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VIVID SYDNEY TO RETURN IN AUGUST 2021
The world famous and award-winning festival of light, music and ideas – Vivid Sydney will return to the Harbour City in August 2021.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Vivid Sydney was an important cultural, social and economic beacon for NSW.
“Major events will play a critical role in stimulating the visitor economy and NSW’s broader COVID-19 recovery strategy,” Mr Ayres said.
“We’re cautiously optimistic that with a slight delay to regular scheduling, Vivid Sydney will be able to proceed as the bright, dynamic event we all know and love in August next year.
“There’s no doubt that all future events will need to make adjustments to be COVID-safe in line with NSW Health advice and reflect the changes we are experiencing in day-to-day life.
“We look forward to reigniting that excitement and passion within the artistic community and our supporters, and creating tangible opportunities for the tourism industry by driving visitors to Sydney and NSW in a safe way.”
In 2019, a record 2.4 million people attended Vivid Sydney, generating $172 million in tourism expenditure. Further details about Vivid Sydney 2021 will be shared later in 2020.
NSW TOURISM OPERATORS SHOWCASED ONLINE
Tourism industry operators across the state have shared their inspiring stories through a new video series, taking future holidaymakers behind the scenes and motivating them to support local when planning their next escape.
The 49 Local Stories were launched this week by Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh in recognition of leading Coffs Harbour operator, Clark Webb of Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours, who features in the series.
“Many Sydney and NSW businesses rely on visitors to keep their doors open, and in regional towns tourism can support the entire community,” Minister Ayres said.
“It is the passion and ingenuity of our tour operators, brewers, distillers, accommodation providers, chefs and winemakers that make for unique and unforgettable NSW travel experiences we are all hungry for.”
There are 11 Sydney-based Local Stories including Mr. Wong’s Dan Hong, Margret Campbell of Dreamtime Southern X Tours and James Christopher of Brix Distillers, and 38 videos from the regions including Goonoo Goonoo Station in Tamworth, Borambola Wines near Wagga Wagga and Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures.
The Local Stories, produced by Destination NSW, will feature across social media, YouTube, Destination NSW websites and in paid advertising for intrastate audiences.
The current NSW Health advice says there is currently no limit on the distance that a person may travel however, NSW Health recommends non-essential domestic travel should be avoided. For the latest information about restrictions in NSW, refer to the NSW Government COVID-19 website.
Watch the videos via www.youtube.com/visitnsw and www.youtube.com/sydney
EXHIBITION OF RENOWNED ARTIST SET FOR SYDNEY
A major survey of renowned Australian-Chinese contemporary artist, Lindy Lee, will open at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia on 2 October with the support of the NSW Government.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said it’s a fantastic opportunity to get out and enjoy Sydney while taking in globally recognised Australian art and helping to rebuild the visitor economy.
“This year has presented many challenges, particularly to those in the arts and tourism industries,” Mr Ayres said.
“We are delighted that the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia will bring together over 70 works from across four decades of Lindy Lee’s practice, which is expected to attract thousands of people who contribute to Sydney’s visitor economy.”
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop further reinforces Sydney’s reputation as a leading cultural destination.
“While we would normally be showcasing the Sydney International Art Series over the summer months, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced our esteemed cultural institutions to reimagine their summer exhibitions. We’re thrilled to be able to support a major exhibition of this calibre.” Mr Harwin said.
For more information on the exhibition, go to www.mca.com.au
Image caption: Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres and Lindy Lee
Image credit: Anna Kucera
NEW HELLO KOALA SCULPTURE IN PORT MACQUARIE
Port Macquarie’s iconic Hello Koala Sculpture Trail has welcomed its newest addition, Frankie Firefighter, paying homage to the incredible work of NSW’s Fire Services.
The new sculpture, funded by the NSW Government via Destination NSW, was unveiled this week by Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres and Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams.
“During the devastating bushfire season NSW and Australia endured this past summer, the world’s attention turned to the outstanding work of the state’s FireServices and the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to save the precious lives and homes of our people and our koalas,” Minister Ayres said.
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said Frankie Firefighter would be a wonderful highlight for visitors and will be on public display for the upcoming Hello Koalas Festival, scheduled to take place on 26 and 27 September 2020.
“Anyone planning to come to the 4th annual Hello Koalas Festival will be able to see Frankie Firefighter firsthand, and we respectfully remind visitors to practice COVID-safe behaviour, check the festival program for the latest information and refer to NSW.gov.au for the latest health advice,” Ms Williams said.
Frankie Firefighter is the 77th Hello Koalas sculpture. For more information, visit www.hellokoalas.com
AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXPORT COUNCIL’S COVID READY PROGRAM
The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has developed a ‘COVID Ready’ program to provide Australian tourism businesses with the confidence and clarity they need to operate their businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Available for both ATEC members and non-members, the program is based upon the Australian Federal Government, National COVID Compliance Commission (NCCC) COVIDSafe guidelines.
A collection of key industry working group leaders from across Australia have contributed to the development of ‘ready-made’ sector-specific COVID Ready Checklists for different sectors including Touring and Transport, Accommodation, Attractions and Food & Wine. The program includes –
· ATEC’s COVID Ready Tool Kit to help businesses navigate the NCCC COVIDSafe measures and help businesses open and operate with clarity and confidence.
· ATEC’s COVID Ready Sector Specific How-To Workshops to help guide businesses through the ‘how-to’ of building your customer experience template and implementing key operating considerations step-by-step.
· ATEC’s COVID Ready Recognition Badge and Directory which is received after completing a COVID Ready plan and the Tourism Trade Checklist.
For more information and to register, go to www.atec.net.au/covidreadyprogram
SNOWY MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS THIS WEEKEND
With widespread snowfalls and high winds forecast across the alpine area this weekend, ski enthusiasts are reminded to plan their journey.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said heavy traffic was predicted along the Hume Highway, Federal Highway, Monaro Highway, Snowy Mountains Highway, Kosciuszko Road and Alpine Way.
“Motorists are reminded Kosciusko National Park has restrictions on resort capacity due to the impacts of COVID-19, and has asked visitors not to come to the Snowy Mountains for tobogganing and snow play this year," Mr Barilaro said.
For the latest traffic updates, click here.
BRIDGECLIMB WELCOMES THE ULTIMATE CLIMB
For the first time in history, climbers are invited on an iconic journey to the other side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Ultimate Climb path will follow a new route up to the summit before covering untouched ground on the north side journeying over the full length of the arches towards the north-side Pylons and returning back over to climber base. It is the biggest innovation to Australia's iconic attraction since it opened in 1998.
The Ultimate Climb allows climbers to see the best of Sydney from 134 metres above the Harbour City and will open to the public on the 6 September 2020.
PRO SURFING GRAND SLAM MAKES WAVES IN TWEED
The picturesque Tweed will next month host one of three Australian Grand Slam of Surfing events to be staged across the country thanks to a partnership between World Surf League and the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said, “COVID-19 has hit our coastal regions hard, especially the border community of Tweed, and this regional NSW event will stimulate the local economy, give the local community and fans a much needed morale boost,” Mr Barilaro said.
The event will be held between 1 September and 31 October.
For more information, click here.
