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MUCH OF NSW OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND READY FOR VISITORS
Information direct from the tourism industry and authorities confirms that the majority of the state is open for business following the widespread bushfires of recent months.
Destination NSW has been working closely with industry to understand the impact of the bushfires, and thankfully much of the state’s tourism infrastructure, products and experiences are ready to receive visitors.
With improved conditions and confirmation of access to many towns from RFS, local council and operators on the ground this week, Destination NSW is now actively promoting Sydney and the State’s regions encouraging visitors not to cancel forward travel plans and also to support affected communities by taking a holiday or short getaway now.
The message to consumers is simple: the best thing you can do to help the state is book a holiday in NSW, stay local and buy local.
Travellers are being urged to book for Australia Day long weekend, a romantic Valentine's Day getaway, Easter, winter and beyond – from caravan and camping trips to coastal getaways, outback adventures and holidays to enjoy regional events.
This position is now reflected across Destination NSW’s many marketing and publicity channels including a new travel alert page on both VisitNSW.com and Sydney.com, the DNSW corporate website that includes the latest advice on NSW’s tourism regions.
The messaging is also being used to guide posts on consumer and corporate social channels and in proactive publicity pitching to domestic and international markets.
This week Destination NSW recommenced marketing activities including social media content, search and It’s On website marketing, while work on a comprehensive disaster recovery plan continued.
Further, two new factsheets were developed: one to inform visitors about how to say safe and rights regarding cancellations and refunds, the other to support tourism businesses navigate obligations toward customers, employees, contractors and suppliers. You can find these factsheets and other information on the Destination NSW corporate website.
Destination NSW is working with industry and Government stakeholders to provide the most up-to-date information and advocate for industry in recovery planning.
QANTAS TO TAKE OFF TO BYRON BAY
Qantas will make it even easier to travel to Byron Bay and the New South Wales north coast, with flights from Sydney to Ballina now available for the first time in 15 years.
A daily return flight will commence from 29 March 2020 adding more than 36,000 seats on the route each year.
Qantas Domestic CEO Andrew David said demand for premium travel to the region was increasing and the new flights would give travellers even more choice.
“Byron Bay continues to be an incredibly popular destination for holidaymakers of all types. We’ve seen more and more luxury hotels established in recent years and we think it’s the right time for Qantas to again fly directly to Ballina,” Mr David said.
NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said this was a fantastic opportunity for visitors to enjoy one of the State’s most popular regions.
“NSW’s far north coast offers incredible beaches, world-class produce and seafood, and a lifestyle that is the envy of many, so it’s great that Qantas is making it even easier for visitors to explore Ballina and beyond,” Minister Ayres said.
“Now is the perfect time to escape the city and support regional NSW by staying local and buying local, giving the tourism industry in these communities a welcome boost.”
'HIT THE ROAD' - REGIONAL PRODUCTS AND EXPERIENCES PROFILED
Online culture guide Urban List has published a guide to ‘8 epic things to do in regional NSW this month’ featuring some of the state’s most loved destinations.
The Blue Mountains, Orange, Tamworth, Hawkesbury, Wyong and Braidwood are included in the article, referencing key events, offers, tourism operators and experiences in each area that are open for business.
“As well as donating to bushfire relief, attending bushfire relief parties here in Sydney, or shopping from brands donating dollars to bushfire or drought appeals—you can do your part to help rebuild and support NSW by simply jumping in the car, picking your best road trip playlist and spending the weekend exploring one of the State's beautiful regional areas,” the article says.
“We love a local escape here at Urban List, and right now and this year, these quick trips are going to hold a whole lot more meaning.”
Read the full article for inspiration to plan a road trip or caravan and camping break.
NSW Government’s Regional NSW department continue to expand their Buy Regional campaign to support communities that are suffering because of drought and bushfires. Buy Regional is a central resource for businesses across the state to feature their products and experiences and be amplified through marketing activity including on social channels using the hashtag #BuyRegional.
WHOLE BATHURST 12 HOUR FIELD TO BE SHOWCASED IN CITY CENTRE
Following the successful debut of the first ever street parade for Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour cars in 2019, the concept of ‘Town to Track’ will be expanded at this year’s event. In what is set to be a memorable way to commence Australia’s International endurance event, this year the entire 40-car field will tour from the circuit to Russell street in Bathurst’s city centre on Thursday, January 30. Once there, the cars and stars of the race will be on display to fans for several hours, with an autograph session and driver Q & A sessions to take place once cars are in place. Fans are encouraged to line the route to see the same cars and drivers set to tackle the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour in the flesh on public roads. Bathurst 12 Hour is supported by Destination NSW and will take place from 31 January to 2 February 2020. For more details go to bathurst12hour.com.au
TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL READY TO ROCK AND ROLL
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is set to get into full swing this weekend, with thousands of event goers flocking to Australia’s country music capital, from today to Sunday 26 January 2020. The pinnacle event of the festival is the Golden Guitars - the Country Music Awards of Australia, held on the second Saturday of the festival, where the who's who of Australian country music gathers with country music fans to see who will win the coveted Golden Guitar Awards. Visitors are encouraged to make the most of their journey, on a road trip through northern NSW and are also reminded to shop local and be mindful of water restrictions during their visit. For more information, please visit tcmf.com.au
AUSTRALIA DAY 2020 ENCOURAGES UNITY AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Communities across NSW are being encouraged to come together this Australia Day Long Weekend and stand in solidarity with those who have been affected by bushfires and drought. On Sunday 26 January, community events will be held across the State with Sydney’s world-renowned Harbour once again taking centre stage with a range of tributes and activities for everyone to come together and mark the day in a way that is right for them. Throughout the day and into the evening, Sydney Harbour will be a buzz of activity on the water, around the foreshore and in the with moving displays, performances from some of Australia’s top music icons and tributes to the brave men and women who have tirelessly and selflessly protected the community. For more information on Australia Day in NSW, please visit australiaday.com.au.
