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BOOK A RECOVERY WEEKEND IN REGIONAL NSW
Businesses, tourism operators and local councils throughout the state have shared good news of being ‘back in business’ this week, with the majority welcoming visitors back to enjoy the delights of our towns, villages and natural attractions.
Among them was Eden which today welcomed its first cruise ship for 2020 – the 2,000 passenger Norwegian Jewel – marking a turning point in the recovery for this vibrant South Coast community. The port was closed earlier this month while bushfires were active in the area, however today’s arrival signals that 100% of NSW’s ports are now open for business.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) managing director Australasia Joel Katz said the arrival of Norwegian Jewel in Eden is proof of the resilience of regional communities and tourism operators.
“More than 60 cruise ships will call on Australian ports over the current summer season and the fact they’re all continuing to operate as scheduled will help lift confidence in many parts of the tourism industry,” Mr Katz said.
Kosciuszko National Park is reopening in stages, with the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk, Kosciuszko Walk, Main Range Walk and Illawong Walk now accessible in sections. The Rural Fire Service has advised that Thredbo Village and resort, Blowering campgrounds, Island Bend campground and multiple hiking trails are also open to visitors.
Waterfalls in the Blue Mountains are now active and most tourist sites are operating as usual. Key sites within Blue Mountains National Park are open including Govetts Leap lookout and the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Fairfax Track, Evans Leap Lookout, Katoomba/Leura/Wentworth Falls walking tracks, Empress Falls and canyon, Glenbrook precinct, Victoria Falls Road fire trail and more.
Tourism operators are reminded to sign-up to Destination NSW's Get Connected website membership program. With Get Connected, operators can showcase their tourism product on Destination NSW’s consumer websites free of charge and tap into over 1.7 million potential customers a month, both domestic and international - that’s 21.4 million people a year who are looking for tourism products.
With so much on offer, now is the perfect time to support regional NSW by booking a getaway that gives back.
Destination NSW is calling on the public to take a #RecoveryWeekend in and around NSW – enjoy a road trip, head to the coast, explore inland or return to a favourite destination. Visitors can feel good and do good at the same time when they take a short break in regional NSW.
Staying and buying locally will give communities a significant boost that has immediate and long-lasting impact.
For inspiration and advice, go to visitnsw.com or check out our Instagram @visitnsw and Facebook.
Travellers are advised to refer to the RFS Fires Near Me app or website for the latest advice, with alerts in place for Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Snowy Monaro and Snowy Valley local government areas.
Tourism operators who have been impacted by the bushfires should refer to Service NSW’s bushfire customer care centre for comprehensive advice about various support programs.
'KEEP ON CAMPING' INITIATIVE TO DRIVE REGIONAL TOURISM
A new ‘Keep On Camping’ website has launched to drive regional tourism in the aftermath of the unprecedented bushfires. The interactive NSW map, an initiative of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), provides caravanners and campers with the most up-to-date information on the status of caravan parks in regions impacted by the recent bushfires. It’s a useful tool for travellers to find out when campgrounds are safe to travel to again, so they can make informed decisions when planning their camping and caravan trips into regional NSW.
The campaign will help boost tourism in areas that rely on visitors. Caravan and camping plays a significant role in the sustainability of Australia’s tourism industry, with 30 per cent of all trips in regional Australia involving caravans or camping.
The ‘Keep On Camping’ initiative also leverages the popular Empty Esky campaign, which encourages anyone travelling into bushfire or drought-affected areas to take along an empty esky, and fill it with supplies from the area they are visiting.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO, Stuart Lamont, said local tourism would be the key for ensuring long-term sustainability in regional tourism.
“Many of the affected areas should be in absolute peak season brimming with tourists, and yet whole regions remain closed with some caravan parks suggesting they may be weeks before reopening.”
“Once these affected areas reopen, the need for tourist visitation will be vital in assisting these communities and businesses to start the long process of getting back on their feet.”
Visit keeponcamping.com.au
TOURISM AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES $20 MILLION DOMESTIC BUSHFIRE RECOVERY CAMPAIGN
Tourism Australia launched a multi-million dollar campaign yesterday to encourage all Australians to stay closer to home on their next holiday, in a bid to support tourism operators and bushfire and drought-affected communities.
The $20 million dollar advertising campaign, Holiday Here This Year, encourages Aussies to get out and explore their own backyard, by planning, booking and taking a domestic holiday then sharing their experience online and with friends.
The new campaign is part of a $76 million tourism recovery package announced by the Federal Government to help galvanise the tourism industry and protect jobs, small businesses and local economies.
Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, said the Holiday Here This Year campaign would help spread the important message that Australian tourism was open for business and ready and eager to welcome visitors.
“There is no doubt that Australian tourism has been hit hard by the recent bushfires. It’s critical that we help the industry get back on its feet as soon as possible,” Ms Harrison said.
“We are currently in the middle of the peak summer period and we’re already seeing an impact on tourism as people delay or cancel their travel plans, including to areas that haven’t been directly affected.”
The Holiday Here This Year campaign will be rolled out across print, social media, billboards, content partnerships, radio and outdoor advertising, with Australians encouraged to show their support with the hashtag #holidayherethisyear
Visit tourism.australia.com for more information about the campaign, and find travel planning resources at australia.com/holidayhere
THE TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY SUPPORT COMMUNITIES
In collaboration with the #EmptyEsky movement, AAT Kings is offering a one-day tour to the Shoalhaven region to support the community.
Leaving from Sydney, the journey will start at historic Kangaroo Valley with morning tea and some shopping. Next stop is Nowra Farmers Markets, so you can fill up your esky with delectable local produce. Lastly, you’ll enjoy a private buffet lunch at Bangalay Dining, made from locally sourced ingredients, hosted by the producers themselves.
Also supporting local businesses is The Restaurant & Catering Industry Association, who will be providing all restaurants, cafes, caterers that have been destroyed or directly impacted by the bushfires with free membership services for three months to assist them with their recovery efforts. This includes free access to the General Advice and Industrial Relations Advice line. Businesses should email restncat@rca.asn.au or call 1300 722 878.
VOLUNTEER FOR BUSHFIRE RECOVERY IN NSW NATIONAL PARKS
There are many ways to give back to the communities affected by bushfires, some of which can be found here.
If you’re passionate about the environment, you can register your interest to help the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Saving Our Species program to rehabilitate and protect our threatened animals and species.
There will be a range of roles available and various skills needed depending on the area. Once you’ve registered, it may be some time until you’re contacted as the NPWS need to do an extensive assessment, research and logistical planning. Sign up here.
If you come across injured wildlife, call your local volunteer wildlife rehabilitation organisation. There are also some guidelines from the NPWS on how you can provide immediate assistance.
BOOK YOUR SEAT TO SYDNEY 7s
Rugby Union’s biggest party weekend is returning to Sydney from 1-2 February 2020 at the world-class Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta. The HSBC Sydney 7s tournament, supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, attracts both men’s and women’s teams from all over the globe to battle it out over two days for the top spot.
In addition to the action on the field, the precinct will be transformed into a rugby festival with live bands and DJs, rides, interactive entertainment, a kids’ zone and plenty of spaces to eat and drink.
$5 from every ticket purchased this Australia Day long weekend will be donated to the bushfire recovery appeal. Secure your seat here.
BATEMANS BAY ENCOURAGES CANBERRA RESIDENTS TO VISIT WITH CATCHY SONG
Batemans Bay residents have recorded a love song to Canberra locals, urging them to come visit the South Coast this Summer and beyond. Jacob Clarke, the owner of JJ’s at The Marina, came up with the idea and enlisted his son to help him record residents singing the modified lyrics of the rock tune ‘Baby Come Back’ by Player. Clarke said the best thing Canberrans could do to help is come and spend their money all along the South Coast, where businesses are ready to welcome them with open arms.
ICC WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP TROPHY TOUR
As the countdown to one of the biggest women’s sporting events held in Australia continues, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Trophy is currently on tour, visiting iconic locations around NSW and the rest of Australia.
The NSW State Government secured the T20 Cricket World Cup as part of the NSW Premier’s 10 World Cups in 10 years strategy. The tournament will see selected matches for the women’s tournament (21 February to 8 March 2020) and the men’s tournament (18 October to 15 November 2020) played in Sydney, with other host cities including Perth, Canberra and Melbourne.
Full schedule available here.
TAKE THE NEWCREST ORANGE CHALLENGE
The Orange region is an exceedingly picturesque part of the Central West of NSW, with rolling hills, lush vineyards and quaint towns. The undulating landscape also makes it a challenging cycling terrain – try it out at the Newcrest Orange Challenge from 21-22 March.
The cycling event offers three tracks at different lengths to suit every level of fitness, with full on-route support. Celebrate afterwards at the event village in Robertson Park with family activities, entertainment and food and drink stalls.
SURFEST IS BACK FOR 2020
Surfest Newcastle is Australia’s biggest festival of surfing and provides a number of events both in and out of the water for locals and visitors from 26 January – 8 March. The festival includes 11 different surfing events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens. Highlights include the Lake Mac City Pro Junior for under-18s, followed by Redhead Pump, a new beachside after party with live music, food and entertainment. The Doyle Partners Women’s Pro will, for the first time in the history of the event, be offering the same prize money as the men’s event, and will be held on March 2-8.
AUSTRALIA'S FIRST WELLNESS TOURISM SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN NOOSA
Over 30 leading global and local wellness travel experts will be presenting at Australia’s first Wellness Tourism Summit on March 19 and 20 in Noosa. Hear about the latest research, consumer trends and best practice for operators and destinations. Katherine Droga, the Founder of the Summit and Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Tourism Initiative believes this is a segment worth embracing. “Australia receives over 1 million wellness trips a year from international and local visitors. These visits deliver over $15 billion in visitor expenditure annually. It’s a significant and growing sector of our industry” she said. Book tickets here.
