No images? Click here
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR NSW’S 2021 TOP TOURISM TOWN AWARDS
NSW Tourism Industry Council is on the search to find New South Wales’ Top Tourism Town and New South Wales’ Small Tourism Town of the year.
The Top Tourism Town Awards will showcase the value of tourism to the towns and communities across NSW and celebrate their commitment to encouraging tourism and increasing visitation to their destination.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Top Tourism Town Awards will shine a light on the towns, people, attractions and experiences that make NSW a ‘must visit’ destination.
“NSW is open for business and welcoming visitors, which is great news for regional towns and communities that rely on the visitor economy to support local businesses.
“As we’ve identified in the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, regional towns play an important role in attracting visitation and visitor spend to NSW, and I encourage all tourism towns to enter the Awards,” Mr Ayres said.
NSW Tourism Industry Council executive manager Greg Binskin said community collaboration would be celebrated.
“The Top Tourism Town Awards will provide the opportunity for groups such as Local Chambers of Commerce, Visitor Information Centres, Local Tourism Associations and Councils or motivated groups of local operators to collaborate and showcase their town as a great visitor destination, and be recognised as a community that collaborates to make their town the best destination it can be,” he said.
The two categories are:
- Top Tourism Town - suited to established tourism towns where a range of attractions, accommodation and visitor experiences already exist, particularly those with a population over 5,000 people
- Small Tourism Town – suited to towns which are in the process of establishing a tourism strategy and developing visitor experiences, particularly those with a population below 5,000 people.
Nominations open today and close on Monday 22 March, with full submissions due Monday 26 April. Winners in each category will be announced in partnership with Local Government NSW at the LGNSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference in Port Macquarie from 26-28 May. For information and to nominate, go to the NSW Tourism Awards website.
$20 MILLION REGIONAL EVENTS ACCELERATION FUND NOW OPEN
More sporting, music, cultural, food and beverage events are expected to be staged across regional NSW, thanks to a NSW Government funding program which aims to showcase regional towns internationally and boost local economies.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced the $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund this week and said it will provide grants to boost major events in regional areas, creating valuable jobs for locals.
“We have proven our ability to stage major events that accommodate large crowds in a COVID-safe environment and now is the right time to bring entertainment to the bush and provide much-needed stimulus to local economies.
“This funding will deliver major events that will create valuable jobs, keeping money local, as well as giving people the chance to see their favourite teams or performers in their hometown,” Mr Barilaro said.
Events hosted between March 2021 and June 2022 can apply for two streams of funding:
- Stream One supports existing regional events by funding operational improvements and infrastructure needed to boost event attendance and improve visitor experience. Applications can request funding support between $50,000 and $200,000
- Stream Two supports the attraction of major international and domestic events to regional locations, with a particular focus on major sporting events that provide national or international exposure. Applications for Stream Two can request funding at a minimum of $100,000.
Applications for the Regional Events Acceleration Fund are now open and close at 5pm on Friday 17 December 2021, or when funding is fully committed.
To further assist eligible organisations seeking funding, the Department of Regional NSW will host an online information session on Wednesday 3 March. The session will provide a high-level overview of the program, guidance on the eligibility requirements and the application, followed by a Q&A. To register, click here.
For further information on the Regional Events Acceleration Fund, go to www.nsw.gov.au/REAFund.
FOUR NSW DESTINATIONS FEATURE IN WOTIF’S TOP 10 FOR 2021
Online Travel Agent Wotif has announced its Top Aussie Towns for 2021 and four NSW destinations have featured on the list – Pokolbin, Mudgee, Port Macquarie and The Entrance.
Now in its fourth year, the annual Aussie tourism awards recognise some of the country’s best destinations for the year ahead, to encourage domestic travellers to hit the road and see more of their own backyard.
NSW has the highest number of destinations in the top 10 of any state, and Wotif acknowledged the following attributes of each town:
- Pokolbin (second) - If it’s indulgence and relaxation that you’re after, then the rolling hills and picturesque vistas of Pokolbin and the Hunter Valley region are the ideal setting for some R&R, just a short drive from Sydney
- Mudgee (fourth) - Country hospitality at its finest. Swirl and sip your way around Mudgee, visit a neighbouring heritage village or just sit back and enjoy the sense of community in this humble region
- Port Macquarie (ninth) - The ultimate all-rounder. Home to some of NSW’s best beaches, excellent eateries, the beloved Koala Hospital, a buzzing city centre and plenty of surrounding adventure – Port Macquarie is always an excellent choice
- The Entrance (tenth) - A relaxing family favourite on the Central Coast, where the lake meets the ocean, this town has plenty of water activities, from fishing, hiring a boat or exploring one of the many local beaches on offer.
Wotif Managing Director, Daniel Finch said this year’s awards are more important than ever.
“It’s time to recognise and celebrate the people and communities behind some of Australia’s finest tourism destinations – who continue to work tirelessly and adapt to new and ongoing restrictions.
“Each region is at a different stage of recovery, but some operators are starting to see signs of relief with the Aussie sense of support extremely high. What’s clear is that the industry is focused on ensuring travellers feel welcome and safe,” Mr Finch said.
This year’s winning destinations have been awarded based on their accommodation quality, affordability and traveller satisfaction. New to this year, the awards also recognise destinations that have met the changing needs of travellers over the last twelve months, by offering increased flexibility, good-value deals and appealing activities and attractions.
See the full list at Wotif.com.
NSW OPERATORS JOIN TOURISM AUSTRALIA’S SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Three NSW operators have joined Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences program, profiling the excellent Aboriginal and wine experiences on offer across the state.
Bundyi Cultural Tours in Wagga Wagga and Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours on the Coffs Coast are now part of the Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective, while Printhie Wines in Orange is now one of the Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia.
Wiradjuri man Mark Saddler shares his cultural heritage with visitors through Bundyi Cultural Tours, exploring the Wagga Wagga region via walking, coach, 4WD and motorcycle tours. On the North Coast, Wajaana Yaam Adventure tours gives visitors an immersive stand-up paddle boarding experience through idyllic local waterways with bush tucker tasting en route.
These two NSW operators join 185 authentic Aboriginal guided tourism offerings in the Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective that showcase the world’s oldest living culture through memorable tours and itineraries.
Meanwhile in Orange, Printhie Wines has become the first business of the region to join the Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia collective. Rated 5-stars by Halliday for 11 years, Printhie is recognised for their Swift Sparkling range, and drawing on this Printhie offers a Sparkling Masterclass where visitors tour the vineyard, enjoy a private tasting and finish with a three-course lunch on site. This complements their flagship tasting experience, Printhie Picnic and the new Winemakers at Work experience involving a tour of the working winery, ferment and tank tastings and a visit to the barrel room.
Signature Experiences is a Tourism Australia initiative in partnership with industry, including Destination NSW, to package and promote the country’s outstanding tourism experiences in niche and special interest categories: wineries, luxury lodges, golf courses, guided walks, Aboriginal guided experiences, fishing adventures, wildlife encounters and cultural attractions.
Signature Experiences complements Destination NSW’s industry initiatives including delivery of the Tourism Product Development Fund, NSW First industry development program and trade activities connecting operators with new markets.
POSITIVE ECONOMIC SIGNS AS CONFIDENCE RETURNS TO NSW
This week the NSW Government's 2020-21 Half-Yearly Review was released, showing that the state’s recovery is on track following the unprecedented economic shocks of 2020.
The steady reopening of the NSW economy, recent easing of domestic border restrictions, and the first COVID-19 vaccinations, have all boosted confidence since the NSW Budget was handed down in November.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said: “We are starting to see both consumers and businesses returning to more normal patterns of behavior and this is helping drive economic activity.
“More than 80 per cent of jobs lost in the peak of the pandemic have returned, and each new step we take in reopening the economy improves people’s lives and helps business which feeds through to the bottom line.”
The forecast deficit for 2020-21 had been revised down by $2.7 billion from $16 billion to $13.3 billion.
This week the NSW Government also announced the easing of restrictions across Greater Sydney and NSW. From today:
- 50 visitors will now be allowed in the home;
- 30 people allowed to dance at weddings, with rotation on and off the dance floor;
- Increased class limits for gyms to 50 people (currently 30) subject to the 4sqm rule;
- Number of performers singing indoors increased to 30 (currently 5) subject to physical distancing requirements;
- Singing by congregants allowed in places of worship if masks are worn and subject to one person per 4sqm (currently no congregant singing allowed, with one per 2sqm permitted in places of worship);
- Increase capacity for cinemas to 100 per cent; and
- If current trends continue, drinking while standing up at indoor venues will be allowed in three weeks’ time (from Wednesday, 17 March).
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.
To read the NSW Government’s Half-Yearly Review, got to www.treasury.nsw.gov.au.
PHASE TWO OF DINE & DISCOVER COMMENCES
The second phase of the Dine & Discover pilot program kicked off this week in the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley, following the successful and continual testing of the technology in The Rocks and Broken Hill.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the stimulus will bring much needed relief to businesses hit hard by COVID-19 and last year’s bushfires.
“These communities have been brought to their knees due to the pandemic and bushfires, and the vouchers will deliver a boost for businesses and encourage customers to get out and about safely.
“It’s not too late for eligible businesses to register. It can be done online and could bring more customers through the door. Customers should also download the Service NSW app now and reap the rewards,” Mr Dominello said.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the findings from the pilots will inform the state-wide rollout, which will be progressively rolled out from March.
“About 700 businesses in Bega Valley, the Northern Beaches and Sydney CBD will take part in the second phase of Dine & Discover NSW, and more than 125,000 NSW residents have been invited to participate,” Mr Tudehope said.
Every NSW resident aged 18 and over will soon be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend in participating businesses.
Dine & Discover NSW vouchers will be divided into two categories:
- Two $25 vouchers to be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs from Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays.
- Two $25 vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues, available 7 days a week, excluding public holidays.
The vouchers can only be used at eligible businesses that have implemented a COVID Safety Plan and are registered as COVID-safe. For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/dine-and-discover-nsw.
NEW BATEMANS BAY BRIDGE TO WELCOME TRAFFIC WITHIN WEEKS
The new Batemans Bay Bridge over the Clyde River will open to two lanes of traffic in late March, months ahead of schedule.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the early completion of the bridge was a win for the Batemans Bay community.
“Travelling to and accessing the beautiful South Coast is about to improve, providing an economic boost to our communities, and delivering a much-needed new link for the entire region.
“Previously, the new bridge was expected to open by the middle of the year, but the project has powered ahead despite the impacts of bushfires and COVID-19.
“The project has employed around 1,000 people so far and nearly half of them are local to this area,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole welcomed the early bridge opening saying it was another demonstration of the NSW Government’s commitment to safer and stronger regions that the work to complete the bridge was able to be accelerated ensuring it could open to traffic before the holidays.
“The benefits of the new bridge include fewer supports in the river, safer navigation and better connections in and around Batemans Bay for motorists, freight, river users, pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr Toole said.
For more information on the new $274 million Batemans Bay Bridge project, go to NSW Roads.
COFFS HARBOUR TO HOST ICONIC RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
Motorsport fans across the country will make tracks to Coffs Harbour later this year when some of the world’s best rally drivers will compete to claim the coveted FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship.
The NSW Government will partner with Motorsport Australia to bring the hotly anticipated rally to the North Coast from 26 - 28 November 2021.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the iconic event will be a great opportunity to secure Coffs Harbour as the motorsport capital of the world.
“This exciting event will bring the Coffs Harbour community together and put the city back on the map as the perfect location for Rally Australia events.
“It is fantastic to see the Asia Pacific Rally Championships will be taking place on our shores and I am proud to be able to support this important event,” Mr Singh said.
Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser said he was delighted at the prospect of international rallying returning to Coffs Harbour.
“The Coffs Coast has been a big part of the Australian rally scene in recent years and we know this 2021 event will be another fantastic event for the region.
“There’s no doubt that the community of Coffs knows how to put on a world-class rally and we are really excited to be hosting this event, which will see a great mix of competitors from both Australia and overseas later in 2021," Mr Fraser said.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR NSW OPERATORS TO SELL ONLINE
Two Online Travel Agents are seeking NSW activities, tours, attractions and accommodation to sell via their travel platform to domestic and international markets (when borders reopen).
Pelago – a destination discovery platform in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia – and Hong Kong and Taiwan’s KKday are seeking to onboard new operators in preparation for the return of international travel to service the demand from these markets.
Pelago is a new platform backed by Singapore Airlines that is due to launch domestically in 2021, and its initial customer base will include Singapore Airlines’ Krisflyer loyalty customers. The platform is currently building its product in readiness for launch and is seeking food and drink tours and experiences, outdoor and nature activities, health/spa/wellness offerings, classes and enrichment opportunities, attractions and theme parks and hotels that are open to be packaged with experiences. To be involved contact Pelago via direct email.
KKday is one of the largest Online Travel Agents in the Hong Kong and Taiwan markets, reaching more than 500 cities in 80 countries. It records more than 4 million active users monthly who are seeking local tours, outdoor activities, attractions and shows, cultural experiences, art and craft workshops and more. To be involved contact KKday via direct email.
To find out more about creating bookable tourism products and selling them online, take a look at the NSW First guides, tutorials and webinars for tourism businesses, created by Destination NSW.
These resources include a NSW First guide and on demand webinar that detail how to sell online directly to consumers, and how to work with online travel agents. For more information download the NSW First guide or watch the webinar on demand.
$40 MILLION INDIGENOUS TOURISM FUND TO ASSIST RECOVERY
Applications are open for the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF), which provides business support and grants for Indigenous-owned tourism businesses.
The ITF, developed by the Commonwealth Government in consultation with the Indigenous tourism sector, will deliver complementary programs to grow the size and number of Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Australia.
The comprehensive package of business support and grants under the $40 million Indigenous Tourism Fund includes:
- $10 million will go towards a National Indigenous Tourism Mentoring Program to offer businesses individualised support
- Up to $12 million under the Tourism Grants for Indigenous Business Program to help businesses and community organisations develop new products, and purchase systems and equipment
- Up to $17 million will be available for States and Territories to co-invest with the Commonwealth on significant Indigenous tourism projects, creating opportunity to expand the range of Indigenous tourism experiences available across Australia
- $1 million for the establishment of a National Indigenous Tourism Advisory Group consisting of successful Indigenous experts from a variety of fields and advise on priorities for the sector and the implementation of the fund.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, said the package would support Australia’s diverse tourism market.
“We want tourists to share and enjoy Australia’s rich Indigenous history, culture and traditions.
“Our Government is supporting Indigenous tourism operators so they can continue offering these unique experiences and also provide employment and business opportunities in their communities,” Mr Tehan said.
Applications close 22 March 2021. For more information and to apply, visit the website.
BUSHFIRE BIODIVERSITY RECOVERY
The NSW Government has this week released the NSW Wildlife and Conservation Bushfire recovery – Medium Term Response Plan to help bushfire affected plants and animals recover over the next five years following the 2019-20 bushfires. The plan covers conservation initiatives for threatened species, establishing new breeding programs, feral animal and weed control, ongoing monitoring systems and increasing opportunities for Aboriginal people to practice cultural fire management and manage fire-affected sites. Minister for the Environment Matt Kean said: “We know from the best available science, that due to a changing climate, bushfires are likely to become more severe and more frequent. This plan will help us to protect and support our state’s unique and precious biodiversity for the long term.” For the full report, visit the Government website.
RETREAT TO BYRON BAY
Inbound tour operator No Limit Adventures has turned its attention to the domestic market and launched Spiritual Adventures, a new local brand focused on spiritual and wellness tourism experiences. Spiritual Adventures is currently offering two retreats at its luxury accommodation located in the Byron Bay hinterland. Keen yogis are invited to join The Journey Within - a four day retreat from 25-28 March that includes ancient yoga practices, plant based meals created by an on-site chef, cooking classes and meditations. For those looking for a longer retreat, Eat Meditate Elevate is taking place from 17-23 April, with a focus on mindfulness, healthy eating and outdoor activities such as surfing, ocean kayaking and hiking. To read the detailed itineraries and find out more, visit the website.
EXPERIENCING THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Newly created adventure group, Outdoor Experience Factory, is bringing a whole new meaning to outdoor adventures. Based in Howes Valley, three hours north-west of Sydney, the company designs tailored, private outdoor experiences for groups of friends and families, as well as corporate team building for businesses. Customers have the ability to craft and personalise their own adventure, including the duration (one or two days), adrenalin intensity, extra touches (such as pick up from home service or a personal on-site chef), and content capture (photos and videos). The site includes thousands of acres of riding tracks and hiking trails, along with a private campground and facilities. Bookings are available from 1 March. For more information, visit the website.
