No Images? Click here ![]() NSW TOURISM INDUSTRY BREAKS RECORDSNew South Wales continues to lead the nation’s tourism industry with record-breaking economic contribution and employment across the sector. New figures from Tourism Research Australia show domestic visitors to NSW contribute $29.4 billion and international visitors $13.1 billion to the economy with tourism the sixth largest employment industry in the state. The data is contained in the State Tourism Satellite Account 2017-18 which reports on tourism consumption, tourism Gross State Product (GSP), tourism Gross Value Added (GVA) and tourism employment to measure the impact of the industry. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said tourism was clearly one of the State’s champion industries. “The results show that NSW’s contribution to tourism in Australia is significant, and locally the industry has a huge impact on our economy,” Minister Ayres said. “Tourism directly employs 182,900 people – equal to one in 22 jobs - in New South Wales, up almost 7,800 people on 2016-17. “Visitors to NSW consumed $42.5 billion worth of goods and services, up 7 per cent on the previous year, and accounts for 30 per cent of Australia’s total tourism consumption.” Tourism consumption refers to spending on transport, accommodation, shopping, food and drinks, tourism operators, recreation and education services. Key results from the NSW State Tourism Satellite Account show that:
“These numbers are a clear demonstration that the NSW Government strategy to grow and support the visitor economy in NSW is bang on target,” Mr Ayres said. ![]() WESTERN SYDNEY'S NEWEST FOOD PRECINCTWestern Sydney has a new mega food hub, with the opening of The Paper Mill Food on the banks of the Georges River in Liverpool. The Paper Mill Food is a 1,800 square metre food precinct under the heritage sawtooth roof of the beautifully-restored paper mill building, which dates back to 1914. The Paper Food Mill reflects the cultural diversity of Western Sydney with four distinct restaurants. Firepit is an a la carte restaurant specialising in wood-fire cooked meat and seafood; Charcoal Joe’s is a Lebanese charcoal chicken outlet; Shepherd’s Lane is a café and dessert bar; and Georgie’s is a pizzeria and bar. The precinct is also designed as an exclusive events space which can cater for intimate get-togethers or larger gatherings of 120 or more, such as weddings. SUNRISE VIEWERS WAKE UP WITH MAITLANDThe sensational landscapes of Maitland were broadcast live into the homes of Australian viewers last weekend, as Channel Seven’s national breakfast program Sunrise took to the road to explore regional NSW. Australian TV personality and presenter James Tobin broadcast live weather crosses from multiple locations across the region, while highlighting the local events and attractions in towns along the way. These included the annual Aroma Festival, Morpeth, and Maitland Gaol, as well as a range of bars, businesses and eateries. The filming opportunity was secured by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said, “Whether it’s meeting some of NSW’s local producers or learning about the incredible history of our regional areas, hosting Weekend Sunrise in Maitland should inspire many viewers to book their next trip to our wonderful region.” ![]() REGISTER FOR REGIONAL EVENTS CONFERENCEEvent professionals, stakeholders and students from across Australia are being encouraged to register for the 2019 Regional Events Conference, which is taking place in Dubbo next month. Now in its fourth year, the conference is an industry-specific event tailored for specialists in the tourism events sectors. The program features keynote presenter Patrick J Kidd OBE who led the planning and delivery of the Invictus Games 2018 with more than 140 full-time staff and 1,000 volunteers. Attendees will walk away with insights from a range of experts into succession planning, event marketing, risk, safety and security. The 2019 Regional Events Conference is being held from 4 - 6 September. To find out more information or register, click here. WINE TOURISM RIPE FOR PICKINGWine Australia has partnered with the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) to deliver the ’Growing Wine Tourism’ program, a wine-specific skills development program for businesses looking to develop their wine tourism products and services for the inbound tourism market, as part of the Federal Government’s $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package. You can attend a two-day interactive face-to-face workshop on the South Coast, Orange and Mudgee or alternatively, you can take part via a 6-part webinar series. The workshop program comprises three modules: laying the foundations, setting up your tourism experiences and securing inbound business. Click here for more information or email development@atec.net.au. NOMINATIONS OPEN TO RECOGNISE EVENT LEADERSThe Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) is calling for nominations to recognise the industry’s unsung heroes and emerging leaders in the 2019 Awards for Excellence. The Awards comprise 21 categories including five focused on recognising people – Richard Geddes Young Achiever Award, Unsung Hero Award, Best Show Team, Best Venue Team and Best Supplier Show Team. Entries must be for events or initiatives that occurred between 1 October 2018 and 30 September 2019, and will close 27 September. Finalists will be announced in early November with the Awards night taking place on 4 December at the Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne. Download the entry kit and log in to the event portal here. ![]() CELEBRATING CREATIVITY IN MANLYThe Manly Arts Festival will soon burst into life, ushering in an exciting three-week program of exhibitions, live performances, and artist open houses. The Festival, which runs from 6 - 29 September, is well-known for its eclectic mix of stimulating, thought-provoking events featuring prominent musicians, performers and visual artists in venues such as artist studios, Manly Art Gallery & Museum, the Creative Space at North Curl Curl and Glen Street Theatre in Belrose. Each year Northern Beaches Council joins forces with artists and cultural organisations with the support of local businesses to develop a creative and entertaining arts program for residents and visitors. Find out about the full program. PLAN YOUR SNOW TRIP TO RAINBOW MOUNTAINRainbow Mountain is hitting Thredbo again this year from 4 - 8 September, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. The five-day LGBTQIA festival is jam-paced with on and off snow events, from parties, après, huge live concerts, sparkling lunches, on-mountain races and so much more. Headlining the week is party-starter Kira Puru along with Stereogamous, imbi the girl and Rachel Maria Cox. Thredbo is offering exclusive accommodation packages for the five-day Rainbow Mountain Festival, as well as five and three day event passes. Find out more about the Festival and plan your trip to Rainbow Mountain here. HEAD FOR THE HILLS THIS SEPTEMBERThe Hills Shire Council’s Orange Blossom Festival – Lights, Beats and Eats is returning this September with a whole new look, feel and location. The Festival will be held at Castle Hill Showground from 4pm to 9pm on Saturday 14 September, with entertainment and activities for the whole family. Highlights include X-Factor Australia winner Reece Mastin and Aussie rock legend Jon Stevens, dance and acrobatic group Dauntless Movement Crew, light installations, a skating rink, fireworks and a range of food trucks such as Gelato Messina, Pimp My Chimney, Chur Burger, Smokin’ Grill Barbeque and Tsuru. Check out the full schedule for the Hill Shire Council’s Orange Blossom Festival here. ![]() ![]() |