pastoral history, delicious food and wine, fascinating museums and galleries, and the award-winning Taronga Western Plains Zoo.”

Dubbo Regional Council manager economic development and marketing Josie Howard said the campaign would also promote neighbouring towns.