Insights - 25 October 2024
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TOURISM AWARDS REVEAL THE
BEST OF THE BEST IN NSW
The NSW Tourism Association has announced the finalists for the NSW Tourism Awards 2024.
The award program celebrates businesses and operators delivering exceptional visitor experiences across NSW.
NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said: “NSW Tourism Association is delighted to be hosting the awards for the first time and to lead the charge in recognising the amazing operators across NSW who are making great contributions to the visitor economy across our state."
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Destination NSW is proud to be a major sponsor of the NSW Tourism Awards, which highlight the remarkable achievements of businesses and destinations across the state.
“Our nation-leading $52.9 billion visitor economy is testament to the work of these exceptional operators. Their passion for providing world-class experiences will ensure NSW continues to be the number one visitor destination in Australia.”
NSW NAMED IN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
TOP 25 GLOBAL DESTINATIONS FOR 2025
National Geographic has announced its annual Best of the World list, with the Murray River selected as one of the 25 most exciting, meaningful and one-of-a-kind travel experiences for 2025.
The list was developed by National Geographic’s team of travel experts and international editors, who urged visitors to “cruise through the agrarian heart of Australia”.
The accolade provides global exposure for the Murray Region, which is home to some of Australia’s most majestic landscapes, alongside historic towns and world-class food and wine experiences.
DESTINATION NSW HOSTS G'DAY AUSTRALIA FAMILS
Destination NSW has showcased immersive visitor experiences in Greater Sydney and regional NSW to 68 international agents following Tourism Australia’s G’day Australia event.
Held from 18-22 October 2024, the familiarisation (famil) program comprised six itineraries in Greater Sydney and regional NSW, including the Blue Mountains, Port Stephens, Hunter Valley, Shoalhaven, Tweed and Byron Bay.
Destination NSW also conducted 112 appointments with 300 international Aussie Specialist Program front-line travel agents during G’day Australia, while 19 NSW visitor economy businesses participated as sellers at the event.
VIVID SYDNEY WINS EVENT OF THE YEAR
Vivid Sydney has triumphed at the 2024 Australian Event Awards, winning Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event. The award was accepted by Destination NSW General Manager, Events Julie Turpie. The Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW.
BEACH FOR LAKE PARRAMATTA
Western Sydney swimming spot Lake Parramatta will reopen this weekend for the summer season complete with its own beach, after the NSW Government funded a $1.4 million upgrade. More than 50,000 annual visitors to Lake Parramatta can now enjoy improved access, new seating and landscaping.
BLOCKBUSTER DRAW FOR UNITED CUP
The world’s best tennis players are heading to Sydney for the third edition of the United Cup from 27 December 2024 to 5 January 2025. Teams Australia, Poland, Czechia, Italy, Switzerland, Great Britain and Norway have drawn to play in Sydney. Their matches will take place at Ken Rosewall Arena, with tickets on sale now. The tournament is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
REVIVE LIVE FUNDING FOR LIVE MUSIC
The Australian Government is providing grants totalling $7.7 million to 110 organisations including 61 festival-based activities and 49 live music venues. The Revive Live grants will help recipients to adapt to market pressures and improve the sustainability of their operations as the sector continues to face challenges. The funding also has a strong focus on improving accessibility.
MAGRITTE EXHIBITION OPENS IN SYDNEY
Belgian surrealist René Magritte (1898–1967) will take centre stage at the Art Gallery of New South Wales this summer. Opening on 26 October 2024 and exclusive to Sydney as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2024–25, Magritte will feature more than 100 works, most of which have never been seen in Australia. The Sydney International Art Series is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
BRIGHT FUTURE FOR ENTERTAINMENT QUARTER
The NSW Government will hold an open tender process for the long-term lease at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, with the aim of unlocking the potential of the site through a world-class redevelopment. Proposals are being sought that will deliver more visitors, more live performances and more events at the former Sydney Showgrounds site. Proposals are also being sought for additional creative spaces.
GREEN ACCOLADE FOR CENTRAL COAST
The Central Coast has been selected as a finalist in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories List for a fourth consecutive year. Its finalist story is titled ‘Waterways and Wildlife: Good turns to balance conservation and visitation’. It focuses on water-based ecotourism experiences, including Central Coast Council’s successful Little Tern breeding program.
SUSTAINABILITY WIN FOR SYDNEY
Sydney has achieved top 10 status on the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) for 2024. The city is also ranked second in the Asia Pacific and the Metropolis category. The submission for the GDS-Index was completed by City of Sydney, BESydney and Destination NSW as part of the Sustainable Destination Partnership.
EV DESTINATION CHARGING GRANTS
Round three of the NSW Government's destination charging grants program is now live, offering a further $12 million in funding to fill EV charging gaps along established regional NSW road trip routes. Charge point operators can apply for co-funding towards the installation of 24Kw-100Kw DC chargers in eligible zones along these routes. Applications are open until 31 January 2025.
NSW WINERY NAMED NUMBER ONE IN NATION
Halliday Wine Companion has revealed its Top 100 Wineries 2024 list, with the Hunter Valley's Tyrrell's Wines named number one in Australia. The judges said the estate had been "refined into one of peerless excellence". Among the other NSW wineries on the list were Mount Pleasant, Lake's Folly, Brokenwood, Clonakilla, De Iuliis, Silkman Wines and Collector Wines.
THE 17 BEST BURGERS IN NSW
The 17 finalists have been announced in the Best Pub Burger category at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence 2024. The burgers were made in pub kitchens across the state, from Byron Bay to Bellbird and Wagga Wagga to Warilla. The winner will be named during a gala ceremony on 29 October 2024 at Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney.
NSW TRIUMPHS AT LUXURY TRAVEL AWARDS
Balmoral Water Sports Center, Hunter Valley Helicopters and Mildura-based Riverdream Boatel were among 15 Australian winners at The World Luxury Awards 2024. More than 100,000 international travellers voted in the awards, which are given to travel organisations and experiences across a range of categories.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
$10 MILLION IN GRANTS ON OFFER FOR NSW CROWN RESERVES: Eligible applicants include Crown land managers, community organisations and user groups that are licensed to use Crown reserves across NSW, including showgrounds on Crown land. Learn more
ARTWORKS RETURN TO THEIR HOME IN BOWRAL: Two works by Australian artists Charles Blackman and Russell Drysdale will return to Retford Park in the Southern Highlands thanks to the Australian Government's Sharing the National Collection program. Learn more
CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH: October is Cyber Security Awareness Month and an annual reminder to stay secure online. Learn more
ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES WEEK CELEBRATES LANGUAGES REVITALISATION: Aboriginal Languages Week runs from 20-27 October 2024, recognising the importance of languages to Aboriginal culture and identity. 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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