AUSTRALIA'S NO.1 REGIONAL DESTINATIONRegional NSW was Australia’s favourite regional holiday destination in the year ending March 2024, attracting 66 million domestic visitors. The latest data from Tourism Research Australia shows regional NSW also recorded the highest year-on-year growth in regional Australia during the period and experienced the best post-pandemic recovery. When compared with the closest corresponding pre-pandemic period (year ending March 2020), visitation was up 4.9 per cent. Domestic overnight visitor
growth was up 3.3 per cent year-on-year for regional NSW. New England North West had the strongest growth (up 16.5 per cent), followed by the Central Coast (11.2 per cent). NSW was also number one in Australia for domestic visitation, visitor nights and expenditure. The state welcomed 100.3 million domestic visitors who stayed 117.8 million nights. NSW and Sydney both achieved their highest domestic expenditure on record in the year ending March 2024, at $41 billion and $15.7 billion respectively. Learn more here.
NSW LEADS INTERNATIONAL VISITOR RECOVERYNSW welcomed the largest share of international visitors and highest expenditure in the nation in the year ending March 2024, with visitors spending more nights in the state than pre-COVID-19. The latest International Visitor Survey by Tourism Research Australia shows NSW was Australia’s top destination for international visitors, visitor nights and expenditure in the year ending March 2024. There were 3.7 million international visitors to NSW during the period, who stayed 95.2 million nights and spent $11.8 billion. Sydney was the number one capital city for visitors, visitor nights and expenditure. It received 3.4 million international visitors who stayed 79.9 million nights and spent an estimated $10.7 billion. There were 694,400 international visitors to regional NSW, who stayed 15.3 million nights and spent an estimated $1.1 billion. Learn more here.
MORE VISITORS, LONGER STAYS AND HIGHER SPEND
INTO AUSTRALIAN VISITOR ECONOMYInternational visitors to Australia stayed a total of 87.5 million nights - 105 per cent of pre-pandemic levels - in the January-March 2024 period. Tourism Research Australia data shows international visitor expenditure reached 99 per cent of pre-pandemic levels during the period, injecting $10.2 billion into the Australian visitor economy. International visitor numbers reached 2.1 million, 89 per cent of January-March 2019 levels. New Zealand, China, the United States, the United Kingdom and India were Australia’s top five international source markets.
VIVID SYDNEY BOOSTS HOTEL OCCUPANCY RATESHotels are celebrating the boost provided by Vivid Sydney 2024, which saw occupancy rates at 75 per cent on weeknights and up to 90 per cent on weekends. Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said: “This is an extraordinary event that brings people into Sydney, showcasing the CBD and all it has to offer. “To have an event of this calibre during the colder months when hotels may not otherwise enjoy high occupancy rates is certainly welcomed by accommodation providers."
FUNDING FOR 130 STREET EVENTS IN NSWThe NSW Government’s Open Streets program will fund 130 local street festivals, markets, food, live music, arts and cultural events across the state. They include the Moon Festival, which will transform Cabramatta into a street party that celebrates South-East Asian culture; the 4Elements HipHop Festival in Blacktown; and the inaugural Kurri Curry Festival in Kurri Kurri. Applications for local councils opened earlier this year, with the program proving so popular that the original funding pool was increased from $4.7 million to $8.7
million. Funding amounts range from $7000 to $150,000 and have been awarded to 51 regional councils and 22 metropolitan councils. All 130 events will take place between now and January 2025. The Open Streets program is delivered by Transport for NSW. Learn more here.
ENMORE NIGHTLIFE MODEL TO BE REPLICATED STATEWIDEThe success of Enmore Road as the state’s first ever Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) has inspired 18 other councils across NSW to begin the process of establishing their own nightlife neighbourhood, including Burwood, the Northern Beaches, Waverley and the City of Sydney. An explosion of bars, entertainment venues and restaurants has made Enmore Road one of the Top 20 coolest neighbourhoods in the world, according to Time Out magazine. Establishing an entertainment precinct allowed Inner West Council to set later
trading hours and more flexible noise levels to support live music and performance. Venues inside the precinct can trade an hour later every night, and two extra hours on nights they stage live music entertainment. The Enmore SEP has been made permanent after an Inner West Council survey found 83 per cent support among locals.
MOAMA EXPERIENCE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPDestination NSW is presenting a series of free Experience Development workshops delivered under the capability-focused NSW First Program. The workshops are designed to assist businesses create and refine visitor experiences that showcase the strengths of NSW. Focus areas include agritourism, nature, culinary and wellness experiences. The next workshop will be held in Moama on 4 July 2024.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR RETURNS The National Indigenous Art Fair will be held from 29-30 June 2024 at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal. It will showcase creations from First Nations artists, designers and makers, alongside performances, panel discussions and bushfood. All proceeds will go directly to artists and First Nations communities. The fair is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
SXSW SYDNEY ADDS TO ITS 2024 LINE-UP SXSW Sydney Conference has released its latest round of panels, talks and workshops. Leading the line-up of international thought leaders is Reed Jobs, the founder of venture capital firm Yosemite, which has raised more than $200 million to finance innovation in cancer care. SXSW Sydney is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
CRUISE-READY WORKSHOP FOR SYDNEYDestination NSW will hold a cruise-ready workshop in Sydney on 3 July 2024 providing advice and strategies for visitor economy businesses to help them make the most of cruise opportunities. Attendees will learn about the cruise distribution network, markets and demographics, how to create cruise shore excursions and more.
WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT HOLDS OPEN DAY A community open day has been held at Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), including tours of the terminal site and runway. “We’ve given Taylor Swift a run for her money, as this really was the hottest ticket in town with our 1600 community spots snapped up within minutes,” said WSI General Manager for Community Engagement and Social Impact Katy Hannouch. Construction is about 80 per cent complete, with the project on schedule to open in late 2026.
LOGIES NOMINEES ANNOUNCEDSydney will once again host the TV Week Logie Awards on 18 August 2024, following the ceremony returning to the city in 2023. This year's Gold Logie nominees are Andy Lee, Asher Keddie, Julia Morris, Larry Emdur, Robert Irwin, Sonia Kruger and Tony Armstrong. View the full list of nominees here. The Logie Awards are supported proudly by Destination NSW, with The Star Sydney preparing to roll out the red carpet for Australian television’s night of nights.
WINE TOURISM FUNDING EXTENDED The Australian Government is extending assistance for wine producers to grow domestic sales and promote agritourism by supporting the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program for another year. Businesses can access $10 million in funding to help attract visitors to Australian wine regions and promote agritourism. Under the program, wine producers can apply for grants of up to $100,000.
2024 ARIA AWARDS DATE ANNOUNCEDAustralian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has announced the 2024 ARIA Awards will return to Sydney on 20 November 2024. Held for the third year running at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, the ARIA Awards will showcase and celebrate the best of Australian music over the past year. The event will premiere live on Stan, followed by a free-to-air broadcast on the Nine Network. The ARIA Awards are supported proudly by Destination NSW.
PORT AUTHORITY OF NSW CELEBRATES 10 YEARSPort Authority of NSW has marked 10 years since its formation. Its contributions during the period have included hosting more than 2000 cruise ship visits to NSW, contributing up to $3.5 billion annually to the state’s visitor economy. Pictured: Port Authority Chair David Marchant AM, Minister for Transport Jo Haylen and Port Authority CEO Philip Holliday.
FINAL DESIGNS FOR CENTRAL PARKFinal designs have been released this week for Bradfield City Centre’s Central Park. The two-hectare landmark will be the main civic centre, gathering place and welcoming point in the city for visitors as they arrive. It will also act as an integral arts and culture hub for Western Sydney. Central Park is due to open alongside the Bradfield Metro station in 2026.
LUNA PARK SYDNEY LISTED FOR SALE Luna Park Sydney has been listed for sale for the first time in two decades. CEO John Hughes said: “Since opening in 1935, Luna Park has played an important role in Sydney’s social and cultural fabric. The business has undergone a strategic
transformation, with a $40 million upgrade during the last four years adding new rides and immersive experiences, both of which are driving record visitation." The amusement park will continue to operate as normal during the sales process.
AUSSIE-BUILT FERRY ARRIVES IN SYDNEYThe second new Australian-built Parramatta River Class ferry has sailed into Sydney Harbour. The ferry is named John Nutt in honour of Dr John Nutt, known for his lead role in the construction of the Sydney Opera House. The ferry will predominantly run on the F3 route, between Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park and Circular Quay. The remaining five ferries are expected to progressively enter passenger service over the course of the next 18 months.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTSAUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2025 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: The awards celebrate Australians who go above and beyond for their communities. Nominations for the 2025 awards close on 31 July 2024. Learn more FUNDING FOR LIVE MUSIC: Venues including Sydney's The Townie will benefit from a share in $2.5 million under the
latest round of the Australian Government’s Live Music Australia program. Learn more TRIAL BEGINS ON CITY SECTION OF SYDNEY METRO: The trial run of the full-service timetable comes before an expected opening in August 2024. Learn more PARRAMATTA LIGHT RAIL TESTING REACHES HALFWAY MARK: Combined with the NSW Government's investment in the
new Alfred Street walking and cycling link, it will ensure smoother and more connected journeys in the growing CBD. Learn more ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADES FOR TWO HUNTER TRAIN STATIONS: Kotara and Cockle Creek stations will receive accessibility upgrades, with design and investigation work funded under the NSW Government’s $800 million Safe and Accessible Transport program. Learn more SUPPORT FOR FLOOD-AFFECTED HAWKESBURY REGION: The NSW Government is delivering flood roads and emergency service upgrades to bolster the Hawkesbury against the devastating effect of floods. Learn more SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE AD WINS TOP AWARD: The Sydney Opera House's advertising campaign Play it Safe has won the Film Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Watch film
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