REGIONAL EVENT FUND AWARDS $1.3 MILLION IN GRANTSDestination NSW will support 66 events across regional NSW through the 2024-25 Regional Event Fund. The funding program provides an important economic boost in regional areas by supporting visitor economy operators, injecting vitality into communities and creating jobs. Music, sport, food and cultural events will share in $1.3 million-worth of grants of up to $50,000 each. This year’s list of recipients includes Tamworth Barbeque Festival, The Gum Ball in the Hunter Valley,
Orange Wine Festival and Wagga Wagga's Festival of W. The full list can be viewed here. Minister for Tourism John Graham said: “We know that regional events and event owners are faced with significant challenges in this current environment and these grants will help alleviate some of that financial pressure. “These unique events reflect the personalities of their communities and draw visitors from all over the country. “The NSW Government is committed to growing a vibrant visitor economy
across the state by supporting a diverse range of events, driven by locals, who know their communities best.”
DESTINATION NSW CELEBRATES NAIDOC WEEKDestination NSW is proud to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during NAIDOC Week which this year is marked by its theme of “Keep the fire burning!”. There is rising interest in Aboriginal tourism experiences among domestic and international travellers to NSW. Tourism Research Australia data shows 583,500 international and 299,900 domestic visitors participated in an Aboriginal tourism experience in NSW in 2023. Aboriginal tourism is a strategic
priority for Destination NSW, with the aim of facilitating a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and driving the uptake of these experiences. NSW is home to the largest Aboriginal population in Australia, represented by more than 80 different language groups, each with a unique story to tell. With such cultural diversity on offer, NSW has the opportunity to promote some of the nation's most authentic and accessible experiences of the world’s oldest living culture.
Destination NSW staff will celebrate NAIDOC Week by participating in a Dreamtime SouthernX Aboriginal Dreaming tour around The Rocks and a coil weaving workshop. Visitor economy businesses are also showing their support for NAIDOC Week through a range of initiatives and programs. Through its Legacy Program, the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is partnering with KARI, a valued community partner. This collaboration will connect First Nations Peoples with attendees at international conventions, fostering cultural exchange and creating opportunities for fundraising and volunteerism. Learn more here. Events will also be held in NSW, ranging from a flag raising in Port Macquarie to Ngulla NAIDOC Festival in Ulladulla and special NAIDOC-themed fireworks in Darling Harbour. See a full list of NAIDOC Week events throughout NSW here.
WORKSHOPS GET VISITOR ECONOMY BUSINESSES
CRUISE READYThe 2024 Destination NSW Cruise Ready Workshop series concluded this week. More than 180 visitor economy stakeholders joined the Destination NSW Product Development Team and cruise industry experts for workshops in Eden, Newcastle and Sydney. The full-day sessions focused on maximising bookable experiences, including learning about the cruise distribution network, markets and demographics; how to create cruise shore excursions; and Destination NSW cruise resources and support. Destination NSW thanks the Port Authority of NSW, Australian Cruise Association and all guest speakers for contributing to the success of the series. Cruise shore excursions make a valuable contribution to growing the NSW visitor economy. According to data from Cruise Lines International Association each domestic cruise passenger spends on average $197 per day while in port.
STRIVE 4 SUSTAINABILITY SCORECARD EXTENDEDThe Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program, delivered in partnership with Ecotourism Australia, has been extended until 30 June 2025 for new registrants. Eligible NSW visitor economy businesses can gain free access to the pre-certification pathway program and assess their current performance across four pillars of sustainability.
BOOSTING GROWTH IN THE MOAMA REGION Destination NSW presented the final Experience Development workshop in the current series at Moama on 4 July 2024 as part of the NSW First Program. Participants will also attend the opening night of the annual sound and light trail Moama Lights on 5 July. The event illuminates Horseshoe Lagoon bush reserve at the Murray River.
SYDNEY MARATHON RACES TO WORLD MAJOR STATUSSydney Marathon has announced a significant step forward in its pursuit of Abbott World Marathon Majors status, through a naming rights partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). TCS is already the title sponsor of the TCS London Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon, alongside TCS marathons in Amsterdam, Mumbai and Toronto. Its insights and technological expertise will enhance TCS Sydney Marathon’s sustainability, accessibility and charitable impact. TCS Sydney Marathon is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
AUSTRALIA'S NUMBER ONE VISITOR EXPERIENCETripAdvisor has released its Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024, which highlights the best destinations, beaches, hotels, restaurants and experiences in Australia, based on reviews and ratings from the TripAdvisor community. NSW scored first place in two categories: Anderson’s Tours' Blue Mountains Small Group Tour was named best experience in Australia, while Manly was voted best beach in Australia. Across other categories, four NSW restaurants and six hotels were recognised for excellence.
FUNDING FOR QUALITY TOURISM PROGRAMSMore than 1400 Quality Tourism programs have been completed across 350 visitor economy businesses during the first year of the Australian Government's Quality Tourism Framework Grant Program. The programs are part of a suite of Australian Tourism Industry Council initiatives that have been upgraded through $8 million in funding. The program helps small and regional businesses enhance their quality, accessibility and sustainability.
NEW NOISE COMPLAINT REGULATIONS IN EFFECTNew noise complaint regulations came into effect in NSW from 1 July 2024, supporting new and existing venues to host more live gigs by protecting them from serial complainants, with stronger mechanisms to ensure all issues are valid and reasonable. Sound proofing grants will also minimise noise issues for nearby residents. The regulations aim to rebuild Sydney's night-time economy, support live music and create vibrant communities.
$14 MILLION FOR CROWN LAND RESERVES The NSW Government will provide more than $14 million in grants to maintain and upgrade Crown land reserves and facilities. The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund grants will support more than 140 projects across the state. These upgrades will improve facilities including sporting clubs, recreation areas, museums, showgrounds, cultural institutions, racecourses, walking tracks, cycleways, camp sites, public halls and swimming pools.
FUNDING FOR WHITE BAY POWER STATIONSydney’s White Bay Power Station is enjoying a renaissance as the city’s newest arts, cultural and community hub. After welcoming 180,000 visitors for the 2024 Biennale of Sydney, the venue will open its doors again next month when it hosts two Ministry of Sound dance parties in the Boiler House and Turbine Hall. Planning for improved access is underway, with more than $17 million in upgrades being carried out on surrounding footpaths, nearby traffic lights and public spaces.
NEWCASTLE LISTED AS HIDDEN GEMNewcastle has just been listed among the top 10 most underrated travel destinations in the world by the international travel team at Time Out magazine. NSW's second-largest city came in at number nine for its award-winning beaches, world-famous landmarks and unique landscape, which the Time Out editors said set Newcastle apart from other destinations.
VIVID SYDNEY BOOSTS WESTERN HARBOUR New data shows precinct visitation in Sydney’s Western Harbour district was up two per cent year-on-year in June 2024. The strongest increases were seen in Cockle Bay, Blackwattle Bay, Darling Square and King Street Wharf, with significant year-on-year growth seen in most sub-precincts that staged Vivid Sydney installations, led by Darling Square, which was up 22 per cent.
2024 YOUR LOCAL CLUB PERFECT PLATE AWARDSThe 2024 Your Local Club Perfect Plate Awards winners for 2024 have been announced. From Cudgen to Corowa, 176 eateries from 151 clubs across NSW participated in the 2024 Clubs NSW awards, which shine a spotlight on club dining.
GLOW WORM TUNNEL PRECINCT UPGRADEA $4.3 million upgrade has been completed at the Glow Worm Tunnel precinct in Wollemi National Park, which attracts up to 50,000 visitors each year. Among the works, a new path has been created with handrails to protect the glow worms.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTSLINE UP ANNOUNCED FOR TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL: Australia’s largest celebration of country music and longest running festival will return in January 2025, supported proudly by Destination NSW. View line-up here. BUMPER SEASON FOR SEA TURTLE
HATCHLINGS: Six loggerhead turtle hatchlings have made their way into the ‘big blue’, capping off a bumper 2023-24 sea turtle nesting season, which saw 877 sea turtles hatch successfully on NSW beaches. Learn more DRAFT PLANS TO HELP COUNCILS REDUCE DISASTER RISK: New draft
guidelines have been released by the NSW Government to assist councils in developing localised Disaster Adaptation Plans that reduce the risk and impact of climate related hazards and ensure faster recovery. Learn more NEW DISASTER READY TOOLKIT RELEASED: The NSW Government has created a toolkit to raise awareness of four apps designed to help communities and visitors prepare for natural disasters. Download here PARRAMATTA LIGHT RAIL ENTERS FINAL TESTING PHASE: Parramatta Light Rail is on the home stretch to service Western Sydney communities in the coming months. Final preparations for passenger services are now underway, with the project shifting into ‘trial running’ on 8 July 2024. Learn more JUNE EDITION OF BUSINESS EVENTS AUSTRALIA MAGAZINE: A three-day
suggested itinerary for Sydney is among the featured stories in the latest edition of Australia Next. Learn more
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