QANTAS TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO MERIMBULA 

Qantas has today announced it will launch flights from Sydney to Merimbula for the first time, bringing much needed competition to the route in time for the summer holidays.

From 18 December 2020, Qantas will operate four direct flights per week with its 50-seat Q300 turboprop aircraft, adding more than 400 seats on the route each week.*

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new Merimbula flights reinforced the national carrier’s commitment to helping the tourism industry recover from COVID-19.

“With border restrictions fuelling demand for intra-state travel, we see a big opportunity to bring more tourists to Merimbula,” Mr Gissing said.

“This will be the first time that the flying kangaroo has flown to the Sapphire Coast, which will mean more competitive fares on a route that has been a monopoly for decades."

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres welcomed the announcement and encouraged Sydneysiders to take the opportunity to support the South Coast by visiting this summer.

“NSW’s far South Coast is known for its stunning beaches, as well as the fantastic bushwalks, delicious oysters and excellent fishing throughout the region,” Mr Ayres said.

“As we reconnect with and rediscover our own state, it’s exciting that new destinations are opening up to an even broader market such as this new Sydney to Merimbula route, making it incredibly easy for residents to travel to throughout NSW.”

To celebrate the new route, Qantas is launching a three-day sale with fares available from $149 one-way, unless sold out prior. Fares are available to book from today via qantas.com or through travel agents.

For more information, click here.

*Subject to government and regulatory approval

TOURISM TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND JOBS

The Australian Government is continuing to support trade, tourism and investment in the 2020-21 Budget as part of Australia’s Economic Recovery Plan to get more Australians into jobs.

Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Simon Birmingham said: “As we shift to the next phase of our tourism recovery plan, new Budget measures will further support the sector and jobs by stimulating domestic visitation to our tourism regions and encouraging domestic business travel.”

As part of the 2020 Federal Budget, which was announced this week, Tourism Australia will receive $231.6 million for 2020-21 to ramp up domestic marketing activities to encourage Australians to travel again, and ensure Tourism Australia is well positioned to execute new campaigns to again attract international visitors when international borders reopen.

The Budget also includes an additional $51 million through the Regional Tourism Recovery initiative to assist tourism regions that are highly reliant on international travellers to pivot to the domestic market by adapting their products, experiences and marketing strategies. This builds on the $50 million business events grants program to restart this important sector by encouraging businesses to attend events, conferences and trade exhibitions.

For further details on the Federal Budget 2020, go to https://budget.gov.au/index.htm.

SYDNEY OUTDOOR DINING COMING SOON

Summer is coming and outdoor spaces are being opened up for alfresco drinking and dining just in time for the warmer weather with the NSW Government slashing red tape to allow quicker approval times for venues.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said government agencies are getting the “Alfresco Job” done, allowing the new measures to be rolled out first in The Rocks from 16 October and in the city from 1 November for a 12-month pilot.

“We’re working with City of Sydney and Place Management NSW, the landowner for The Rocks, to condense what was previously a three-month process involving multiple agencies, into a single application that takes a week,” Mr Dominello said.

“An amendment to the Liquor Regulation will also allow expanded liquor licence boundaries to be approved in as little as three days – a process that previously took up to 51 days.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said cafés, bars, restaurants and hotels will be able to apply for an outdoor dining licence without needing to get a planning approval, making things easier for business owners.

“The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the hospitality industry so this solution will not only keep our communities safer, but draw people back into the city so we can support local business and boost the economy,” Mr Stokes said.

Consultation is now open for feedback on the proposed changes to the State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP) codes to allow pubs, small bars and cultural venues with a food or drink outlet to participate in the outdoor dining trial in the City of Sydney.

12 REGIONAL EVENT MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS

The NSW Government this week announced it will fund 12 Diploma of Event Management scholarships to help upskill and create more job opportunities for aspiring event managers in regional NSW.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Regional Conferencing Strategy and Action Plan, which includes a partnership with Meetings & Events Australia (MEA).

“The business events sector presents a major opportunity for the visitor economy of regional NSW, particularly as we steer our path to recovery,” Mr Ayres said.

“We know that the best way forward is to help to create more jobs and these scholarships will do exactly that – giving people the tools and extra support needed to kick-start their careers in the field of event management. 

“I congratulate the 12 scholarship recipients who are already making valuable contributions to their local communities and wish them every success as they begin their diploma studies and continue their journeys in the events sector.”

MEA Chief Executive Officer Robyn Johnson said she was looking forward to welcoming the third intake of regional students at a time when creating skills is key to enhancing career opportunities.

“In the past year, we have seen a number of former scholarship students graduate with their MEA Diploma of Event Management with the skills gained from undertaking the course adding great value to their regions, which is a testament to this wonderful program,” Ms Johnson said.

To see the names of the 12 recipients, click here.

CROWNE PLAZA SYDNEY DARLING HARBOUR OPENS

The Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour was officially opened this week by Premier Gladys Berejiklian alongside representatives of the tourism industry.

Managing Director of IHG Australasia & Japan Leanne Harwood said the opening was a strong show of unity and an indication of everyone’s willingness to get the industry moving again.

“This is a tremendously exciting time for the industry, as well as for IHG and Crowne Plaza. Globally we are completely transforming the brand as we build hotels of the future with flexible design and innovation that modern travellers crave. From its sustainability initiatives to new technology in the rooms and restaurants, Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour is a wonderful addition to the brand’s growth in Australasia.”

Standing an elegant 13-storeys tall, Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour offers guests an inviting sanctuary away from home. Located on the corner of Bathurst and Sussex Street, the hotel features 152 guestrooms which showcase the very best in contemporary design. With floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms, each of the guestrooms are divided into four distinct zones – a desk space for work, a sofa area to unwind, king size beds for a good night’s sleep and well-lit, spacious bathrooms replete with Antipodes amenities.

Additional hotel facilities include a rooftop heated infinity pool with city views, a 24-hour fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment and three food and beverage venues.

For more information and to book your stay, click here.

MAGICAL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR PIPPIN

Producers John Frost and Suzanne Jones yesterday announced their stellar cast for the hit Broadway musical, PIPPIN, which opens at the Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star for an exclusive season from 24 November 2020.

The role of the young and confused protagonist, Pippin, will be played by Ainsley Melham, who performed the title role in Aladdin on Broadway and across Australia. The ultimate ring master of the show, will be Gabrielle McClinton, who played the role on Broadway and beyond. Returning to the stage after an extraordinary award-winning career on television is Kerri-Anne Kennerley who will play Berthe, Pippin’s saucy grandmother

Simon Burke (Les Misérables, La Cage Aux Folles in London’s West End) will play Charles, Pippin’s demanding father, while Lucy Maunder (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Beautiful) will be playing Catherine, a widow and mother who falls in love with Pippin. In the role of Pippin’s conniving stepmother, Fastrada, will be Leslie Bell (Broadway’s Chicago and Ragtime), with Euan Doidge (Les Misérables, Kinky Boots) playing the role of her son Lewis, Pippin’s half-brother.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said, “The staging of PIPPIN marks a major turning point as we re-open our beautiful Harbour City. Our lives have been on hold for the past six months – this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a COVID-safe night out at the theatre, dine at a favourite restaurant and even treat yourself to a hotel stay. You’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time, while doing your bit to reinvigorate the NSW visitor economy.”

The Australian Premiere has been secured exclusively for Sydney by the NSW Government, through Destination NSW.

For more information, click here. 

Image credit: Joan Marcus

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