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NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR NSW
Destination NSW is excited and optimistic about 2021 and the new opportunities that will come as a result of innovation, experience, collaboration and the tourism industry’s combined determination.
Despite an incredibly challenging 2020, NSW’s visitor economy and the businesses that support it have remained stoic and agile, enabling the state to continue welcoming visitors from near and far to Sydney and the regions.
In our first edition of Insights for 2021, Destination NSW commits our continued support to operators, industry groups and stakeholders who play a role in sustaining NSW’s visitor economy – we are with you on the road to recovery, and beyond.
Thank you for following and sharing our industry newsletter where we will continue to provide the latest Government updates, industry news and helpful resources – as well as via our corporate social media accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter) to help NSW shine bright in 2021.
Destination NSW wishes everyone involved with the NSW visitor economy a Happy New Year and a safe and successful year ahead.
NSW CELEBRATES RESILIENCE AND UNITY IN 2021
NSW residents and businesses are responding positively to new COVID-safe measures including mandatory mask-wearing indoors and electronic check-in via the Service NSW QR code system.
Although Christmas and New Year’s Eve was celebrated by many in different ways from previous years, the NSW Government continues to support the community to maintain work and social activities wherever possible.
NSW remains open for business and residents have embraced COVID-safe intrastate travel across the regions by observing the health advice and following restrictions as necessary during the holiday period.
This week, the NSW Government announced its COVID-safe Australia Day 2021 program, with the traditional Australia Day Live concert at Sydney Opera House headlined by Australian music icons Delta Goodrem, Casey Donovan, Dami Im, Mitch Tambo and Todd McKenney, plus a tribute to frontline workers.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said that, like everything throughout the pandemic, Australia Day 2021 would be different to previous years, but the theme of resilience and unity would be more poignant than ever.
“To ensure we have a COVID-safe Australia Day, we will be staging fewer events. Celebrations will be shared with the nation on TV and online and everyone can watch from home,” Minister Ayres said.
“As with New Year’s Eve, NSW residents are encouraged to stay local and celebrate in their communities.
“The 2021 program showcases Aboriginal culture – proudly the oldest living culture in the world – celebrates our newest citizens, provides a chance to thank our frontline workers for their ongoing and tireless efforts, highlights inspirational Australian talent and asks the community to continue to support their local regions.”
To ensure public safety, restrictions will be in place around the Circular Quay foreshore precinct. Only those with a confirmed restaurant or venue booking will be allowed entry into the area after 5pm.
For details of the Australia Day 2021 program, including broadcast information, visit www.australiaday.com.au
NEW ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCE ON TOP OF SYDNEY’S HARBOUR BRIDGE
Visitors can now experience Aboriginal storytelling on top of Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge, thanks to a new initiative launched by Sydney Festival and BridgeClimb.
Two decades after thousands of Australians walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the name of reconciliation, the three-hour Burrawa Climb offers a unique and unmissable immersion into Aboriginal stories and landmarks across the harbour.
Sydney Festival’s Artistic Director Wesley Enoch said: “Sometimes it’s good to get up high and look around to see the world differently.
“Every new vantage point helps us see our city through different eyes. It can be hard for the untrained eye to spot the Aboriginal story of a metropolis like Sydney.
“Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and hearing stories like Me-Mel and the great Eel story, Patyegarang, Bennelong and Barangaroo, helps make sense of the history of this place and how we got here.”
Running until 24 January, the Burrawa experience starts from $198 for an adult ticket. $10 from every climb will go to the Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation, a non-for-profit organisation initiated and directed by Aboriginal people whose mission is to spread and vitalise Aboriginal culture, and to provide economic and social stability.
For more information and to purchase your Burrawa Climb, click here.
BUSINESSES REMINDED TO DOWNLOAD SERVICE NSW QR CODE
The NSW Government has implemented new rules requiring hospitality businesses and hairdressers to use Service NSW’s QR code system for electronic check-ins.
The mandatory measure, introduced on 1 January 2021, assists COVID-19 contact tracers and prevents the use of fake names. More than three million app downloads have already been recorded, with 100,000 businesses using the Service NSW QR code to register customers.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello welcomed the milestone and has urged more customers to download the app.
“We must be vigilant and cannot rest on our laurels. Businesses are already required to have electronic registrations and this move will strengthen our resilience further.
“Non-compliance is easy to detect and won’t be tolerated. Pursuant to the Public Health Orders you either have the Service NSW QR code or you don’t. There will be no ifs or buts. Penalties include $5,000 on-the-spot fines, followed by a week’s closure and a month’s closure if problems continue.”
To comply with the Public Health Order, businesses must also ensure they have sighted the customers’ green tick prior to customers’ entry. Customers without a smartphone must register at businesses via other digital devices, such as an electronic form on a tablet.
For more information, visit QR Codes | NSW Government.
NSW GOVERNMENT SATISFACTION CLIMBS
Consumers and businesses are finding it easier to deal with the NSW Government, despite the major challenges presented throughout 2020.
The Customer Satisfaction Measurement Survey, produced independently every 12 months by PricewaterhouseCoopers, showed customers’ overall experience with NSW Government services continues to rise.
The consumer satisfaction figure climbed to an all-time high of eight out of 10, up from 7.8, while business satisfaction showed a significant increase for the first time since 2016, reaching an average 7.7 out of 10, up from 7.4.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said: “During summer bushfires and the COVID-19 outbreak, NSW agencies from Health to Transport, and Education to Police were working to keep people safe. We thank customers for being willing to embrace these changes when it hasn’t always been easy.”
For the full survey results, visit Customer Experience Unit | NSW Government.
BIG BANANA TO BECOME EVEN BIGGER
The Big Banana Fun Park has announced a $50 million Master Plan to expand the iconic tourist attraction over the next 20 years.
The Plan will see the construction of new rides and attractions on an additional 15 hectares of land, including up to 50 holiday accommodation cabins.
In addition to the cabins, a number of attractions are expected to be completed as early as 2023, including an expansion of the Water Park with a duelling raft ride, a new Plantation Coaster, a contemporary brewery and restaurant and a “Demolition Derby” amusement ride.
Future stages will include 4.5-star multi-level, resort-style accommodation with expansive ocean views, as well as conferencing and event facilities.
The Big Banana General Manager Michael Lockman said: “The Big Banana Fun Park Master Plan presents a 20-year vision that will further establish this iconic tourist attraction as a key destination for Coffs Harbour and the North Coast. With a renewed focused on domestic tourism in Australia, the timing is perfect for these very exciting enhancements.”
Image: The Big Banana General Manager Michael Lockman
QANTAS AND JAPAN AIRLINES JOIN FORCES TO SUPPORT TOURISM RECOVERY
Qantas and Japan Airlines (JAL) have announced plans for a new five-year agreement, which would bolster travel between Australia, New Zealand and Japan once international flying resumes.
The joint venture will deliver substantial benefits for customers and help to accelerate the recovery of the tourism industry by:
expanding the codeshare relationship on flights between Australia and New Zealand and Japan, including 15 new codeshare destinations in Australia and New Zealand for JAL customers
enhancing frequent flyer benefits for Qantas and JAL customers
improving customer experience, including upgraded product and services inflight and on the ground
delivering more choice for customers by developing new and improved travel products through coordinated pricing, schedules, sales and tourism marketing.
Additionally, Qantas and JAL have flagged the introduction of a new route between Australia and Japan and expect to announce details once regulatory approval is received, with a decision expected within the next six months.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “Around half a million people visited Australia from Japan in 2019. We want to see that tourism resume and grow even further by making it easier for Japanese travellers to visit.”
Image credit: Qantas
REGIONAL ARTS RECEIVE FUNDING BOOST
More than $580,000 in Federal Government funding will be allocated to support 16 regional arts and cultural projects across Australia, as part of the latest Festivals Australia program funding round.
The competitive funding program, which is offered twice each year, is designed to support arts projects that invite community participation and audience engagement at festivals in regional and remote Australia.
The latest round of successful applicants includes The Gum Ball Music & Arts Festival in Dashville, NSW, which has been awarded $36,800 to mentor 10 young people from regional NSW who will participate in development workshops and a collaborative live performance as part of the festival.
For the full list of Round 11 recipients, visit arts.gov.au/festivals-australia
NEW ABORIGINAL CULTURAL SUNSET TOUR
The Royal Botanic Gardens has launched an Aboriginal Cultural Sunset Tour, offering a unique way to experience one of Sydney's most iconic attractions.
Kicking off today, the Sunset Tour takes visitors through the Cadi Garden with an Aboriginal tour guide where they can learn about native plants and their cultural use, try some bushfoods and learn about the different tools and technology used by Aboriginal people to live on and care for Country.
The Tour is suitable for children aged 7 and over and will run until 30 January 2021.
To learn more and to purchase your ticket, click here.
WORK UNDERWAY FOR NATIONAL SNOWSPORTS TRAINING CENTRE
Work has commenced on the construction of a dry slope airbag jump at Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre as part of Stage 1 of the $5 million National Snowsports Training Centre.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the National Snowsports Training Centre would be a world-class airbag training facility that will attract winter sports athletes from around the world.
“Seeing excavators and earth works at the site is an exciting development in a project which will have many benefits for our region, not just from a sporting perspective but also economically through jobs, investment and tourism,” Mr Barilaro said.
The project is part of the NSW Government’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure pipeline. The dry slope airbag jump at the National Snowsports Training Centre is scheduled for completion in early 2021.
RUGBY AUSTRALIA WELCOMES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
A new era is set to begin for Rugby Australia (RA) with the recent appointment of Andy Marinos as its new Chief Executive Officer, following unanimous endorsement from the RA Board.
Mr. Marinos joins Rugby Australia following five years as the CEO of SANZAAR, Rugby’s peak administrative body in the Southern Hemisphere, where he assisted in guiding the joint venture from its Sydney base through the challenges of COVID-19 and the shifting broadcast landscape.
With a new broadcast partner in Nine Entertainment Co., new competition structures and a formidable Bid Advisory Board assembled to put Australia in the best possible position to bid to Host the 2027 Rugby World Cup, 2021 is set to be an exciting season for Australian rugby, both on and off the field.
JERVIS BAY REGION REMAINS OPEN
Local restrictions for the southern point of Jervis Bay - Jervis Bay Territory - were recently updated, prohibiting people who have been in NSW COVID hotspots from entering the territory without an approved exemption.
Jervis Bay Territory includes Booderee National Park, Wreck Bay and HMAS Creswell and is governed by the ACT’s Public Health Order.
The surrounding Jervis Bay tourism region including Callala Bay, Huskisson, Hyams Beach and Chinamans Beach plus the towns of Vincentia, Erowal Bay, Sanctuary Point remains open to residents of Greater Sydney, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the area.
For more information about the restrictions in place for Jervis Bay Territory, see here.
FAMOUS TASMANIAN CALLS SYDNEY HOME
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo has welcomed its newest arrival, Dharra the Tasmanian Devil, who travelled five hours from Dubbo to her new home in Darling Harbour.
The three-year-old is one of only 20,000 endangered Tasmanian Devils left in the world, with the species’ population rate rapidly declining since the mid 1990s due to a contagious facial tumour disease.
Dharra joins her new habitat-mate Bub in the zoo’s Tassie Devils Den, where they will play an important role in educating visitors about the challenges faced by Tasmanian Devils in the wild.
Book tickets to visit Dharra and Bub, along with more of Australia’s iconic animals including koalas, little penguins, kangaroos, green sea turtles and more, at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
