HUGE WEEKEND OF SPORT IN SYDNEYA bumper weekend of sport will see Sydney welcome an influx of rugby league fans, horse racing enthusiasts and amateur runners this weekend, providing a significant boost to the NSW economy. The combination of Sunday’s NRL Grand Final, the $1 million Epsom Handicap at Royal Randwick and the Western Sydney Marathon at Penrith on Saturday will bring thousands of local, interstate and international visitors to Sydney. So far, more than 22,000 tickets have been purchased by interstate fans alone for the NRL Grand Final, with both Qantas and Virgin Australia putting on
additional flights to get fans to the game. The NSW Government will allow hotels and clubs across NSW to remain open until midnight on Sunday, so rugby league fans can continue to relax and socialise after the match. All NRL Grand Final ticket holders will also receive free entry to the $1 million Epsom Handicap at Royal Randwick on Saturday, 30 September, 2017. NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said, “Whether your passion is Rugby League, enjoying the races or taking the family on a fun run, Sydney is the undisputed home of sports events this weekend.” Tickets for the NRL Grand Final are on sale at www.ticketek.com.au.
MINISTER HONOURS TOP STUDENTSThe State’s next generation of world-class tourism professionals were honoured this week during a special ceremony at NSW Parliament House to mark the 2017 Minister’s Student Achiever Awards. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Assistant Minister for Skills Adam Marshall congratulated 14 students on their academic achievements in tourism and hospitality studies. “The students honoured represent the future of tourism and hospitality, and embody the commitment to excellence that is critical to the continued success of our industry,” Mr Marshall
said. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mr Marshall also congratulated the tertiary institutions on their continued support of the industry. “It is encouraging to see the wide cross-section of institutions represented by these students and I thank them for their continued commitment to fostering our future industry leaders.” For the full list of winners, visit Destination NSW.
NSW SECURES DEAL WITH
AIR NEW ZEALANDThe NSW Government has struck a new two-year deal with New Zealand’s national carrier to continue to drive additional tourism growth to Sydney and rural and regional NSW. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the new partnership was an extension of the existing Memorandum of Understanding which delivered strong results for the State’s visitor economy. “Our partnership with Air New Zealand has already delivered six nationwide campaigns, contributing an incredible $29 million to the State’s visitor economy,” Mr Marshall said. Mr Marshall said New Zealand was NSW’s third top inbound visitor market. “We want to ensure New Zealand continues to be one of our strongest inbound visitor markets so partnerships with key industry players, such as Air New Zealand, are pivotal to continuing NSW’s tourism growth story.” Visit Destination NSW for more information.
ALL EYES ON THE DENI UTE MUSTERMore than 22 of Australia’s most prominent media outlets, including The Morning Show, Getty Images, Today Tonight, Kix Country Radio, AAP and Au Review, have travelled to the Riverina Murray to experience the iconic Deni Ute Muster this weekend. The Deni Ute Muster is an annual two-day event celebrating the iconic Ute, and the lifestyle and music of rural Australia. Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the State's tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW secured the media opportunities in collaboration with Deni Ute Muster. “Renowned for its colourful atmosphere and rich diversity, each year the Deni Ute Muster is an outstanding showcase of regional NSW and we are pleased that this year, more of Australia’s leading media will have the opportunity to experience the event first-hand and reach audiences across the country with their content.” In 2016 the Deni Ute Muster attracted over 13,000 international and domestic overnight visitors to the region and contributed $5.2 million to the NSW visitor economy.
NSW PRO SURF SERIES RETURNS TO TWEED COASTTop-class surfing will return to the Tweed Coast, with the Telstra Stores Tweed Coast Pro coming back to Cabarita Beach in 2018. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest joined local surfers this week to launch next year’s NSW Pro Surf Series. “This event is an official World Surf League Qualifying Series event and showcases our stunning coastline to surfers and fans from around the world,” Mr Provest said. The Series, supported by the NSW
Government, also stops at Maroubra Beach in Sydney, Boomerang Beach at the Great Lakes and Avoca Beach on the Central Coast. The 2017 NSW Pro Surf Series contributed over $1.1 million to the NSW visitor economy, attracting more than 800 overnight visitors to the four event locations. To find out more, visit nswprofsurfseries.com.
NEW LODGES AT SOUTH WEST ROCKSSeven new lodges have opened on the NSW North Coast offering visitors luxury accommodation in a holiday park setting. Located at Sunshine Resort, South West Rocks, the two-storey lodges have been designed to blend in with surrounding bushland and feature a decal that replicates the local setting. The lodges have been named the ‘Ngurra Lodges’ meaning ‘place of home’ in the local Aboriginal language. The name references the Sunshine Resort’s connection with local resident and Ngaku Elder, Liz, whose
Dunghutti Tribe years ago used the grounds for one of their camps. Each lodge offers a contemporary and stylish fitout, ensuite bathroom, and two large bedrooms that can sleep up to six. Sunshine Resort is surrounded by Hat Head National Park and is in close proximity to some of NSW’s best beaches. Click here to plan your visit.
MICRO MUSIC FESTIVALS IN REGIONAL NSWStreets, parks and businesses in regional towns will come alive as part of a NSW Government initiative to take micro music festivals to the bush for the first time. NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro this week announced that Orange, Newcastle, Tenterfield, Tweed Shire, Wagga Wagga, Kempsey, Armidale and Mudgee will share $150,000 to host Live and Local events during 2017 and 2018. “These events are a fantastic way of bringing local musicians, businesses and the regional communities together,” Mr Barilaro said. “The Live and Local events, which could be held in shops, cafes or other public places will showcase local talent, and provide free family entertainment.” The funding is administered by the Live Music Office on behalf of Create NSW and is used to cover the cost of fees for musicians, curators and technicians involved in the events. Visit Create NSW for further information. Image credit: Maitland City Council.
BIRD WATCHING IN THE
BLUE MOUNTAINSScenic World is offering an exciting chance to meet some of Australia’s most unique bird species during the school holidays. Set in the Blue Mountain’s Jamison Valley, Take Flight is a free interactive bird show that showcases some of Australia’s most spectacular bird species as they fly overhead in an outdoor amphitheatre. The free 20-minute showcase is on at 1pm and 3pm on weekdays until Friday, 6 October. Visitors will also have the opportunity to ride the world’s steepest passenger train to the ancient rainforest floor to meet feathered friends, like Terry the red tailed black cockatoo, in action. Tickets are limited, and visitors are encouraged to book ahead online at scenicworld.com.au.
NEW FUNDING FOR ARTS INFRASTRUCTUREThe NSW Government has announced new arts funding to support innovative smaller-scale capital projects that increase and strengthen participation in arts, screen and cultural activities across Newcastle, Western Sydney and Wollongong. Under the new Creative Capital fund applicants can apply for up to $60,000 in matched funding from Create NSW to be used to improve arts and cultural venues, repair and conserve collections or for new equipment to improve the usability of arts and cultural facilities. The new Creative Capital fund will support projects in Newcastle,
Wollongong and Sydney including the Blue Mountains. Applications for the Creative Capital fund open today and close on Friday, 10 November 2017. Visit Create NSW for more information.
2018 WYSE EXCHANGE IN SYDNEYThe World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Exchange Australia will take place in Sydney next year, and is set to showcase Sydney and regional NSW to the world. The three-day event will include pre-scheduled workshop appointments between 30 leading international buyers and 60 Australian suppliers of backpacker, youth, adventure and education products and experiences. The WYSE Exchange Australia will be held in Sydney from 8 to 10 May 2018.
SYDNEY KINGS TO TAKE ON NBAThe Sydney Kings will represent the Harbour City on one of the biggest sporting stages in the world next week when they take on the NBA’s Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. The Kings, whose playing singlets will be emblazoned with
Sydney.com, will be representing Sydney in front of a global audience. The game will be broadcast live on Tuesday, 3 October via ESPN Australia and NBA League - which last year generated 26.7 million game views by domestic and international subscribers.
BAIDU MAPS AT SYDNEY AIRPORTChinese visitors are set to benefit from Sydney Airport's introduction of Baidu Maps - an Australian first. With more than 500 million users, Baidu is China's largest information provider. The Baidu Maps app offers intuitive navigation at public venues across the country. Baidu's indoor maps at Sydney Airport's T1 International terminal will feature gates and check-in counters, amenities and retail outlets across multiple levels to make it easier for passengers arriving from China to
navigate the terminal.
GET TICKETS TO NYE AT TARONGATaronga Zoo is renowned as one of the most memorable foreshore venues for New Year's Eve in Sydney, offering a unique experience along with sensational views. Visitors can relax and enjoy the festivities and fireworks surrounded by the trumpeting of elephants and the warbles and squawks of the zoo’s night-time creatures. There’s the option to BYO picnic or buy food and drinks on-site, and the event also offers a complimentary park and ride service from Spit Junction. Click here to buy tickets.
ATEC AWARDS NOW OPENThe Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) is calling for nominations for its National Awards. Each year ATEC honours three individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the tourism export sector, going over and above their own commercial focus and giving generously to others and the broader industry. There are four award categories to choose from, with information about each award and eligibility criteria available via the ATEC website. Nominations close on Friday, 20 October 2017.
CALL FOR TROPFEST SUBMISSIONSTropfest, the world’s largest short film festival, is calling for entries for the February 2018 event. Tropfest is open to anyone with a camera and a story to tell. Films must be no longer than seven minutes and must include the Tropfest Signature Item, which for 2018 is ‘rose’. Every year, thousands of amateur and professional filmmakers compete to be chosen as one of 16 finalists whose films are screened and broadcast live on the night of
Tropfest. Click here for more information.
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