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A MESSAGE FROM DESTINATION NSW
Destination NSW chief executive officer Steve Cox has a message for industry following this week’s announcement of intrastate travel resuming from 1 June.
“It’s the news we have all been waiting for, and gives us a goal post in terms of kick-starting activity and welcoming visitors back to our towns and regions across the state,” Mr Cox said.
Destination NSW is committed to driving intent, bookings and visitation to all parts of the state by continuing to showcase the amazing experiences on offer right here in NSW.
Watch the video message for more.
The NSW Government is encouraging holidaymakers to call accommodation venues, attractions and tourism operators to ensure they will be open and confirm bookings before travelling.
Visitors and businesses must follow the latest health advice in terms of physical distancing, practicing good hygiene, and staying home if feeling unwell.
As with restrictions being introduced, there will be a transition period for restrictions being eased over time and visitors and businesses will need to adapt.
Destination NSW will continue to publish the latest news via Insights (returning to a weekly edition on Fridays and special editions as required), pointing to the latest health advice and restrictions to assist with this.
For the latest Government advice, refer to NSW.gov.au/COVID-19
Businesses can also refer to Safe Work Australia for guidelines to operating a COVID safe workplace.
MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND LIBRARIES TO
REOPEN FROM 1 JUNE
PUBS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS AND CAFES TO OPEN TO 50 PATRONS
Museums, galleries and libraries across NSW will be allowed to reopen from 1 June under an easing of restrictions announced by the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this was another important step forward in the reopening of NSW.
“We cautiously invite our cultural institutions and libraries across NSW to re-open from June 1, but with strict new protocols in place,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW is home to some of Australia’s best art galleries and museums and I look forward to them reopening to the public. I would encourage museums, galleries and libraries to be innovative to ensure strict social distancing is adhered to and good hygiene measures are followed.”
NSW Health will provide guidance to ensure the museums, galleries and libraries operate in a COVID-19 safe way, including exclusion of staff and visitors who are unwell, limiting the number of guests to allow for 4 square metres per person, providing distance markers for people queuing at service points and no groups or tours. Read the full media release.
Museums and Galleries of NSW has compiled a resource for institutions planning to re-open to the public to assist in the process.
The NSW Government will also allow pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants to have up to 50 customers, subject to a one person per four square metre rule, and with strict social distancing guidelines from 1 June.
“This decision has been made with expert health advice and both businesses and patrons will be subject to strict rules and guidelines,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“All customers must be seated and no bookings of more than 10 allowed, in addition to many other conditions which must be met.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Government was moving to swiftly and safely get businesses back in business and people back to work.
“There are about 280,000 people employed in this sector of the economy and allowing venues to safely cater for more customers will provide another boost to business and jobs," Mr Perrottet said.
The NSW Government has liaised exhaustively with both AHA and ClubsNSW to deliver this plan.
All venues must ensure social distancing and will need to develop a COVID Safety Plan consistent with NSW Health guidelines
Patrons have been advised to check with the venue before attending to ensure they will be able to attend. Read the full media release.
EXPERIENCE NSW AT THE PUSH OF A BUTTON
With only nine days to go until people can travel again in NSW, businesses across the state are continuing to offer experiences online while eager travellers wait to hit the road for their much-needed NSW break. Below are some of the many virtual initiatives on offer now:
Cooking at home with Matt Moran: Experience two exclusive online cooking classes with award-winning chef Matt Moran, using seasonal ingredients from Harris Farm. Join Matt each Friday at 6pm to cook one of his favourite recipes at home. During these fun and informative cooking classes, you will make two delicious meals for four people all from the comfort of your own home.
Cat Balou Cruises: Travellers who are missing the feeling of freedom on the open sea can now enjoy sights of the Sapphire Coast. Cat Balou Cruises has filmed a tour of Twofold Bay, complete with a guest appearance by some local dolphins. Watch the video here.
Sounds of nature: Ever wondered what a national park sounds like? NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service bring the sounds of nature to you, showcasing the beautiful real sounds that are heard in Blue Mountains National Park. Play these relaxing nature sounds in the background as you work from home, meditate, work out, study, or try them for sleeping.
Be sure to check out the Now’s The Time To Love NSW campaign page on VisitNSW.com, including the #LoveNSW map, which will be regularly updated with suitable virtual products, experiences and attractions as they are provided to getconnected@dnsw.com.au and will evolve to include more destinations and businesses as travel restrictions begin to relax.
FUNDING BOOST FOR REGIONAL ARTS, CULTURAL PROGRAMS
The Australian Government has announced more than $1.76 million to support a program of cultural and creative tours through the Playing Australia, Contemporary Music Touring Program and Contemporary Touring Initiative programs.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher said: “There’s no doubt the arts sector has been hit by the impact of the coronavirus and this funding will assist performing and visual artists to share their works across 181 unique locations to reach audiences across all Australian states and territories, also helping support local businesses and tourism."
The program will support tours spanning music, theatre, visual arts and dance including:
- Tralala Blip’s Eat My Codes If Your Light Falls Tour, a differently abled electronic pop band from Northern NSW who will tour to locations including Wagga Wagga, Bermagui and Gunnedah
- Museum and Galleries NSW’s Centre of the Centre commission by internationally recognised Australian artist Mel O’Callaghan that will visit nine galleries and art centres across five states from 2021-23.
Each organisation will work with the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body, Australia Council, on the timing and delivery of their tours in line with COVID-19 health and safety measures. See the full list of recipients.
The Australian Government is also providing $1.1 million from the Visions of Australia program to support 10 projects to tour cultural exhibitions to venues across regional Australia.
This funding will support projects showcasing high-quality textile design, print making, ceramics and photography among others, which explore a range of themes such as national identity, Indigenous knowledge systems, and the notion of family. See the full list of recipients including the Australian Design Centre's Australian Contemporary Ceramics showcase developed in partnership with the Australian Ceramics Associaiton and Sabbia Gallery.
DOMESTIC AUSSIE SPECIALIST PROGRAM LAUNCHED
Tourism Australia has launched a local version of its award-winning international Aussie Specialist Program, providing a free online training resource for frontline travel sellers in Australia.
The Aussie Specialist online program has been designed to equip agents with relevant, up-to-date information and showcase new regions, destinations and experiences within Australia.
The program offers interactive training modules, itinerary suggestions, fact sheets, the latest industry news and monthly email updates covering what’s new in Australian tourism.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said a key objective in launching the program was to help agents sell Australian tourism experiences and introduce domestic travellers to destinations and experiences they might be less familiar with.
“Domestic overnight travel is a major contributor to Australia’s visitor economy, worth more than $80 billion annually and as travel restrictions are eased it will play an important role in helping tourism businesses and communities to get back on their feet before we can begin welcoming international visitors again,” Ms Harrison said.
“We know that Australians also spent almost $65 billion in overseas holidays last year so if we are able to encourage them to spend some of their holiday dollars in Australian instead, it will really help our tourism industry on its road to recovery – and travel agents will have an important role to play in this.
Australian-based agents are encouraged to register and qualify as Aussie Specialists by 22 June 2020. For further details visit www.aussiespecialist.com/aussielaunch.
