DESTINATION NSW LAUNCHES NEW CORPORATE WEBSITEDestination NSW has launched a new corporate website that provides a dynamic digital hub for visitor economy stakeholders seeking the latest research, information, tools and resources to support their growth. The state-of-the-art platform caters to the needs of its diverse community of users with data and insights on visitors and markets; together with training, resources and other business support via the NSW First Program. It also features a newsroom with media releases and updates; plus information on major event investment, industry and business events; and the latest marketing
campaigns and partner toolkits. Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: "The NSW Government's Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 envisions our state as the leading visitor economy in the Asia-Pacific, targeting $65 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030. “To achieve this goal, digital innovation is paramount and Destination NSW has a steadfast commitment to leveraging technology for seamless government and industry interactions, ensuring quicker and easier access to news, statistics and insights linked to the visitor economy. “The new corporate website, designed to provide an engaging user experience, improved search functionalities and mobile responsiveness positions Destination NSW to be adaptable and forward-thinking during
the momentum phase of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and in turn ensure NSW achieves its targets and goals for visitor expenditure.”
Key features of the new Destination NSW corporate website include: - Modern and intuitive UX and design
- A highly responsive search functionality powered by Algolia, making it easy to surface reports, articles and related content
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance
- Industry leading data security through secure, cloud-based systems Sanity and Vercel.
Sydney design and technology agency Nightjar, which has collaborated on visitor
economy projects for Vivid Sydney, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, Rydges, Atura and QT Hotels, developed this new website for Destination NSW. The destinationnsw.com.au URL remains the same.
DESTINATION NSW BOARD VISITS COFFS HARBOURThe Destination NSW Board last week held its February meeting in Coffs Harbour, engaging with operators and experiencing local attractions during the visit. The Board holds meetings in regional NSW each year to facilitate engagement with stakeholders in the state's many visitor economy regions. The meeting in Coffs Harbour was a great opportunity for the Board to learn more about the NSW North Coast, which is a powerhouse for the NSW visitor economy, delivering $15 million of domestic visitor spend into the region every day.
While in Coffs Harbour, Chairman Sally Loane, CEO Steve Cox and the Board members hosted visitor economy stakeholders at a networking event at Coffs Harbour Surf Club and spent time at attractions including Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Yarilla Place, Bonville Golf Course and Sealy Lookout to learn more about the key issues and opportunities for the region.
Board member Clark Webb also welcomed fellow Board members to the Giingana Gumbaynggirr Freedom School, NSW’s first bilingual school of an Aboriginal language, of which Clark is the founder.
COFFS HARBOUR AIRPORT WELCOMES NEW
QANTASLINK AIRBUS A220Coffs Harbour Airport is set to welcome the new QantasLink Airbus A220 with flights commencing from October. Coffs Harbour Airport General Manager Frank Mondello said: “Qantas’ decision to introduce the new A220 aircraft for services between Coffs Harbour Airport and Melbourne is incredibly exciting for our region. “It will mean a remarkable 71,000 seats available annually between the two destinations, a significant 20 per cent increase on current capacity. This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on regional tourism and business." Learn more
COFFS SCORES NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPSDestination NSW has joined with Touch Football Australia (TFA) and Coffs Harbour City Council to bring the 2024 DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC) to C.ex Coffs International Stadium from 25-28 September 2024. The NYC is Australia's national championship event for junior touch football participants. It attracts more than 7000 attendees and contributes more than $5 million to the visitor economy. The event is also being broadcast live on Kayo Sports in Australia, Sky Sport in New Zealand and Sky Sport Next
internationally.
GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS DESTINATION GUIDESGreat Southern Nights returns from 8-24 March 2024 with more than 300 live music gigs across 17 nights throughout seven key music communities in NSW, including Sydney inner city, Western Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Northern Rivers, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga. The artist line-up across the state provides opportunities for visitors to turn a gig into a weekend getaway. Destination NSW has created a series of Great Southern Nights destination guides – curated to highlight the visitor experiences on offer in each of the music communities hosting gigs. Great Southern Nights is a Destination NSW initiative delivered in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).
EXTENDED TRADING HOURS FOR MARDI GRAS
Licensed venues in NSW have been granted Special Event Extended Trading for the Mardi Gras Parade on 2 March 2024. Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: “Mardi Gras brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city from around the state, across the country and overseas to join in the celebration. Every year, the Mardi Gras parade transforms Oxford Street and the surrounding precincts. It’s a wonderful embodiment of the intentions behind the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms. Extended trading will provide more options for people to enjoy our live music and celebrate together for longer.”
SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS PARADE
The vibrant streets of Sydney will be ignited with pride and diversity when the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returns to Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade on 2 March 2024. More than 250,000 spectators are expected to watch more than 12,000 participants in the Parade, which will be led by Dykes on Bikes, First Nations and 78er floats. The Parade is supported proudly by Destination NSW, with Minister for Tourism John Graham attending a media call at Barangaroo House this morning to preview just a few of the many floats that will be taking part in the event tomorrow.
JOIN VIVID SYDNEY'S LOCAL BUSINESS PROGRAM
Vivid Sydney will draw millions of people to Sydney from 24 May to 15 June 2024 and local businesses have been invited to join the celebration. Vivid Sydney's Local Business Program provides an opportunity to become part of the festival’s vibrant community. Participating businesses can create a distinctive offer or a memorable experience, light up building facades or harbour vessels or enhance their storefronts with Vivid Sydney assets. Expressions of interest close on 22 March 2024.
HOSPITALITY SPENDING RISES
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows retail turnover rose 1.1 per cent in January 2024. This followed a fall of 2.1 per cent in December 2023 and a rise of 1.5 per cent in November 2023. Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services turnover rose 1.3 per cent following four consecutive monthly falls. ABS Head of Retail Statistics Ben Dorber said: “Spending in cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services was boosted this month by large sporting events lifting turnover more than usual."
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has given a sector briefing on its goals and priorities for 2024. The 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues provided updates on further Vibrancy Reforms work and progress, the Uptown Program, Purple Flag initiative and plans for a 24-hour Economy Strategy refresh. The night-time economy contributes more than $27 billion to NSW each year and plays a vital role in achieving the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030's goals.
Hospitality operators looking to enhance their offerings with live entertainment can apply for the Live Performance Venue Grant Program. The $2.3 million grant program is part of the Venues Unlocked Program, a partnership between Sound NSW and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. Eligible hospitality business can apply for grant funding of $20,000 to $80,000 for live performance equipment purchase and installation, as well as start-up programming and marketing costs.
NAB REVEALS SWIFT BOOST TO SYDNEY ECONOMY
Taylor Swift fever gripped Sydney last weekend, with NAB data showing an estimated $135 million boost in spending in inner Sydney suburbs from 23-26 February. NAB merchant terminal data shows this was a 20 per cent increase in spend when compared to the month prior, with an estimated $33 million added to the city’s visitor economy. The data showed spending in general merchandise stores was up 117 per cent, accommodation was up 72 per cent and bars and pubs were up 49 per cent. NAB Executive for Business Metro and Specialised Julie Rynski said: "From hotel rooms to heaving restaurants, merchandise stands to packed pubs, her four Sydney gigs created a buzz in the city not seen since before the pandemic."
RECORD-BREAKING HOTEL OCCUPANCY
Hoteliers say February is likely to break all records for occupancy, with most reporting 90-100 per cent occupancy as a result of the Taylor Swift tour, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and SailGP. Pink and Blink-182 concerts also added to demand. Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson said: “The ‘Swift effect’ is undeniable when it comes to the economic impact her tour delivers to host cities. Based on past calculations, her shows can inject between $150 and $200 million to a state’s economy, just as we saw in Melbourne.” Accor Pacific COO PME Adrian Williams said: "I couldn’t be more thrilled to witness this incredible moment, where the convergence of music, sports and tourism ignites such excitement and possibility."
MCA ANNOUNCES 2024 PROGRAM
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia) has announced its 2024 exhibition program. Highlights include a major survey by Australian artist Nicholas Mangan, new work by Australian artist Julie Rrap, a multi-screen film installation by British artist Isaac Julien, new commissions by Kurdish-Iraqi-Swedish-American artist Hayv Kahraman and New Zealand artist Kate Newby and a Mount Druitt street installation by New Zealand provocateur Greg Semu. Destination NSW will proudly support the largest exhibition to date by Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto, which will open on 2 August.
MANLY BEACH IN WORLD'S TOP 10
TripAdvisor's Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches has named Manly Beach as seventh best in the world. Beaches were ranked based on reviews and opinions they received from the TripAdvisor community over a 12-month period. TripAdvisor said: "Manly Beach is at the centre of everything - literally. Just a quick ride from the Sydney CBD, it's surrounded by shops, cafes, and more. Go swimming or surfing in the warm waters (there's a netted area for swimming plus lifeguards on duty) or take a dip in the saltwater pool. Then, go for a stroll along the long beach walkway and take in the panoramic
views."
ATIC RELAUNCHES ONLINE PLATFORM
The Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) has relaunched its online business development platform, the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF). It provides an enhanced user-friendly experience designed to support the ongoing development of the visitor economy. The Australian Government has provided $8 million in funding to support ATICs suite of programs to assist small and regional tourism businesses to provide quality, sustainable visitor experiences.
SHIFT TO DOMESTIC TRAVEL IN 2024
The Future of Travel 2024 report, commissioned by Southern Cross Travel Insurance, has revealed that despite economic headwinds, 91 per cent of Australians still plan to travel in the coming 12 months. However, there has been a notable shift towards domestic destinations. The report also found that 47 per cent still considered travel to be more important than other discretionary spending, while 17 per cent of millennials said travel was still their top priority.
POCKETS OF GROWTH IN EXPERIENCE TOURISM
Big Red Group's Seasonal Experiences Index: Spring/Summer 2024 report has found that while experience booking volume was down year-on-year, pockets of growth are emerging. Picnics have grown by 23.5 per cent year-on-year, with popularity being driven by Gen Z on social media. Western Sydney was also the stand-out for experience tourism growth in NSW with Penrith up 25.3 per cent, Parramatta up 43.4 per cent and Wollondilly up 101 per cent.
Emily Collins has been appointed Head of Sound NSW, while Jane Slingo, Kristy Peters (KLP) and Tanya Ali have joined its advisory board. Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: “With a board full of nationally significant leaders from across the music industry and Emily Collins heading up the team at Sound NSW, work is underway to deliver on our election commitment to double live music venues and support contemporary music in NSW."
VIRGIN CANCELS AUSTRALIAN PROGRAM
Virgin Voyages has cancelled its 2024-25 Australian program citing security concerns in the Red Sea. The company said in a statement: “Virgin Voyages was embraced by the Australia and New Zealand markets with a warm welcome and celebrated an extremely successful inaugural season – the love was mutual. To say that we are disappointed to have come to this tough conclusion is an understatement. We are currently working through options to return to Australia and the Asia Pacific region once regional repositioning opportunities become more tenable. We will share updates on future itineraries across the fleet as soon as possible."
CARAVAN AND CAMPING CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF
The Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW (CCIA) in partnership with Destination NSW has launched its latest "FEEL MORE. LIVE MORE" campaign. During the third year of the collaboration advertising will appear across TV, digital, and social media platforms in key visitor markets including NSW, ACT and regional Victoria. CCIA CEO Lyndel Gray said “Australian’s have a strong and growing love for caravan and camping holidays which in the past year has seen it become the largest provider of holiday accommodation by nights in the state. One of the key drivers to this growth has undoubtedly been the FEEL MORE. LIVE MORE campaign."
NEW SYDNEY WATERFRONT JANUARY FOOTFALL
There were 7.8 million precinct visits to New Sydney Waterfront in January 2024, down nine per cent month on month. Month-on-month spend was up eight per cent, with growth driven by arts, entertainment and recreation (up 44 per cent). However, services spending was down 19 per cent and general merchandise was down 14 per cent.
WORLD'S MOST SOUGHT AFTER VISAS
A global study of online searches for visas by financial services provider Remitly has analysed search volumes for 193 countries to see what visas were most commonly searched for over the last 12 months. Australia ranked fourth on the list behind France, Canada and Japan. The average yearly number of combined visa searches for Australia was 892,680.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS HAVE YOUR SAY ON SYDNEY’S NEW CENTRAL PARK: Sydneysiders have been invited to share their ideas on plans for a new public park that will transform 20 hectares of Moore Park South. Learn more NEW RACING NSW BOARD APPOINTMENTS
CONFIRMED: Dr Saranne Cooke has been appointed as the new Chair of Racing NSW, the first woman to hold the position. Learn more W SYDNEY WELCOMES NEW GENERAL MANAGER: Titus Rosier has spent the last decade in leadership roles at key Marriott International properties. Learn more NEW CHAIR FOR ACCOMMODATION AUSTRALIA NATIONAL BOARD:
Managing Director of The Ascott Limited David Mansfield has been appointed to the role. Learn more
FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here
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