Insights - 2 February 2024 No images? Click here ![]() THE TOP HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION CHOICE IN NSWCaravan and camping holidays are now the top accommodation choice for visitors in NSW, with Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW reporting a record breaking 19.7 million visitor nights spent in the state in the 12 months to September 2023. The latest data reveals there were five million overnight trips during the period, marking the biggest year ever for NSW caravan and camping. Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW CEO Lyndel Gray said: “Caravan and camping is a hugely resilient sector and the robust performance seen in NSW underscores its strength and appeal as a major force in tourism accommodation for the state. "This is an extraordinary milestone for our industry, surpassing the highs of 2019, and highlighting the sustained growth and appeal of caravan and camping holidays. “The caravan and camping sector plays a vital role in the state’s visitor economy, generating more than $3.6 billion in visitor spending and supporting local economies.” This year intrastate trips marked a record high of 3.6 million, accounting for 74 per cent of total trips for the year ending September 2023 in NSW, with an increase in interstate visitation from Queensland. The year has also seen significant growth in the 30-54 years and over-55 markets, which both set new records for the highest number of trips and nights in their respective age segments. ![]() FEEL MORE, LIVE MORE CAMPAIGN RETURNSDestination NSW will continue its cooperative marketing partnership with Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW in 2024 via the ‘Feel More, Live More’ campaign. The campaign underpins Destination NSW’s ‘Feel New’ brand, developed to differentiate NSW from other destinations by focusing on its unique and diverse natural wonders and cultural offerings. This year’s ‘Feel More, Live More’ campaign will feature five weeks of promotional activity from 1 March to 7 April. It will include TV, social, digital and public relations activations in NSW, ACT and regional Victoria. The six major campaign partners are Discovery Parks, Holiday Haven Group, Ingenia Holiday Parks, NRMA Parks & Resorts, Reflections Holiday Parks, and Tasman Holiday Parks. ![]() AIME POISED FOR BIGGEST EVENT IN 10 YEARSThe 2024 Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is shaping up to be the biggest in a decade. More than 3500 buyers are expected to descend on the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 19–21 February, alongside 570 exhibitors and more than 600 buyers from 33 countries. This represents growth of 63 per cent on AIME 2023. For the first time since 2019, international destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, India and Italy are registered to attend. Destination NSW is delighted to collaborate with BESydney and 19 co-exhibitors to present the state's exceptional business events portfolio at the premier gathering for the meetings and events industry in the Asia Pacific region. Team NSW includes Australian Wildlife Parks, Bathurst Regional Council, Blue Mountains Tourism, Centennial Vineyards, Central Coast Council, City of Coffs Harbour, City of Newcastle, Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, Destination North Coast, Destination Wollongong NSW, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association, Kalinya Estate, Northern Beaches Council, Orange360, Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, Pinnacle Team Events, Penrith City Council, Salter Brothers Hospitality, Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, The Anchorage Hotel & Spa and Visit Albury Wodonga. ![]() NSW TRIUMPHS IN WORLD'S BEST BEACHES LISTLonely Planet has released a new book called 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches and two iconic NSW stretches of sand have made the list: Bondi Beach in Sydney and The Pass in Byron Bay. Bondi was also named the ‘best beach worth the crowds’ and ‘best beach to people watch’ in Australia. Lonely Planet said: "Sydney’s Bondi Beach is a place where people live their lives outdoors, and those that visit can’t help but be seduced by the lifestyle." The Pass was Lonely Planet’s fifth ‘best family-friendly beach’ in the world and 'best beach lookout' in Australia. Lonely Planet said: "Famous for its long rolling waves, Byron Bay's The Pass has been a favoured surf spot since the sport was introduced to Australia in the early 1900s. Walk down the boat ramp and past the shell midden – where generations of Indigenous families shared seafood caught on this beach – and wade across to the lookout. A custom viewing platform looks across the bay to Wollumbin/Mt Warning. This is a great spot to look for dolphins and whales, while surfers can use it to check whether the waves are less crowded than around the corner at Watego's." ![]() BEACHGOERS FLOCK TO WESTERN SYDNEYThe Penrith Beach trial has made a big splash since its mid-December opening with more than 150,000 people visiting to escape the summer heat. Thousands of visitors and local families from Western Sydney and beyond have taken advantage of the free site. Penrith Beach or ‘Pondi’ as it’s become fondly known, has welcomed 25,000 beachgoers on average every week since its opening four weeks ago. Trained lifeguards from Royal Life Saving Society NSW are on patrol every day between 10am and 7pm, monitoring the beach and providing first aid. The beach has facilities including toilets, adult accessible change rooms, a fresh-water drinking station, a café and access for people with a disability. Penrith Beach will remain open seven days a week until the temporary activation concludes on 3 March 2024. ![]() ![]() ADAM LAMBERT TO HEADLINE MARDI GRASSydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 has announced its program, with a line-up of more than 150 performers across its key events. Adam Lambert will lead the Mardi Gras Party, headlining the Hordern Pavilion. CeCe Peniston will appear on the Forecourt stage, while Slayyyter will bring an exclusive Australian performance to the Bondi Beach Party, Browse all festival events here. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival's world-renowned Parade is supported proudly by Destination NSW. ![]() VIVID SYDNEY LOCAL BUSINESS WEBINARDestination NSW will host a Vivid Sydney Local Business Opportunities webinar on ![]() SXSW SYDNEY 2024 INFORMATION SESSIONJoin an online webinar on 14 February 2024 to learn more about packaging and selling SXSW Sydney 2024. The webinar will feature advice from Destination NSW on enhancing package offerings by highlighting the attractions of Sydney and NSW, perspectives from the SXSW Sydney team and tips from Smile Marketing on building an experience package. Session one will commence at 8am, register here. Session two will commence at 3pm, register here. ![]() SELLING EXPERIENCES ONLINE WORKSHOPJoin Destination NSW for a free, half-day Sell Online virtual workshop on 6 February 2024 and find out how to increase bookings through online sales – both direct and indirect – by using online booking software, creating effective ATDW-Online listings and working with online travel agents. The workshop will suit businesses such as accommodation, tours and attractions including museums, galleries, wineries, distilleries, breweries and farm gates. ![]() LOVE CENTRAL COAST LAUNCHES CONTENT HUBSLoveCentralCoast.com has launched 14 new information hubs that aim to increase visitation to the region and boost the visitor economy. The hubs focus on hidden gems in the hinterland, the waterway network, the region's UNESCO World Heritage listed walk, plus art and cultural workshops, activities and events. The Destination Central Coast Tourism project was funded under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. ![]() ABORIGINAL CULTURAL GRANTS NOW OPENA range of funding grants are open for First Nations communities and organisations. Applications for grants for NAIDOC Week activities close on 22 February 2024. Click here for information. ![]() FUNDING FOR LOCAL STREET EVENTSCouncils across the state are being encouraged to hold more community events with assistance from the NSW Government’s Open Streets program. Councils can apply for up to $150,000 to facilitate the closure of streets to vehicles to host creative and cultural events that are free to access and safe to enjoy. Depending on the community and the location, this could include markets, live performances, outdoor dining, artistic installations or street parties. Open Streets is part of the NSW Government’s $15 million Vibrant Streets package and complements the Vibrancy reforms that passed NSW Parliament in December. ![]() WORK BEGINS ON ORANGE PLANETARIUMWork has commenced on Orange Regional Conservatorium and Planetarium. The $33.5 million project will create a world-class cultural hub for the region. It will include a 275-seat auditorium; a 65-seat planetarium auditorium; 40 practice studios and rehearsal spaces; front and back-of-house facilities, including a main lobby, bar and kitchen; and office space, amenities and ancillary spaces. The $33.5 million project is being funded by $10 million from the Australian Government, $5 million from the NSW Government's Creative Capital Funding program and up to $18.5 million from Orange City Council. ![]() NEW CHAIR FOR SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE TRUSTMichael McDaniel AO has been appointed Chair of the Sydney Opera House Trust. He is its first Indigenous chair and a member of the Wiradjuri Nation of Central NSW, with a distinguished career in Indigenous higher education and a record of service to the arts, culture and community spanning more than three decades. The former Chair of Bangarra Dance Theatre and board member of the Museum of Contemporary Art joined the Trust on 1 January 2024. ![]() NEW APPOINTEES TO VENUES NSW BOARDThe NSW Government has confirmed new appointees to the board of Venues NSW. Existing member Rosheen Garnon has moved to the position of Deputy Chairperson. Existing member John Quayle has moved to the position of Board (Hunter). Melanie Hawyes has assumed the position of Public Service Senior Executive. Stephanie Brantz and David Tierney have joined the board. Alan Jones AO and Rod McGeoch AO will depart the board following their tenure ending. ![]() NEWCASTLE FOOD MONTH RETURNSNewcastle Food Month is returning in April 2024, supported proudly by Destination NSW. The event will celebrate the city’s culinary scene, with 'Plate Date' deals, events and the signature Le Dîner en Blanc, which takes place in a secret location each year. Cafes, restaurants, hotels and event organisers have been invited to take part in the festival. ![]() FERRY AND LIGHT RAIL SERVICE BOOSTVisitors and locals will now enjoy more trips on the Freshwater ferries and extra services on the Parramatta River, with the NSW Government delivering an additional 60 services across the F1 and F3 routes during the week and another 36 on weekends. Meanwhile on the Inner West Light Rail, passengers will enjoy extra services during the weekday peak. ![]() GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM SUMMITEcotourism Australia’s inaugural Global Sustainable Tourism Summit will bring together industry leaders and sustainability experts in Brisbane on 4-6 June 2024 to discuss the opportunities and challenges for the sustainable tourism industry. Following the theme “People, Planet, Place, Purpose” the program will feature a wide range of topics. With international perspectives, innovative best practices and practical insights for operators, destinations, government and industry stakeholders will have the opportunity to learn more about the future of sustainable tourism. Early bird registrations have been extended to 23 February. ![]() GREEN DESTINATIONS ONLINE SESSIONThe 2024 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition has officially launched. The Top 100 Stories is an annual competition organised to celebrate and promote sustainable tourism initiatives by destinations globally. It is an opportunity to gain exposure, build capacity in sustainable tourism and inspire other destinations, stakeholders and visitors with good practices. The performance of each destination is assessed on the GSTC-Recognized Green Destinations core criteria and will be illustrated in a scorecard for effective and transparent communication with visitors. A Top 100 Stories introduction online session will be held on 20 February 2024. ![]() VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTSNEW BID DIRECTOR JOINS THE NEW SYDNEY WATERFRONT COMPANY: Rachael Smith has been contracted to assist the New Sydney Waterfront Company to take forward its strategic vision for the Western Harbour area and achieve fully operational status in late 2024 to early 2025. Learn more IMG ANNOUNCES CONSUMER PROGRAMMING FOR AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK: The event will take place from 13-17 May at Carriageworks in Sydney, supported proudly by Destination NSW. Learn more NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO BUNDANON TRUST BOARD: Uncle Gerry Moore OAM, a Yuin man from Wreck Bay, has joined the Bundanon Trust Board as a Director. Learn more BLUE MOUNTAINS AND HAWKESBURY TO FEATURE ON SUNRISE: In partnership with Destination NSW, the program's weather segment will be filmed live from Blue Mountains on 8 February and the Hawkesbury on 9 February. Learn more SCENIC WORLD LAUNCHES BUUNYAL TOUR EXPERIENCE: The tour is an opportunity to hear Indigenous stories, learn about native plants and animals and more. Watch video CITY OF SYDNEY OFFERS SUMMER GRANTS: Applications are open from 6 February to 5 March 2024 and include creative grants, business sector support grants and festivals and events sponsorship. An online briefing session will be held on 7 February 2024. Learn more CUNARD TO MAKE HISTORY IN MARCH: Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific will be performed for the first time at sea aboard Cunard's Queen Elizabeth as she cruises from Sydney to Tokyo. Learn more THE STAR SYDNEY APPOINTS NEW CEO: Janelle Campbell has replaced Scott Wharton. Her experience includes senior roles at Conrad Jupiters and Treasury Casinos Queensland and Melco Resorts & Entertainment. Learn more ![]() FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. 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