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SYDNEY DRIVES RECORD TOURISM FOR REGIONAL NSW
Sydneysiders are driving tourism in regional NSW, with record visitor numbers, visitor nights and tourism related expenditure revealed in the latest industry survey.
The most recent National Visitor Survey, released this week, shows that in the year ending March 2019 Sydney residents were the top source market for visitors to regional NSW accounting for more than a third of domestic visitors, bed nights and expenditure.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said this demonstrated that Sydney residents are holidaying in their own backyard and supporting local NSW businesses.
“The survey reveals that 9.6 million visitors to regional NSW were from Sydney. This goes to show that Sydneysiders are doing their bit to support our local economy and proves that NSW has so much more to offer travelers outside of the CBD,” Mr Ayr
“The number of visitor nights from these Sydneysiders increased by almost 16 per cent from the previous survey, which equated to a total $4.5 billion in tourism related spend.”
Sydney, regional NSW and NSW overall achieved the highest number of domestic overnight visitors, nights and expenditure on record and there was significant growth across all metrics.
NSW continues to lead the country according to the latest Tourism Research Australia data, attracting 35.6 million domestic visitors (up 7.9 per cent) who stayed 111.4 million nights (up a record 8.3 per cent) and spent $21.7 billion (up 11.4 per cent).
“Sydney and NSW have it all – beautiful beaches, mountains, magnificent drives, outstanding food and drink, and unforgettable cultural experiences. NSW received its highest volume of ‘holiday’ visitors on record, with 14.1 million people spending 48 million bed nights right across the state and attracting 32.7 percent of all domestic visitors in Australia,” Mr Ayres said.
The latest release also shows outstanding growth for regional NSW with the North Coast achieving its highest number of visitors, nights and expenditure on record. Other areas to receive the largest number of visitors on record include Hunter, South Coast, Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Snowy Mountains regions.
“Regional NSW received nearly 25 million domestic visitors in the year ending March 2019 who spent $12.6 billion, which is exactly the kind of boost our regional communities need right now,” Mr Ayres said.
FIVE NEW VISITOR PROFILE FACTSHEETS AVAILABLE
Destination NSW has released new visitor profile reports on Nature Tourism, Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Events Tourism, Wine Tourism and Domestic Caravan and Camping Tourism.
Research into the international and domestic consumers found that Nature, Food and Wine, History and Heritage, and Events are important factors when choosing a holiday destination. Caravan and camping holidays is a certainly one way of reconnecting with Nature.
Top international markets for both Nature and Cultural tourism were China, USA and the United Kingdom. International wine visitors were mostly from South Korea, China and the United Kingdom. Top events visitors were from the Western markets: New Zealand, United Kingdom and USA.
The North Coast and the South Coast most popular NSW destinations for domestic caravan and camper and nature and cultural lovers while the Hunter remains as the most visited wine region for Australians.
Visit the Destination NSW website to download the reports.
AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE SERIES STATE QUALIFIERS ANNOUNCED
The pressure cooker team environment of club surfing at the highest level is set to kick off in August as Australia’s best surfers get set for the 2019/20 nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Series for the eight state qualifying rounds.
Now in its seventh season, the nudie Australian Boardriders Battle is the country's biggest grassroots boardriders event, involving more than 60 of Australia’s best boardrider club and $110,000 in prize money. Taking place across eight state qualifying rounds, 24 clubs qualifying clubs will come together at the National Final to decide who will be crowned Australia’s best boardriders club.
The series is officially sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL), which allows Australian WSL World Tour surfers (Men & Women) the opportunity to represent their local boardriders club at respective State qualifying events and the National Final.
There are three state qualifying rounds held in NSW: NSW North – Coffs Harbour, October 13 2019, NSW South – Kiama, October 26, 2019 and NSW Central – North Narrabeen, November 2, 2019.
Entries for the 2019 state qualifying events are now open at www.surfingaustralia.com
SUPPORT OUR WALLAROOS TO SEAL TWO-TEST SERIES VS JAPAN
The Buildcorp Wallaroos will be looking to make it two-from-two when they play Japan tonight at North Sydney Oval.
Australia already secured a resounding 34-5 win over the Cherry Blossoms in the first game of the two-Test series, which took place in Newcastle last weekend.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said tonight’s second game is a great opportunity to witness some phenomenal talent and support our national women’s rugby union team.
“I would strongly encourage any sports fans to get together with a group of mates and head to North Sydney after work tonight to enjoy some fantastic footy and cheer on our Wallaroos,” Mr Ayres said.
“The NSW Government is proud to support this series via Destination NSW because we want to be able to show our support for women’s sport and help promote this great game, particularly for the next generation of female sporting stars.
“Major events like this two-Test series also play a crucial role in helping to drive more visitors to NSW, which ultimately help the NSW Government work towards its goal of tripling overnight visitor expenditure by 2030.”
Tickets to tonight’s game are $20 for adults and free for children under 16, and can be purchased online or at the gates of North Sydney Oval.
Pictured: Wallaroos captain Grace Hamilton (credit: Stu Walmsley)
GREAT BIG ADVENTURE PASS LAUNCHED AT DUBBO
Visitors to the Dubbo Region will soon be able to purchase a multi attraction ticket called the Great Big Adventure Pass.
The pass, developed over the past 18 months, will be available for purchase online from September 2019 and allow access to four attractions – Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Dubbo), Old Dubbo Gaol and the Wellington Caves.
Great Big Adventure Pass spokesperson, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Director Steve Hinks, is excited about what this initiative will mean for tourism in the Dubbo region.
“The Great Big Adventure Pass is the result of a genuine collaboration between three organisations – Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Dubbo Regional Council – working together to jointly promote our region,” Mr Hinks said.
“It’s the first collaboration of this type for our region, with a pass available online, between multiple tourism operators working with the shared intention of not only increasing visitation to the region, but also increasing length of stay within the region.”
The average length of stay for the Dubbo Local Government Area (LGA) is 2.2 nights (five-year average to December 2018). Tourism generates an estimated $307.663 million for the Dubbo region annually and employs 1603 people.
The multi attraction Great Big Adventure Pass will include a special rate at each participating attraction and offer additional discounts at participating businesses.
DIGITAL TIPS FOR BROKEN HILL AND CENTRAL DARLING
Tourism businesses in Wilcannia, White Cliffs, Menindee and Broken Hill can get 'digital ready' by joining one of four free Digital Marketing Tips workshops in August. Find out about digital marketing and social media opportunities with Destination NSW, learn about using great images online and get help to add, review or update your tourism product listing on VisitNSW.com. Locations are: Wilcannia (August 5), White Cliffs (August 6), Menindee (August 7) and Broken Hill (August 8). The workshops are part of the NSW First Program, delivered by Destination NSW to assist tourism businesses across the State to develop, promote and sell great tourism experiences. Find out more or subscribe for updates at destinationnsw.com.au/nswfirst.
CIRCA 1928 LUXURY HOTEL AND SPA OPENS IN ALBURY
Albury is the newest location for CIRCA Hotels latest property, CIRCA 1928, Hotel and Spa. Following a nine month, basement to ceiling renovation and restoration of the 1928 built former Commonwealth Bank property, the stunning property opened this week and offers two guest suites, five day spa treatment rooms, retail outlet and art gallery. The imposing heritage listed front façade is an Albury landmark and remains largely intact, while the once magnificent coffered feature ceilings in two rooms have been authentically recreated by a team of local trades people drawing from original cornice work. Together with a terrazzo staircase, mahogany handrail and several art deco rendered walls, CIRCA have once again risen to the challenge of restoring and re-purposing a stunning 20th century property. The redevelopment was supported by Destination NSW’s Regional Tourism Fund. To find out more about CIRCA 1928, visit their website.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR 2019 PETER ALLEN FESTIVAL
Tickets are now on sale to the spectacular Peter Allen Festival in Tenterfield from September 5-8, 2019. For visitors who would like to Go To Rio but Still Call Australia Home, then Tenterfield is where Everything Old is New Again this September. The festival celebrates the global superpower that was the music and song writing of Peter Allen plus today’s Aussie singer songwriters with small town roots like Peter. Entertainment includes performances such as Livvy & Pete: The Songs of Olivia Newton-John and Peter Allen, and sets by Hurricane Fall, The Buckleys, Sarah Leete and more. Other events include Peter Allen on the Big Screen, Tenterfield Food and Wine Fair and the Gala Awards Dinner. For full information go to thepeterallenfestival.com.au
SIP, CHAT & DISCOVER - THE WINE TOURISM OPPORTUNITY
Wineries in the Mudgee and Orange regions are invited to attend a networking event hosted by Destination NSW and NSW Wine Industry Association. Wineries will find out about how they can boost revenue through the development of extraordinary wine experiences and target high-value visitors through online bookings. Presentations will be delivered in Mudgee on July 29 and Orange on July 31 by local wineries and experts discussing how to sell experiences online. These workshops are delivered by Destination NSW to assist tourism businesses across the State to develop, promote and sell great visitor experiences. Find out more or subscribe for updates at destinationnsw.com.au/nswfirst.
GONDWANA WORLD CHORAL FESTIVAL SINGS RIGHT NOTE
Gondwana World Choral Festival opened on Monday with Sounds of Australia, featuring the combined voices of Gondwana Choirs at Sydney Opera House. Joined by their companion Australian choirs, the children presented the premiere of a new work by Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin. Sydney Children’s Choir also premiered a specially commissioned work by leading US composer, Nico Muhly. The closing gala, Sounds of the World, will be held this Sunday at Sydney Opera House and features the international guest choirs, both in solo brackets and combined with Gondwana Choirs for the premiere of a newly commissioned work by Australian composer Paul Stanhope. For information and tickets, gondwana-wcf.org.au
CAST ANNOUNCED FOR LA TRAVIATA HANDA OPERA
Opera Australia has announced that Stacey Alleaume will lead a cast of exceptional performers who will inspire seasoned operagoers and new audiences alike on its famous over-water stage for La Traviata, the story that inspired Moulin Rouge. The Australian-Mauritian soprano continues her impressive upward trajectory with this role debut as Parisian courtesan Violetta. Sicilian soprano Jessica Nuccio, who has performed internationally on the greatest stages, shares the principal role of Violetta. Ramé Lahaj, who sang the role of Alfredo in 2015 at the Sydney Opera House to resoundingly positive reviews, once again returns to wow Australian audiences. The Kosovan tenor, known for his burnished tone, cuts a dashing figure with his inimitable Alfredo. He shares the role with Australian tenor Paul O’Neill who makes his role debut. Tickets are now on sale at opera.org.au
