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NSW INTERNATIONAL VISITATION SMASHES $11 BILLION RECORD
NSW received a record $11 billion in international visitor expenditure, according to the latest International Visitor Survey results and continues to lead the country in attracting international visitors.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said in the year ending March 2019 NSW welcomed 50.9 per cent of all international visitors to Australia.
“NSW has achieved a new high in terms of tourism related expenditure, with this latest survey confirming we have smashed the $11 billion expenditure milestone for the first time ever,” Mr Ayres said.
“NSW leads Victoria and Queensland across the three major metrics – visitation, bed nights and expenditure – reinforcing our position as the number one spot for tourists to visit.
“Sydney alone received 4.1 million international visitors, who stayed 82.3 million nights and spent over $10.1 billion, which is a phenomenal achievement and puts us well ahead of Melbourne and Brisbane.”
NSW remains the top destination for ten of the top fifteen source markets to Australia, namely China, USA, United Kingdom, Korea, Hong Kong, Germany, Canada, France and Indonesia.
The State has shown strong growth in the Japanese market over the past three years, which can be attributed to an increase in trade partnerships particularly around aviation.
“In 2015 Qantas and ANA both commenced daily flights from Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to Sydney, and consequently our marketing efforts in this market have also evolved. Now with this latest survey we see the number of visitors, bed nights and expenditure to the state increasing by 15.6% from the last survey.”
Regional NSW received 868,800 international visitors in the year ending March 2019, who stayed 15.1 million nights in the State’s rural centres.
“NSW received its highest ever share of visitor nights to regional Australia, which confirms that the word is spreading about the unique experiences guests can enjoy in areas such as the Central Coast, South Coast and Hunter region.”
BUMPER WEEKEND OF RUGBY LEAGUE FOR SYDNEY
Rugby league fans can enjoy two exclusive events in Sydney this weekend with the Women’s State of Origin and Pacific Test Invitational bringing leading international and national players to Sydney.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said these tournaments demonstrated the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering world-class events.
“NSW continues to be the rightful home of rugby league with some of the most popular and watched events taking place in Sydney, starting from this weekend,” Mr Ayres said.
“We have the Telstra Premiership Grand Final and the coveted World Cup of Nines later this year. But first, league fans from around the globe will watch leading Australian and international players take to our premier grounds for the Women’s State of Origin and the Pacific Test.
“Last year almost 750,000 viewers tuned in for the inaugural women’s Origin match with thousands more attending in person to see NSW snatch the title from Queensland,” Mr Ayres said. “League fans from around Sydney and beyond should get behind these outstanding athletes at North Sydney Oval tonight as they battle to make it back-to-back wins.”
The Ox & Palm Pacific Test Invitational will be an action-packed triple-header with players from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Lebanon and Samoa lining up for their countries tomorrow.
Players from the Telstra Premiership competition who will don their national colours include Robbie Farrah, Viliame Kikau, Anthony Milford and Rhyse Martin.
“It is estimated that almost 3000 people will be visiting NSW for the Pacific Test, boosting the local economy by more than half a million dollars,” Mr Ayres said.
“This event celebrates camaraderie and community and we expect thousands of supporters to bring colour and cheer to Leichhardt Oval tomorrow afternoon.”
NRL Head of Commercial Andrew Abdo encouraged fans get their tickets online: “Two of the most vibrant and exciting events on the Rugby League calendar are happening right here in Sydney this weekend, with plenty of good tickets available to both events.”
Holden Women’s State of Origin will take place at North Sydney Oval tonight, gates open at 5.30pm. Ox & Palm Pacific Test Invitational will take place at Leichhardt Oval tomorrow, gates open at 3.15pm. Tickets for both games are available at the gate or through Ticketek.
Photo credit: NRL.com
VIVID SYDNEY UP-CLOSE FOR A HANDFUL OF LUCKY WINNERS
A handful of lucky couples and families experienced the dazzling sights and sounds of Vivid Sydney 2019 up-close, following a series of successful promotions in both News Corp publications and Channel 7’s popular Weekender travel shows.
Three winners were selected from more than 1,100 entries in News Corp’s competition, which ran several times in all east coast publications, as well as Escape magazine. These publications have a cumulative reach of more than 4.25 million people. The prize included return flights for a family of four, two nights’ accommodation in a family room and a range of Vivid Sydney experiences, including passes to Taronga Zoo and a Vivid Cruise by Captain Cook Cruises.
Another three winners were successful in the Weekender promotion, which featured across episodes on Sydney Weekender, Queensland Weekender and SA Weekender. The prize included return flights for two, accommodation provided by Accor and passes to Vivid Cruise by Captain Cook Cruises.
Vivid Sydney has now wrapped up for another year, with lights officially off on Saturday 15 June. It remains the Southern Hemisphere’s largest festival of Light, Music and Ideas.
FAN-FAVE RALLY AUSTRALIA SUPER SPECIAL STAGE BACK
The Destination NSW Super Special Stage, the fans’ favourite at Kennards Hire Rally Australia, will return at November’s event on the Coffs Coast with an exciting new course layout, more spectating areas and a Thursday night start.
Changes to the Super Special Stage, which attracts big crowds to its unique setting between Coffs Harbour and the Pacific Ocean, mean the itinerary for the season final of the FIA World Rally Championship will extend over four days instead of three, from Thursday 14 November to Sunday 17 November.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the popular Coffs Coast event was another key attraction for the region.
“It is exciting to see the Destination NSW Super Special Stage kick off the weekend’s racing, and the Kennards Hire Rally Australia extended in 2019 giving spectators even more action on the track, and building the event into a four-day spectacle,” Minister Ayres said.
“We invite visitors to make the most of their longer stay in the region by exploring Coffs Harbour, or taking in the spectacular coastline, rainforests and waterfalls of the area.”
Ticket prices will be announced soon. Rally Australia is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
CATCH LAST SYDNEY WEEKS OF CHARLIE
It’s your final chance to catch the colourful musical performance of Roald Dahl’s classic tale, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Sydney, which must close at the Capitol Theatre on 21 July.
The musical features songs from the original film, including Pure Imagination, The Candy Man and I’ve Got a Golden Ticket, alongside a brand new, toe-tapping new score.
Follow Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners as they embark on a mesmerising joyride through a world of pure imagination, featuring Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, costumes and sets.
Tickets and deals are available here.
ENTER THE NSW TOURISM AWARDS
Take the time to grow your business, achieve widespread recognition, and celebrate your success. Operators and event organisers from across NSW are being encouraged to consider entering the awards.
Access feedback from expert judges. Leverage the credibility of an awards program supported by peak industry bodies – NSW Business Chamber in partnership with Destination NSW.
There are 28 categories on offer, including major tourist attractions, festivals and events, accommodation, tourism restaurants and catering services, business event venues and excellence in food tourism.
Find out more and nominate online before Friday 29 June at NSW Tourism Awards.
VOTE FOR THE BEST COUNTRY PUB
The NSW Government is supporting a new initiative from Airbnb, designed to encourage more people to explore regional communities and to breathe new life into local pubs. As part of the
The Country Pub Project, Airbnb will award five pubs across Australia a grant of up to $50,000 each to help them revive and boost business via the online booking platform. Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said, “Country pubs offer more than just a good meal. They are often the beating heart of their community and bring locals and travellers together.”
Vote for your favourite watering hole by visiting airbnb.com/countrypubproject
NEW BUS SERVICE FROM BROKEN HILL
Tickets are now on sale to trial the new NSW TrainLink coach services connecting Broken Hill to Mildura and Adelaide.
The trial service starts this upcoming Monday 24 June and follows consultation with more than 500 community members and several local representative organisations. The trial will initially operate for six months, with customers encouraged to provide as much feedback as possible.
The daily weekday return service from Broken Hill could allow four hours in Adelaide and five hours in Mildura, before returning the same day.
Find out further information and book your ticket here.
IDEAL TIME TO HIT THE SKI SLOPES
A mid-week cold snap has provided the ideal conditions for snowmaking teams in the Snowy Mountains.
Temperatures dropped to a chilly minus 12 degrees in Perisher overnight on Wednesday, allowing Terminal and Summit Quad Chairs in Blue Cow to open today, which will be followed by the Mt Perisher Triple and Double Chairs tomorrow.
It's a similar situation in Thredbo with more terrain set to open before tomorrow. The resort is also preparing for a series of upcoming events, both on and off the snow, including the Kids Snow Festival from 1-19 July.
LOVE SEA FOOD TASTES FESTIVAL
If you love fresh seafood, local produce and fabulous food experiences, August is the time to visit Port Stephens.
Love Sea Food Tastes Port Stephens will kick off with a Port to Plate Gala Dinner at Broughtons at the Bay on 3 August, where a line-up of local head chefs will be out to impress guests with their imaginative take on the local catch.
Throughout August, food-lovers will also be able to indulge in a variety of Lunch and Dinner Specials offered by eateries in the region, or get hands-on at the weekly 'seafood themed' cooking classes.
For the full list of experiences and deals on offer, click here.
