No Images? Click here SYDNEY IN SUMMER HITS SCREENSAudiences across the country are being enticed to experience some of Sydney’s best attractions first-hand with Destination NSW’s launch of three new television commercials as part of its Sydney in Summer campaign. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the television commercials, which will be seen by more than four million viewers across Australia, will inspire and motivate people to book their next holiday in Sydney. “Sydney is stunning all year round, but particularly in Summer, and this campaign is about putting our city’s world-class beauty and attractions front and centre to ensure we continue to be the number one State for visitors,” Mr Marshall said. In addition to the commercials, the campaign will include outdoor and digital advertising. The Sydney in Summer campaign includes three television commercials; Sydney and Surrounds; Outdoor and Adventure; and Food and Wine/Culture. The commercials, which will be seen by more than four million viewers, will be shown across Melbourne, Brisbane and regional NSW, and on Foxtel nationally. NEW NATIONAL PHOTO PRIZE ANNOUNCEDVisitors to Lord Howe Island will be able to experience an exciting new cultural event when the inaugural Kentia Prize Exhibition takes place in January. Launched on Lord Howe Island this week, the Kentia Prize offers one of the largest prize pools of any photography competition in Australia. Entrants will compete for prizes worth more than $20,000 in holidays and airfares, with highlights including seven nights at Pinetrees Lodge; return airfares from Sydney to Lord Howe Island; as well as luxury holiday packages in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and more. Director of Pinetrees Lodge Luke Hanson said, “Typically, guests come to Lord Howe to explore pristine beaches, forests and coral reefs on a kind of pilgrimage to our World Heritage-listed landscape, but few guests experience a major cultural event, other than Friday night at the Bowlo." Entries for the competition close on 5 December 2017. Click here to find out more. WHARF UPGRADES FOR COCKLE BAYWorks have commenced on the $15 million renewal of the world-class wharves and jetties at Cockle Bay that will include a floating public wharf and 330-metre boardwalk. NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said the new wharves would revitalise the western side of Cockle Bay and provide local and international visitors with an impressive arrival to Darling Harbour. “This funding will breathe new life into one of Sydney’s most popular attractions and provide visitors with greater access from the water and promenade,” Mr Dominello said. “The renewal will provide new ferry and water taxi options that are expected to generate over $50 million to the NSW economy over 25 years and greatly improve the public domain.” The new floating public wharf will have direct and accessible connections to the forecourts of the International Convention Centre Sydney and the Harbourside Shopping Centre, and link to the adjacent National Maritime Museum. VIVID SYDNEY: REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONDestination NSW is seeking quotations from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for the provision of Event Operations Coordination Services for Vivid Sydney 2018, with an option to extend for 2019. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the project team that plans, organises and manages event operations for Australia’s largest event. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW. In 2017, a record 2.33 million people attended the festival. In 2018, Vivid Sydney will take place from 25 May to 16 June. Click for the Request for Quotation. TIME FOR TASTES OF TUMBARUMBAVisitors to the Snowy Mountains can experience some of the region’s finest food and wine when the Tumbarumba Tastebuds Festival takes place this month. An unspoilt alpine region, Tumbarumba is known for its natural beauty and charming towns, and as a great location for bushwalking, cycling, fishing and horse riding. Showcasing the region’s quality vineyards and wine makers, the two-day festival on 28 and 29 October features wine tastings, a fresh food market, a sunset dinner plus events organised as part of the garden club’s Open Garden and Flower Show. Entry to cellar doors is free; entry to the gardens and flower show is $25. Click here to plan your visit. TOP HONOURS AT NSW CAMPING AND CARAVANNING INDUSTRY AWARDSThe best in the NSW caravan and camping industry, including holiday parks, service providers, RV manufacturers, dealers and employees, were recognised at the peak industry body’s Awards of Excellence this week. The Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA NSW) Awards of Excellence recognise businesses that are ‘best in field’ for their respective categories. Association President Theo Whitmont said, “Our industry caters to so many individual needs – from families looking for a fantastic resort style holiday, travellers embarking on a road trip adventure, couples seeking a romantic glamping retreat or campers who want to get back to basics – and our members are providing services from one end of the spectrum to the other. “These awards are an important way for us to recognise the outstanding achievements of the fantastic businesses that help to make this such a successful growing part of the Australian holiday experience.” Click here to see the winners. MURWILLUMBAH MAKERS MARKETS RETURNThe monthly Makers & Finders Market returns to Murwillumbah on 21 October. With vintage and handmade goods as well as flea market finds, there will be something unusual to take home. Local creative groups host workshops and activities each month as part of the entertainment project including activities like basket weaving, rag rug making, tie dye etc. The markets, which are all about supporting local makers, musicians and food producers, attract families and groups attracted to the laid-back community vibe. REACHING BLOGGERS & INSTAGRAMMERSDon’t miss next week’s free NSW First webcast on reaching online influencers to help promote your tourism experience. Instagram and blogs can provide huge exposure to your tourism business, but how can you engage with these influencers? Hear from Destination NSW’s Director of Media & Public Relations, Allison Lee, on how to access and work with instagrammers and bloggers. The webcast is at midday on Tuesday, 24 October. For more on the NSW First Program, check out the online calendar. NEW NSW PRODUCTS ON SHOWThirteen newly export-ready NSW tourism businesses were showcased to travel trade this week at the Destination NSW New Product Workshop. MADAMA BUTTERFLY RETURNSOne of the world's greatest love stories, Opera Australia’s production of Madama Butterfly comes to the Capitol Theatre in Sydney on 24 October for a limited 12-day season. With Japanese-inspired art direction, this production of Puccini’s tragic love story tells of the wartime romance between American sailor Pinkerton and the young geisha he takes for his wife, but their love cannot last. COOL-CLIMATE WINE AWARDSLovers of cool climate wines should head to Bathurst next week for the National Cool Climate Wine Show on from 17 to 20 October. While the wine show’s judging is closed to the public, the Public Tasting is a chance for you to meet winemakers and sample local food and produce, and discover more than 800 wines. There are also free tasting tours conducted by local winemakers. NEW JOB AT DESTINATION NSWDestination NSW is inviting applications for a Regional Tourism Development Manager – Country & Outback NSW. The role is Destination NSW’s internal tourism planning and development ‘expert’ for the Country & Outback NSW region, which includes New England, Northern Tablelands, Central NSW, Orana and the Outback. The Sydney-based role is responsible for working with the Dubbo-based Destination Network Country & Outback NSW team. |