No images? Click here GET CONNECTED WITH NSW VISITORSTourism operators are being encouraged to let millions of potential visitors know they are open for business through Destination NSW’s Get Connected service. Get Connected is a data warehouse that allows all NSW tourism related operators to list their products free-of-charge on Destination NSW’s consumer websites - VisitNSW.com and Sydney.com, allowing them to reach more than 1.7 million potential visitors per month. These tourism operators include:
Get Connected is a trusted resource for tourism businesses and visitors alike, with nearly 16,500 product listings already. Businesses with current listings should ensure their information is relevant to the conditions today, and that it lets the public know that their business is operating and welcoming visitors, particularly in bushfire-affected areas. Detailed instructions on how tourism operators can register their product on Get Connected can be found here. Destination NSW also powers the Meet in NSW website, which matches businesses with suitable regional NSW conference venues. Regional NSW conference venues offer great meeting facilities, as well as social programs and tour opportunities, which are easily accessible by road, rail and air. With some of the world’s best wines, quality restaurants, exciting events, World Heritage wilderness and spectacular ocean beaches, there are so many opportunities to host your next business event in regional NSW. The Meet in NSW service aligns with Tourism Australia’s push to encourage businesses to #EventHereThisYear, which comes off the back of the #HolidayHereThisYear domestic tourism campaign. The NSW Business Chamber is also encouraging companies of all sizes to hold a board, management or staff meeting in a drought or bushfire affected community and share the experience on social media with #BackingTheBush hashtag. For information on Meet in NSW and to be matched with a suitable regional NSW conference venue, head to meetinnsw.com.au
JENOLAN CAVES READY TO RE-OPENOne of the key attractions of the Blue Mountains region, the Jenolan Caves, is re-opening tomorrow (Saturday 1 February) signalling another step forward in the bushfire recovery across NSW. Bushfires destroyed three buildings and the Jenolan Caves Bushfire Brigade fire shed, but fire crews were able to save the heritage-listed Jenolan Caves House along with other significant heritage buildings. From Saturday, most guest accommodation will re-open and the Caves Cafe, Chisolm’s Restaurant and Jeremiah’s Bar will be fully stocked. Seven of the cave's guided tours will be up and running, and although Jenolan’s bushwalks are not yet safe to re-open, visitors will be able to stroll along one side of the Blue Lake to spot the platypus and water dragons. Plan your trip by visiting jenolancaves.org.au NEW GALLERY TO PROVIDE BOOST TO SHOALHAVENThe NSW Shoalhaven region will receive a welcome jobs boost with the construction of a new $33 million art gallery. The Bundanon Trust holds the extraordinary art collection of one of Australia’s best-known artists, Arthur Boyd, with many of his works set to feature in the new gallery. The new gallery will also house works by other major Australian and International artists such as John Olsen, Sidney Nolan and Pablo Picasso. The Bundanon art gallery is expected to be a popular tourist attraction once it opens in early 2022 and will be supported by funding from the State and Federal Governments along with private donors. The funding will also provide new accommodation for artists groups and residential education, as well as an ember suppression system to fireproof the property and its collection. View the masterplan at bundanon.com.au 20 NATIONS SURF NSW MID NORTH COASTNow in its 35th year, Surfest 2020 is officially underway with the annual tournament taking place at the beautiful beaches in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens. Surfest is the largest surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere, drawing more than 700 competitors from over 20 countries to the region. The NSW Government has proudly supported this event through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW since 2011. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Newcastle was a fitting host for the event. “Surfest 2020 is expected to attract more than 1,600 visitors to Newcastle and generate almost $2.1 million in tourism related expenditure for the region. This kind of boost is invaluable to Newcastle and the surrounding area, and demonstrates how important tourism and events are to our regional NSW communities, many of which really need the support generated through visitation right now.” Find more about the event, schedule and results here. CATCH 12 HOURS OF RACING AT MOUNT PANORAMACar racing fans are encouraged to head to the NSW Central West this weekend to catch drivers in action at the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour. Supported by Destination NSW, the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is a race for GT3, GT4 and invited production-based or specialised-endurance vehicles held at the spiritual home of Australian motor racing, Mount Panorama. It is recognised around the world as one of the most significant races for GT vehicles, alongside contemporaries like the Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hour and the Nurburgring 24 Hour. While the main 12 Hour race kicks off at 5.45am on Sunday, there will be plenty to see and do on and around the track across the entire weekend. Racing enthusiasts can watch the qualifying and support categories on Saturday and meet their favourite drivers for an autograph signing session in the afternoon. Fans can grab a bite to eat at the Paddock Cafe or enjoy a cool drink at the Rooftop Bar. Learn more about what’s on and buy tickets here. CORONAVIRUS ADVICE FOR TOURISM INDUSTRYThe Department of Health has developed coronavirus fact sheets for hotel management, staff and guests following a letter to the tourism industry from the Chief Medical Officer. The first fact sheet is intended for hotel management and staff – covering information such as how the virus is spread, who is most at risk, and how hotels can help prevent the spread of the virus. The second fact sheet is for hotel guests and covers information including how to spot symptoms, what happens if guests become ill and how to self-isolate. Advice for the general public about coronavirus can be found on the Department of Health website. SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS RECOVERY WORKSHOPSBusinesses in the Southern Highlands are being invited to join a Business Recovery Workshop on either the 5 or 11 February in Bowral, as the region works to re-build following the recent bushfires. The free sessions will offer advice on how business owners can market their business with a clear strategy, success stories from businesses in the region since the fires, local opportunities for business exposure, public relations, social media strategies and collaboration with community. Details about the event are on Facebook and business owners can register for the free workshops on the 5 February and 11 February online. WORLD'S BEST HOCKEY IN SYDNEY FOR FIH PRO LEAGUENow in its second year, the FIH Pro League is an exciting tournament that brings together the world’s best hockey nations to battle it out for top spot. Destination NSW is proud to support the FIH Pro League through its ongoing partnership with Hockey Australia. Last weekend saw Belgium enjoy success against Australia in both the men’s and women’s games at Sydney Olympic Park, but the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will have another chance to win in front of a home crowd when they play Great Britain this weekend (1-2 February). Purchase tickets here. CYCLE TO THE FINISH LINE IN MUDGEEThe inaugural Mudgee Classic will be held on Sunday 3 May, offering riders a spectacular country course, as well as the opportunity to discover the exquisite food and rustic vineyards of the region. Riders can choose from three categories: the 170km Maxi Classic for the seasoned rider who is looking for a real challenge; the 110km Challenge Classic that will see riders roll out to the stunning town of Rylstone; and the 35km Social Classic for the more relaxed rider. To find out more about the race and to discover how you can make the most of your time in Mudgee, click here. JOIN THE EXCITEMENT OF THE SYDNEY 7sHead to Parramatta this weekend to witness the HSBC Sydney 7s tournament at the world-class Bankwest Stadium. With a new two-day format, watch back-to-back matches between 28 of the world’s best international men’s and women’s Rugby Sevens teams. There is also plenty to do off the field, including a mini music festival on Saturday, multicultural performances on Sunday, games and activities around the stadium and the opportunity to meet players from all over the world. Last year’s tickets to finals day completely sold out, so be sure to secure your seat while you can. Tickets and event information available here. TWO WEEKS UNTIL MARDI GRAS FESTIVALThe countdown is on until Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020, with the Rainbow Flag Raising Ceremony for 14 February at Sydney Town Hall marking the start of this year’s festival. There are plenty of events being held around Sydney throughout the 17-day festival, including dazzling dance parties, top-tier theatre, music and world-class workshops. The pinnacle event, the Mardi Gras Parade, is taking place on Saturday 29 February and will feature an incredible line-up of stars including Sam Smith, Dua Lipa, Kesha and Brazillian drag superstar Pabllo Vittar. Find out more about the festival and buy tickets to key events here. |