No Images? Click here 2017 NSW TOURISM AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCEDThe exceptional quality of tourism operators across NSW was acknowledged this week with the official announcement of finalists for the 2017 NSW Tourism Awards. Managed by the Tourism Industry division of the NSW Business Chamber and supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, the NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement throughout the year. One hundred finalists have been named across 26 award categories including Tourist Attractions, Festivals and Events, Destination Marketing and Accommodation. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the NSW Government was proud to support the Awards. “The NSW Tourism Awards present a fantastic opportunity to recognise the high-quality products and world-class experiences consistently delivered by our industry, and I wish all the finalists the best of luck,” Mr Marshall said. Winners will be announced at the official presentation night on Thursday, 16 November. To view this year’s finalists, visit the NSW Tourism Awards. Image credit: Destination Port Stephens WORLD POLO CHAMPIONSHIP HEADS TO THE HAWKESBURYSydney’s picturesque Hawkesbury region is set to come alive with the excitement of world-class polo when it becomes the site of the 11th World Polo Championship next month, following the event receiving planning approval from the NSW Government. Competing for the prestigious world cup is Australia, Argentina, Chile, England, India, New Zealand, Spain, and the United States. Up to 60,000 visitors, including international media, top polo riders and spectators, are expected to flock to the prestigious tournament at the Sydney Polo Club from 21 to 29 October in Richmond. In addition to the fierce competition on the field, there will be music, arts and fashion shows, along with a petting zoo, livestock displays, a rodeo, show jumping and jousting. Picnic areas and food stalls will be set up in the idyllic grounds of the club. Click here to purchase tickets. CRUISE SEASON LAUNCHES IN NEWCASTLEThe Port of Newcastle will officially launch its 2017/18 cruise season this weekend, coinciding with a national travel publication naming Newcastle as one of the world’s top emerging cruise destinations. Escape, the Sunday Telegraph’s travel lift-out, placed Newcastle eighth in the world in its list of up-and-coming cruise destinations, thanks to its thriving bar and café scene and cruise terminal development. Nearly 2,000 passengers will arrive in port tomorrow, travelling on board the first cruise ship of the season, the Sun Princess, and have a chance to explore everything Newcastle has to offer. Between October 2017 and April 2018, This season the Port will also welcome three maiden visits and a new cruise line to the region, Norwegian Cruise Line. Click here for more information. OFFSHORE REEFS TO LURE IN TOURISTSAnglers will soon have a brand new fishing spot to explore with the deployment of NSW’s largest artificial reef underway, and three more in the pipeline. The first concrete modules were delivered this week to the State’s newest reef in the waters off Port Hacking. Member for Cronulla Mark Speakman said, “This is a great catch for the anglers of Cronulla and I look forward to seeing this new reef reel in tourists from across the State to enjoy the beautiful waters off Port Hacking.” NSW Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said, “Everyone is hooked on our artificial reefs and today I am excited to announce another three which will be constructed off Wollongong, Newcastle and Jervis Bay.” “Projects such as these help cement our commitment to providing plenty of exciting opportunities, not just for anglers in NSW, but for visitors to our State as well.” Click here for more information. SOFITEL SYDNEY DARLING HARBOUR OPENSSydney CBD’s first five-star hotel to be built this millennium, the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, was opened this week by the NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall. Centrally located in the vibrant, newly transformed Darling Harbour precinct, next to the International Convention Centre Sydney, the $500 million development offers 590 luxurious rooms spread over 35 floors offering some of the finest views in Sydney. “Since 2011, the NSW Government has overseen record growth for the State’s visitor economy and this has led to
huge investment in Sydney’s accommodation sector,” Mr Marshall said. Click here to view a factsheet on more hotel developments underway in the State. VIVID SYDNEY: REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONDestination NSW is seeking quotations from disruptive innovators for the provision of services in two contract roles – Curator, Vivid Ideas and Curator, Vivid Music. Both opportunities are for Vivid Sydney 2018, with an option to extend for 2019. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the project team that brings to life the Vivid Ideas and Vivid Music programs for Australia’s largest event. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW. In 2017, a record 2.33 million visitors attended the festival. In 2018, Vivid Sydney will take place from 25 May to 16 June. For a copy of the Request for Quotation, email adam.lowe@dnsw.com.au
CATCH REX TO THE SNOWIES THIS SUMMERRegional Express has released its schedule for the Snowy Mountains (Cooma) to Sydney route to operate throughout Summer. Adding to the existing five weekly return services is a Sunday service to suit the tourist market and business people travelling to Sydney for early morning Monday meetings. Additional direct flights will be added to the core schedule during the Winter snow season in 2018, and these flights will be released in coming months. Visitors can also take advantage of a special promotional fare of $129 one-way between Sydney and the Snowy Mountains which is on sale now. Visit Rex for more information on the fare conditions and to start planning your trip. MTV BEATS & EATSLondon electro outfit Rudimental has been announced as the headline act for MTV Beats & Eats on Saturday, 18 November in Wollongong. Secured by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, MTV Beats & Eats is a highlight on the NSW Events Calendar and a massive drawcard for youth travellers. Second release tickets are now on sale via mtv.com.au/beats-and-eats. MORE FAST-PACED RACING ACTIONMotor sports fans will have even more thrills to look forward to next year when the Red Rooster Sydney SuperSprint 300 lights up Sydney Motorsport Park. The August 2018 event will feature a 300-kilometre race over a three-hour block from 7pm to 10pm. It marks the first Supercars night race on Australian soil since 1997 and is set to be a highlight of the Sydney Motorsport Park 2018 calendar. HILLS SHIRE NIGHT WALKIf you’ve ever wanted to go on a guided nature walk at night this is your opportunity! On the 20th of October, visitors to the Hills Shire can experience the sights and sounds of the bush along Scaly Bark Creek at Kenthurst in north-western Sydney. Listen out for sugar gliders and wallabies and other night time creatures on this free two hour walk. Click here for more information. SKY BLAZE BROULEEBroulee on NSW’s South Coast will host an evening of rides, food, entertainment and fireworks next Friday, There will be dodgem cars, a giant slide, jumping castles, an amazing skydiving exhibit and an incredible display of pyrotechnics. Click here for more information. ILLAWARRA FESTIVAL OF WOODVisitors to the Illawarra can learn all about woodwork from the experts this weekend at Bulli Showground. The inaugural Illawarra Festival of Wood will feature free workshops, including bowl turning, chopstick making and hand-tooled milking stools, plus entertainment for the kids and everything from chain saw demonstrations to pyrography (wood carving). NYE AT BARANGAROOBarangaroo Reserve, one of Sydney’s newest vantage points for visitors to welcome in New Year’s Eve, will offer exquisite food and beverage pairings for this year’s event. Options range from oysters with Mumm champagne through to a full gourmet picnic, with something to suit every taste and budget. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek. |