Tourism influx to regional areas during COVID-19 boosts businesses in Tamworth region as people seek adventure

Tamworth and Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures and Manilla Paragliding School have noticed an unusual increase in the travellers - and locals - looking to try new things and seek thrills.

Jason Newman told the Leader his horse riding business had flourished during the past few months.

"We've been doing some huge days ... it's been incredible," he said.

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Mr Newman said advertising campaigns to get people to the countryside during coronavirus seemed to be working.

"I think it would be fair to say there are a lot more city people coming out to the bush and let me tell you, the bush appreciates it," he said.

"We've done it hard enough with not only the coronavirus, but also the bushfires and the drought, so it's incredible to see the cash injection that these guys are putting into the regional areas."

Mr Newman said "adventure tourism" had helped boost the family business.

"People are fed up with staring at the walls," he said. "I'm sure people are looking for a bit more adventure ... it's something where they're taking a few more risks at the moment."

It's been enough that it's given Mr Newman and his partner the confidence to expand, with overnight accommodation and a petting pen.

Manilla Paragliding School's Mr Wenness said he had noticed the same phenomenon, and people are taking flight faster than he can staff licensing courses.

"All our courses are booked out well ahead ... we've got waiting lists on every course," he said.

"People are going 'Oh, I'm going to try this!', and they're going mountain biking and paragliding and flying and whatever they're going to do."