Insights - 29 November 2024
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NSW TOURISM AWARDS 2024
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The winners of the NSW Tourism Awards 2024 were announced last night during a ceremony at The Star Sydney.
More than 500 industry stakeholders gathered to celebrate the NSW tourism and hospitality sectors, with winners receiving gold, silver and bronze awards for their commitment to excellence.
Category winners will represent NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards in March 2025.
Three Tourism Stars were also awarded to Destination Sydney Surrounds South - South Coast Centre of Excellence, Bathurst Winter Festival and Tom’s Outdoors by the judges in recognition of their commitment, innovative approach and resilience.
The NSW Tourism Awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Association and supported proudly by Destination NSW. View the full winners' list here.
OUSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD
FOR LYNDEL GREY
The NSW Tourism Awards honoured Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW CEO Lyndel Gray with the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual accolade.
The award recognises those who have gone above and beyond their own commercial focus to contribute to the broader NSW tourism industry.
Ms Gray is also Chair of Destination Sydney Surrounds South and Deputy Chair of Surfing NSW and was previously Executive Director Tourism at Destination NSW.
Ms Godward said: “With 37 years of tourism experience, including senior roles at Destination NSW and Tourism Australia, Lyndel has driven significant sector growth, led major initiatives such as Oprah Winfrey’s Sydney visit and is active in multiple tourism leadership roles.
"We’re thrilled to provide Lyndel with this recognition, as a much-respected mentor and role model in the industry.”
Ms Gray said: "This is such a tremendous industry that thrives on collaboration and is continuously innovating. It has been my absolute pleasure to be involved in its success over the decades, both internationally and domestically. Thank you sincerely for the recognition."
NSW FIRST PROGRAM DRIVES INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE
Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of finalists in the NSW Tourism Awards participated in NSW First Program events and initiatives during 2023-24.
NSW First is a Destination NSW initiative that helps visitor economy businesses to develop, promote and sell world-class experiences.
Finalists attended NSW First workshops on topics including experience development, inbound strategy and opportunities in cruise tourism; they also joined NSW First webinars covering subjects including agritourism, culinary, EV-friendly road trips and wellness; and took part in partner programs such as the Digital Skills Accelerator, Sustainability Skills Micro-credentials and Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard.
Learn more about NSW First here.
DESTINATION NSW CEO STEPS DOWN
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox has stepped down after more than four years in the role.
Initiatives delivered during his tenure include the groundbreaking NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, the launch of the Feel New brand campaign and the Aviation Attraction Fund.
Chairman Sally Loane said: “I wish to commend Steve Cox for his strong leadership of Destination NSW, successfully navigating the pandemic challenges and driving the value of the NSW visitor economy to $52.9 billion this financial year.”
Mr Cox said: “It has been a privilege to lead Destination NSW during a pivotal period for the NSW visitor economy.
“Among the unforgettable moments were celebrating the largest Vivid Sydney in the event’s history, acquiring SXSW Sydney and supporting the Sydney Marathon to become the seventh World Marathon Major.
“Thank you to everyone at Destination NSW and stakeholders throughout the state for your unwavering support for our mission to deliver economic and social benefits to the people of NSW.”
A recruitment process will be undertaken for the CEO role, led by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, with details to be announced soon. Destination NSW General Manager Policy, Product and Engagement Stephen Mahoney will be acting CEO in the interim.
MAJOR EVENTS DRIVE SYDNEY HOTEL
OCCUPANCY BOOM
New research has revealed the role sporting, cultural and business events play in driving hotel demand in the Sydney hotel market.
CBRE’s Needle Movers: The Top Events Driving Australian Hotel Demand report analysed 15 major events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in 2023 and 2024 to measure the direct impact on hotel room demand and revenue.
The top event was the New Year's Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour in 2023, which resulted in a 32 per cent increase in occupancy and a 129 per cent rise in average daily rate. The event generated nearly $51 million in extra room revenue for the hotel market.
FOCUS ON NORTH ASIA HIGHLIGHTS
Destination NSW showcased NSW visitor experiences and businesses to key travel buyers from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea during its recent Focus on North Asia program. Around 60 wholesalers, retail agents and online travel agencies took part in the program, alongside 30 NSW visitor economy businesses. Watch highlights from the program here.
NORTH AMERICA ROADSHOW 2025
Seller applications are open for Destination NSW's North America Roadshow 2025, a trade mission designed to promote NSW to key travel buyers. NSW businesses are invited to apply for participation in the roadshow, which will include workshops, travel advisor events and networking opportunities in Los Angeles and New York City from 9-13 March 2025.
GRANTS TO CELEBRATE ABORIGINAL CULTURES
The NSW Government's Cultural Grants Program 2024-25 has opened. Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW have been invited to apply for funding ranging from $500 to $20,000 to support events and activities that celebrate and promote Aboriginal cultures. Last year’s program supported 66 projects across NSW.
VALE FORMER TOURISM CMO LISA RONSON
Destination NSW extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Lisa Ronson, who passed away this week. Ms Ronson was Tourism Australia's Chief Marketing Officer from 2015-2019. Tourism Australia paid tribute to her as "a prolific contributor to the marketing industry and passionate about great culture, great people and great work".
SYDNEY HEADS BACK TO THE FUTURE
BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical will open at Sydney Lyric Theatre in October 2025. The critically acclaimed production broke box office records when it debuted on London’s West End and has been seen by nearly three million people worldwide. Its Australian premiere season is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
LIGHTS ON FOR TALLEST CHRISTMAS TREE
The tallest Christmas tree in NSW is on display in Sydney's Martin Place. Decorated with more than 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4-metre colour-changing star and 330 baubles, the tree will be on show until 3 January 2025. Choirs will sing carols under the tree every day from 1-24 December 2024, from 6-8pm.
BENSW IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT NZ EVENTS EXPO
Destination NSW attended The Business Events Expo in New Zealand this month in partnership with Tourism Australia. The Business Events NSW program was promoted to more than 100 professional event planners and buyers. The tradeshow attracted organisers of conferences and meetings, incentives, corporate travel, group and special interest travel and trade shows.
CAIRNS TO NEWCASTLE ROUTE RETURNS
Jetstar will resume direct flights between Newcastle and Cairns in 2025, following a record-breaking season in 2024. Jetstar Executive Manager, Customer Jenn Armor said: “These are the only direct flights between Cairns and Newcastle, allowing customers in the south to escape to tropical weather in winter, while giving residents of Far North Queensland easy access to the Hunter Valley wine region."
NEW R&CA NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Restaurant & Catering Association (R&CA) has elected John Hart OAM as its new National President. Mr Hart was CEO of the Restaurant & Catering Association for 18 years. He replaces former R&CA National President Mike Palmer.
NEW SURF LIFE SAVING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES
Surf Life Saving Australia has launched a new campaign designed to keep visitors and locals safe when visiting the beach. Starring actor and filmmaker Angus Sampson, it has a focus on men who swim at unpatrolled locations.
CRUISE MONTH DRIVES CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Cruise Month campaign during October 2024 delivered its best-ever results in Australasia. With an expanded social media campaign and digital advertising program, overall traffic on the CLIA website was up 47 per cent.
AUSTRALIANS EMBRACE LAST-MINUTE TRAVEL
New data from the Tourism & Transport Forum has found that 62 per cent of Australians are considering last-minute holiday bookings. Despite cost-of-living concerns, 75 per cent of respondents expressed their intent to go on holiday this summer period.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
$15 MILLION TO FUTURE-PROOF RURAL AIRSTRIPS: The NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust will invest in upgrades to airstrips in White Cliffs, Bourke and Deniliquin. Learn more
ENTRIES TO THE BANKSIA NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS CLOSING SOON: The entry deadline has been extended to 13 December 2024. Learn more
2024 IMAGinE AWARDS WINNERS: NSW museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural spaces have been recognised at the 2024 IMAGinE Awards. Learn more
REX ADMINISTRATION EXTENDED UNTIL 30 JUNE 2024: The Federal Court has agreed to extend the convening period for the Rex Airlines voluntary administration. Learn more
GROUND-BREAKING PROGRESS ON WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL: Tunnelling for the third road crossing of Sydney Harbour is now more than 60 per cent complete. Learn more
FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here
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