NSW deputy Premier, minister for tourism and major events Andrew Stoner recently announced the appointment of zone managers to five zones.

The Riverina is classed in the inland zone, consisting of New England, Outback, Central NSW, Southern Highland, Riverina, Snowy Mountains and the Murray.

This is the largest geographical belt of any region.

Australian Regional Tourism network chairman David Sheldon has declared it simply "too big".

"The managers will spend all day driving or on the phone, they won't get a good grasp of the area they are representing," Mr Sheldon said.

"For Australia and NSW to gain targets and double expenditure, a great deal more attention needs to paid to the western side of the great divide."

Mr Sheldon questioned the logic behind grouping the Southern Highland in the Inland region, instead of the Sydney Surrounds area that includes the Blue Mountains.

Riverina Regional Tourism project officer Sonia Cassanova said she was delighted the state government was investing in regional tourism.

"We're really looking forward to working with them," Ms Cassanova said.

"While Western NSW can sometimes be grouped in a large geographical area if there is the right person is picked for the job it can be a great service."

A spokesman for the minister denied the Riverina had been neglected in the allocation.

"These zones cover the whole state no area has been neglected, nor is there overlap," he said.

The zones were identified in the Final Report of Visitor Economy Taskforce.

Deputy Premier Stoner said the managers were vital in providing a link between Destination NSW and its key stakeholders in the industry.

"The zone managers will work with regional tourism organisations, local councils and industry to drive tourism across the state and help the NSW Government meet its goal of doubling overnight expenditure by 2020," Mr Stoner said.

While frustrated with the lack of cohesion between local council tourism plans and state government plans, Mr Sheldon said the industry had to take responsibility and not rely wholly on the government.

"We can't just leave it with the local government associations," he said.

Ms Cassanova said it was important for regional areas to understand their draw-cards and encourage people to experience the unique cultural opportunities available.

Four of the five zone managers have been appointed.

The inland manager is yet to be recruited.