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NEW RESOURCES FOR TOURISM OPERATORS - QUICK TIPS FOR BUSINESS CONTINUITY IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Destination NSW has developed a new suite of resources as part of its NSW First industry development program to help travel and tourism operators navigate these unprecedented times. The resources provide business owners with advice about how to stay in touch with customers, maintaining relationships with media and distribution partners, and opportunities to develop new areas of business.
The six new guides are:
- Stay connected online: refresh and update your tourism business presence
- Dare to dream: tips for social media
- Telling great stories: working with the media
- Create new ways to explore: adapting your product
- Keep the conversations going: stay connected with distribution partners
- We will meet again in regional NSW: regional conferencing.
They can be downloaded from the Destination NSW corporate website.
BRINGING NSW'S TOP HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES TO HOME OFFICES AND SOCIAL HANGOUTS NEAR AND FAR
Destination NSW has produced a custom series of virtual backdrops for industry and the public to use during Zoom or video conference calls, bringing NSW’s great outdoors, cute and cuddly animals and iconic locations into homes around the globe.
These backdrops will put NSW’s unique experiences and destinations front of mind, providing inspiration for future holiday makers as they dream about travelling once again.
The diverse collection includes dream-worthy videos of stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere’s first Dark Sky Park in the Warrumbungles, sea life from Tweed Heads to Narooma frolicking underwater, aerial shots of stunning landscapes from Stockton Beach to Broken Hill, breakfast with kangaroos in Coffs Harbour and a timelapse of the world-famous Sydney Harbour.
There is also a curated series of images to download: talk with the animals, sunrises and sunsets, spectacular scenery, after dark and Vivid Sydney.
The digital backdrops complement Destination NSW’s Now’s The Time To Love NSW campaign which invites people to share their favourite NSW locations on social media with #LoveNSW.
Download the full suite of digital backdrops free-of-charge at VisitNSW and bring some colour to your next in #iso videoconference or Zoom catch-up with friends.
TOURISM MINISTER URGES AUSTRALIANS TO START DREAMING ABOUT DOMESTIC HOLIDAYS
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham has encouraged isolation-weary Australians to start planning holidays at home, indicating domestic travel will likely resume before international travel bans are lifted.
Speaking on ABC News Breakfast and Channel 7’s Weekend Sunrise, Minister Birmingham said the health and travel advice remained the same for now: holidays are not permitted at this time.
He said Australians should use this time to find holiday inspiration and get planning.
“We're not there yet but certainly this time is a good time for a bit of dreaming, a bit of planning, think about that Aussie break that you might take when we do finally get to the other side of this,” he said.
“You can certainly dream, plan, and know there will be another side and particularly dream and plan about some of those spots in Australia that you've always wanted to visit. And if you’re in a position where you can, if you can afford to do so then it's going to be really important to helping those communities recover and secure jobs back in them as soon as we're able to for people to get out and about and support them again.”
Read more from Minister Birmingham – and watch excerpts of the interviews – at Concrete Playground.
NSW GOVERNMENT'S $440 MILLION LAND TAX BREAK
NSW commercial tenants significantly impacted by COVID-19 will have greater protection from evictions with the State Government set to enact the Commonwealth’s Code of Conduct as part of a $440 million land tax relief package.
The measures will apply to commercial leases where the tenant is in financial distress due to COVID-19, including but not limited to shops, cafes, gyms, hairdressers, restaurants, offices, warehouses and industrial sites.
The land tax relief is expected to be divided approximately 50-50, with around $220 million going to the commercial sector and a further $220 million expected to benefit the residential rental market.
Commercial landlords will be offered the land tax concession if they pass on the savings to tenants through a rent reduction.
Eligible landlords will be able to apply for a land tax concession of up to 25 per cent of their 2020 (calendar year) land tax liability on relevant properties. A further land tax deferral for any outstanding amounts for a three-month period will also be offered to landlords who claim the land tax concession.
Additional support measures as outlined by the Code of Conduct include:
- Landlords must negotiate rent relief agreements with tenants in financial distress due to COVID-19 by applying the leasing principles in the Code
- A ban on the termination of a lease for non-payment of rent
- A freeze in rent increases.
The policy will apply to business tenants with a turnover of less than $50 million that experience a 30 per cent (or more) reduction in revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement on 7 April.
Read more about the land tax concession at nsw.gov.au
WHAT'S ON OFFER IN NSW
While the current situation requires us to make some significant lifestyle changes, staying at home doesn’t mean we have to miss out on experiencing the best of NSW. From fine food, art exhibitions and surfing lessons, tourism operators across the State are bringing a world of amazing experiences into our living rooms and home offices.
Prince of York: This Sydney establishment has curated a menu of its most popular dishes by Head Chef Sam Bull which can be prepared and enjoyed at home. Prince of York has also teamed up with Shorty’s Liquor and Moonshine Music to offer the ultimate ‘Party at Home’ package comprising food, beverages and music.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre: Located in the heart of Katoomba, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre has launched its Virtual Insight program, a curated selection of digital content featuring DIY art making activities, staff insights into exhibitions, book and game recommendations, wholesome food recipes from their café and much more.
Camel Rock Surf School: Want to keep up your surfing skills at home? Camel Rock Surf School has launched its own YouTube channel with five-minute tutorials uploaded weekly on Saturdays.
Destination NSW will continue to feature innovative businesses and attractions in each edition of Insights to inspire other tourism operators to consider how they might engage with the community online. If your business has a virtual tour or online experience you’d like to share with the thousands of readers of Insights, please email product@dnsw.com.au.
If you know of other experiences not promoted on these pages, please join the movement and share them on social media using the hashtag #LoveNSW. Follow VisitNSW (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) and Sydney (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) for future holiday inspiration and a showcase of NSW’s best attractions and experiences.
DARLING CONNECTS WITH MURRAY ONCE AGAIN
The Darling River has linked with the River Murray for the first time in two years as flows pushing down the southern section of the system have finally reached the Far West town of Wentworth.
The flows are playing a crucial role in the rejuvenation of the Murray-Darling’s ecological health, providing respite to native fish as the flows re-connect refuge pools.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the news was a relief for parts of the state that have suffered through the worst of the ongoing drought.
“The flow, generated by rain over the past two months, is the best to occur naturally in the Barwon-Darling since the floods of 2016,” Mrs Pavey said.
"Between 390 and 420 gigalitres of water is estimated to flow into the Menindee Lakes over the coming weeks.”
That amount has been enough for WaterNSW to restart flows to the lower Darling, providing a much-needed reprieve for drought-stricken farmers in south-west of NSW.
In addition to the benefits for farmers and wildlife, the flow of water into the Darling and Murray Rivers will also enrich the experience for future visitors to the Broken Hill and Central Darling region with native birds returning in large numbers to the area – complementing the stunning landscapes and rich cultural history for which the towns of Menindee and Wilcannia, through which the Darling River runs, are famous.
NSW WINE INDUSTRY SUPPORT WEBINARS
Wine businesses across NSW can register for multiple opportunities to support and guide their operational response during this challenging time.
Tomorrow (Thursday 16 April), Wine Australia will host a webinar about crisis recovery and preparing for the ‘new reality’. The session will be presented by Chris Savage of The Savage Company, a business growth specialist and crisis management expert whose experience includes guiding companies through the 1990s recession and the Global Financial Crisis.
Participants will receive insights on how businesses can respond positively and proactively to the challenges facing the industry.
To register for the webinar, visit Wine Australia.
At the end of June, Wine Communicators Australia will partner with the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) to present the upcoming seminar: Australian wine – winning the long game.
ASVO President Brooke Howell said the combined experience of both organisations in staging virtual events would ensure the three-day program would be delivered seamlessly.
“Moving to a 100 per cent online program ensures that the event will be accessible to everyone in the wine community.”
The program is currently being rearranged to suit the new digital format and full details of the speakers and topics will be available soon. The program is suitable for anyone working in the wine sector, from vineyard to table. For more information or to register, go to winecommunicators.com.au.
FUNDING TO HELP BUSHFIRE-HIT FARMERS REBUILD
Bushfire-affected landholders can now access a share of the NSW Government’s $209 million Supporting our Neighbours package to help cover the cost of rebuilding boundary fences. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the project, funded through the Government’s $2.3 billion COVID-19 stimulus package, would not only help farmers recover, but would also provide a much-needed shot in the arm for regional economies at a critical time. “Under this package, we will provide up to $5,000 per kilometre for the purchase of materials to rebuild existing fences adjoining public lands damaged by the summer fires, which will go a long way to helping farmers cover the cost,” Mr Barilaro said. “This is a great opportunity for all landholders to engage the services of their local contractors at a time when supporting local businesses has never been more vital. For more information about the program visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au.
KEEPING FIT AT HOME WITH NSW SPORT STARS
The NSW Government and top athletes from the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) are encouraging our communities to keep fit, healthy and active during the COVID-19 pandemic. High Performance at Home is a free online resource that takes the best expertise and sporting knowledge to create online exercises for everyday families. Four-time world champion track cyclist and Tokyo Olympic qualifier Kaarle McCulloch joined fellow NSWIS athletes including Jess Fox (slalom canoe), Melissa Wu (diving) and Ellie Cole (swimming) in providing home video of their training drills and skills. The NSW Government has also launched its Staying Active resource page to provide information on activities to entertain families, as well as sports and fitness tips for kids, seniors and people with a disability. Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said daily exercise and stretching can help people look after their physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SLASHED LICENCE FEES A BIG WIN FOR BUSINESSES
Up to 200,000 licence holders operating across various industries, including hospitality, will be relieved of $50 million of NSW Government licence fees. Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the NSW Government was focused on keeping businesses in business and as many people as possible in jobs. “Our number one priority is the health and safety of the community, but this is a dual challenge and we need to do everything we can to ensure the NSW economy emerges with a strong beating heart. Whether it’s a local café, restaurant, indoor sporting venue, gym or club, we want to ensure they have every chance to continue to support our communities. While it seems a long way off now this will pass and we don’t want any road blocks for people.” Eligible businesses in the entertainment and hospitality sectors will have access to a 12-month waiver on liquor licences and certain SafeWork NSW and NSW Fair Trading fees and charges. Go to nsw.gov.au for more information.
WESTERN SYDNEY LEADERSHIP DIALOGUE LAUNCHES INTERVIEW SERIES
The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue has expanded its Digital Dialogue program with ‘Western Sydney Unfiltered’ – a series of short ‘in-conversation’ interviews with some of the region’s leaders about the latest news, issues and emerging trends. Kicking off the series is an interview with NSW Minister for Tourism, Jobs, Investment & Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, who is currently part of the NSW Government’s Emergency Response Team leading the fight against, and recovery plans for, COVID-19. In the interview with Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Chairman, Christopher Brown AM, Minister Ayres talks about the mindset of Government as it balances the health, social and economic implications of COVID-19, and also how Government plans to facilitate job growth in Western Sydney. Watch the interview at Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue.
NSW CARAVAN AND CAMPING INDUSTRY'S RECORD RESULTS
Caravan and camping trips in NSW jumped by 11.8 per cent to the year ending December 2019 to a record 4.8 million trips. This generated 18.8 million visitor nights, and marked the sector’s strongest annual performance since data collection began. The Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW reports the growth of caravan and camping in NSW has been underpinned by the continued strong performance of the intrastate market which accounts for two-thirds of all trips. The latest data from Tourism Research Australia shows strong growth year on year in two demographics: 20-29 years (+14.7 per cent) and 55+ years (+16.6 per cent). However, the most caravan and camping trips are taken by travellers aged 30-54 years, with more than 2 million trips recorded in the year ending December 2019.
CHANGES TO TRAVEL MEDIA
The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to impact the Australian media landscape, forcing many outlets to suspend or cease operations, or change their content strategy. Luxury Travel Media will not publish a winter edition of its flagship masthead Luxury Travel Magazine. At this stage, the spring issue of the magazine is still scheduled for late August. The publication’s website will remain live throughout. News Corp Australia’s Escape has launched a new content strategy ‘new horizons’ to inspire readers to plan future travel while they stay at home. This includes new features, such as Armchair Traveller where readers can enjoy a destination from their couch and Two for the Road which features personal road trip memories and adventures. Media company ACM will temporarily suspend production of several of its non-daily newspapers until 29 June 2020. ACM’s 14 daily newspapers (including The Canberra Times, Newcastle Herald and The Border Mail) will continue to be published, along with the weekly editions of The Land.
