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LORD HOWE ISLAND IN LONELY PLANET'S TOP 5 FOR 2020!
New South Wales’ idyllic paradise Lord Howe Island has been ranked the world’s fifth best region to visit next year by global travel authority Lonely Planet in their new publication, Best in Travel 2020, released today.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed island 600km off the north coast of NSW is recognised by Lonely Planet as a must-visit destination for the upcoming year – the only Australian location featured in the Best in Travel lists of Top 10 Regions, Countries and Cities for 2020.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the accolade was a huge coup for the state and would boost the island’s profile among international travellers in particular.
“There’s something special about Lord Howe Island and it’s fantastic that Lonely Planet’s spotlight will encourage the rest of the world to discover this beautiful place too,” Minister Ayres said.
“The natural beauty and charming remoteness of the island make Lord Howe a ‘must visit’ destination for all kinds of travellers including luxury seekers and nature lovers.
“These visitors often extend their journey in Sydney before or after their island escape, and many are high yield travellers who contribute significantly to the State’s economy.”
This edition of Best in Travel 2020 focuses on sustainable travel experiences, helping travellers to consider the impact of their holiday and make informed decisions when planning an itinerary.
Lonely Planet recognises Lord Howe as a “shining example” of sustainably managed tourism through its commitment to accommodating only 400 visitors at one time, and encouraging guests to participate in ecological projects.
“Parked in the middle of nowhere… this visually stunning island makes an instant impact on the senses with its jaw-dropping World Heritage-listed beauty,” Lonely Planet writes.
“Two soaring green mountains overlook a perfect lagoon and the world’s southernmost coral reef; perfect crescents of beach and splendid hiking trails…add to brilliant outdoors possibilities.”
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said Lord Howe Island deserved the inclusion.
“Lord Howe Island is just so unique so I’m delighted that this peaceful haven with its breathtaking natural environs has been acknowledged by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s must-visit destinations,” Ms Williams said.
Photo credit: Mark Fitzpatrick
SYDNEY WINS RIGHTS TO HOST WORLDPRIDE 2020
Sydney has won the rights to host WorldPride 2023, the marquee international LGBTQI pride event.
Minister for Arts Don Harwin said he was incredibly proud that Sydney was selected as the host city, the first destination in the Southern Hemisphere to win.
“I am absolutely delighted that Sydney has been chosen to host this incredible event, which coincides with the 45th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras Parade and the 50th Anniversary of the first Australian Gay Pride Week,” Mr Harwin said.
“I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras team for presenting the winning bid.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said WorldPride 2023 in Sydney will be an experience like no other.
“I am so excited Sydney will host WorldPride 2023, which according to Deloitte research is expected to attract one million visitors to our Harbour City and has the capacity to generate an economic footprint in excess of $664 million,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sydney is a truly cosmopolitan city with an amazing harbour, delicious food and beverage, world-class transport and a proud history of celebrating diversity. This global event undoubtedly belongs in Australia’s global city!”
Sydney was selected as the winner by members of InterPride, the international association of pride organisations, at the AGM in Athens overnight.
The inaugural WorldPride was held in Rome in 2000. Cities which have hosted WorldPride since 2000 include Jerusalem, London, Toronto and Madrid.
Photo credit: Hamid Mousa
NSW TOURISM AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
A total 146 entrants nominated for the awards across 26 categories including tourist attractions, festivals and events, ecotourism, new tourism business, destination marketing, accommodation and excellence in accessible tourism.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW’s strong visitor economy is testament to the work of these exceptional operators.
“The NSW Government has set an ambitious target of delivering $55 billion in overnight visitor expenditure for the State’s economy by 2030, and the calibre of industry leaders recognised by these awards give me great confidence that we will surpass that target,” Minister Ayres said.
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the State’s tourism businesses had shown great vision and professionalism in building NSW’s record as the country’s top State for visitation.
“From hospitality to accommodation providers, tour and experience leaders to event owners, it is the people behind NSW’s tourism industry that keep us on top in terms of international and domestic visitation in Australia,” Ms Chipchase said.
The winners of the 2019 NSW Tourism Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner on 14 November at the Four Seasons Hotel. Gold Medal winners go on to represent NSW at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held in Canberra in March 2020. See here for more!
T20 WORLD CUP TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
With a year to go until the first ball is bowled in the ICC T20 World Cup 2020, the first tickets have gone on sale to the general public.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said almost 40,000 interstate and international visitors are expected to travel to NSW for the 14 men’s and women’s matches in Sydney, injecting $46 million into the economy.
“Major events, like the T20 World Cup, help drive more visitors to NSW and this ultimately helps the NSW Government work towards its goal of tripling overnight visitor expenditure by 2030,” Mr Ayres said.
“With family-friendly ticket prices and a world-class venue, we can’t wait to welcome visitors to what will be an electric and entertaining World Cup series.”
Tickets are now on sale at t20worldcup.com for both the women’s and men’s tournaments, meaning fans can now secure their place at the highly anticipated series.
With a focus on accessibility for families and communities, children’s tickets start at $5 and adult tickets are available from $20.
More than one million fans are expected to attend the tournament, with the Women’s T20 World Cup held from 21 February – 8 March 2020 and the Men’s T20 World Cup held from 18 October – 15 November 2020.
TOURISM CONSULTATION WORKSHOP OPEN
Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, has launched a consultation process and wants to hear from a range of stakeholders involved in the tourism industry. Austrade and New South Wales Government invite you to join this industry workshop to inform the development of Tourism 2030.
The workshop – to be held on Tuesday 29 October - is an opportunity for the New South Wales tourism industry to provide its views on Australia’s next long-term tourism strategy.
The interactive workshop will allow participants to identify the challenges, gaps and game changers for the New South Wales tourism industry, speak about future areas of focus and help shape Australia’s next long-term tourism strategy.
See here for more information.
NEPEAN SET TO DELIVER A REEL GOOD TIME
A spectacular line-up of internationally celebrated performers, musicians and creative minds will shine their light in Penrith as part of this year’s Real Festival at the Nepean River from 1-2 November.
Headlining the event is a new production by Spanish director Younes Bachir and Australian stunt choreography company Strings Attached. All That We Are (Todo lo que Somos) has been created especially for Real Festival and will have its world premiere at the event.
Check out the full program at realfestival.com.au. Connect with the event on Facebook to keep up to date with news, program announcements and event information - because you don’t want to miss a moment.
TOURISM AUSTRALIA'S INDIAN VIRTUAL TRAVEL FAIR
Tourism Australia has launched the 2019 Indian Virtual Travel Fair Campaign from 14 November to 13 December (previously known as Airline Marketplace) to attract more Indian tourists to Australia.
This great initiative offers Indian travellers a compelling reason to visit Australia by bringing key Indian airline partners together with competitive fares and promote early bookings through a longer travel validity.
The renewed Virtual Travel Fair encourages tours and attractions in Australia to get on board for the first time.
India is a key market for NSW and we encourage NSW tourism products who are export-ready to submit your offer to Ms Diksha Singh at Tourism Australia before 7 November 2019.
