No Images? Click here
VIVID SYDNEY 2019 BREAKS ALL RECORDS FOR VISITATION
Vivid Sydney 2019 has broken all records for attendance and international visitation, with 2.4 million guests enjoying the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere.
International travel package sales to the Vivid Sydney festival have grown exponentially, with a record 86,700 international travel packages sold - 13,000 more than in 2018 – an increase of 19 per cent.
Vivid Sydney enjoyed significant growth from the United States specifically due to airline partner campaigns (17,170 packages, up 163 per cent), India (6,254 packages, up 46 per cent) and South Korea (6,565 packages, up 24 per cent).
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the results were testament to Vivid Sydney’s popularity and universal appeal, as well as the NSW Government’s marketing efforts via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, which is the owner, manager and producer of Vivid Sydney.
“It’s fantastic news that Vivid Sydney 2019 has broken the record with 2.4 million attendees, though it is no surprise as this event really ticks all the boxes for visitors to NSW,” Minister Ayres said.
“Vivid Sydney 2019 generated $172 million in tourism expenditure for NSW, which is an outstanding return for our State, especially coupled with the international profile the festival brings.”
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer and Vivid Sydney Executive Producer Sandra Chipchase said China saw 25,200 Vivid Sydney travel packages sold (up 7 per cent) and over 7,700 to Malaysia (up 12 per cent).
“The majority of our travel packages include a visit to regional NSW so many of our Vivid Sydney visitors are also enjoying attractions and experiences beyond Sydney,” Ms Chipchase said.
The reach of Vivid Sydney is not limited to visitors on the ground. The event website – vividsydney.com – received 1.8 million visits, while content with the social hashtag #VividSydney reached a staggering 621.7 million people, an increase of 643 per cent on 2018.
PARRAMATTA TO HOST MATILDAS' INTERNATIONAL MATCH
Western Sydney will play host to the first ever national football team fixture at Bankwest Stadium when the Westfield Matildas take to the pitch in November.
The NSW Government via Destination NSW has secured a women’s international football friendly between the Westfield Matildas and Chile on 9 November.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said he was delighted the high-profile match had been secured for Parramatta.
“Western Sydney truly is a powerhouse for tourism and major events, and this has only been strengthened since the new world-class Bankwest Stadium opened earlier this year,” Mr Ayres said.
“Major sporting events play a vital role in attracting visitors to our wonderful Harbour City, and what better place to host an international friendly than right in the heart of Western Sydney.”
Westfield Matildas Head Coach Ante Milicic today welcomed confirmation that his team will take on Chile in Parramatta as Australia begins to set its sights on qualification for next year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
“Chile performed admirably in a difficult group at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, and will provide a strong challenge for us as we seek to develop as a unit leading up to our Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers which commence in February next year,” Mr Milicic said.
Buy your ticket to the game at matildas.com.au
Picture: Matildas' fans with Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres, FFA CEO David Gallop, Minister for Sport John Sidoti and FFA Interim Head of Community, Football Development and Women’s Football, Sarah Walsh.
TULIPS THE STAR OF SPRING IN NSW SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Experience a kaleidoscope of tulips carpeting public gardens and premier private gardens during Tulip Time in the Southern Highlands.
The 90,000 mass-planted tulips nestled among blossoming mature trees in Corbett Gardens are the centrepiece of the Tulip Time Festival, where there is daily live musical entertainment, an array of market stalls and lots of photo opportunities.
Bowral is where the idea for the Mary Poppins character originated when the author, P L Travers lived there during her teens.
Celebrating 85 years since the first book was written, the magic of Mary Poppins will transform Corbett Gardens into a wonderland of colour, music and fun in 2019.
Visit Tulip Time between 24 September and 7 October at Corbett Gardens, Bendooley Estate.
More details here.
SAMPLE LOCAL PRODUCE AND FOOD IN NORTHERN NSW
Sample Food Festival is a northern NSW festival that celebrates the creativity and wellbeing of the local food industry. It is proudly supported by the NSW Government via Destination NSW through its Regional Flagship Events Fund.
Sample Food Festival is held in the village of Bangalow and is supported by 200 stall holders who include local restaurant owners, farmers, and local food producers. Bright tropical flavours and bold creative flair attract over 17,000 visitors annually.
The Festival also offers a range of demonstrations and workshops, such as a fermentation masterclass, "Meet the Winemaker" with local winemaker Jared Dixon, basket weaving and create your own ceramic mug.
The 9th Annual Sample Food Festival will be held tomorrow (Saturday 7 September) at the Bangalow Showground. 8am – 4pm. $5 entry at the gate, and kids free.
Find your guide to the Festival here.
WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL OFFERS FIRST CLASS VIEWS
Visitors will be able to take in Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport years before a plane even takes off, with a new world-class experience centre now open.
The centre has been designed in conjunction with the local landscape and will guide visitors through an exhibition space, before opening to a viewing area where they will be able to see airport construction underway.
The viewing area is also equipped with augmented reality, which will allow visitors to view how the terminal and runway will look.
Interactive videos will explore the history of the region, the importance of the airport to Western Sydney and the massive economic benefits.
Construction of the Western Sydney International Airport commenced last year and it is on track to open in 2026.
The Western Sydney International Airport Experience Centre is located on Eaton Road, Luddenham.
It is free to visit and open to the public Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 4pm.
NSW TOPS AUSTRALIA'S CRUISE INDUSTRY
New South Wales’ position as Australia’s leading cruise destination is highlighted in a new industry brochure unveiled this week.
Cruise Sydney & New South Wales – Along the Blue Highway profiles NSW’s nine cruise-ready ports highlighting key attractions and port parameters.
The brochure was developed by tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and the Port Authority in response to the Government’s Cruise Development Plan and has been unveiled at the Australian Cruise Association Conference.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the state’s ports and port cities offer striking natural beauty and unique experiences for all visitors.
“Sydney continues to be Australia’s cruise gateway, and one of the world’s most beautiful destinations with its iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and pristine beaches,” Minister Ayres said.
“Sydney was named best cruise destination in Australia and New Zealand in the 2018 Cruiser’s Choice Destination Awards, which is based on passenger reviews. Cruise continues to be an important contributor to the NSW Government’s visitor economy target to triple overnight expenditure by 2030.”
Click here to view Cruise Sydney & New South Wales – Along the Blue Highway.
FAREWELL THE WALLABIES AHEAD OF WORLD CUP
The Qantas Wallabies are taking on Manu Samoa in the heart of Western Sydney tomorrow, before the national team departs to Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The international Test is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. Fans can expect a world-class experience with the Test taking place inside the brand new 30,000 seat Bankwest Stadium at Parramatta. The precinct will open from 5.00pm with live music, entertainment and fun for the whole family, before kick- off at 7.30pm. It’s the final act of four years’ Rugby World Cup preparation, so don’t miss the action live! Purchase tickets here.
THREE OF THE BEST GOLF SWINGS HEADED FOR SYDNEY
Three of the best swings in world golf will be on show at the 2019 Emirates Australian Open. Hot on the heels of the announcement of Aussies Jason Day, Marc Leishman and Cam Smith chasing their first Stonehaven Cup, legendary Ernie Els, Paul Casey and Louis Oosthuizen are all coming to Sydney to play spoiler. Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt said, “I think if you’ve watched all of these guys swing a club at some point in their careers, you’ve probably longed to be able to do it just like one of them. Now all three are going to be in Sydney and all Australian golf fans can witness the magic first hand.” Supported by the NSW Government via Destination NSW, the Emirates Australian Open and will take place at The Australian Golf Club from 5-8 December. Buy tickets here.
VISIT MAITLAND'S THRIVING DINING SCENE
Only two hours from Sydney, historic Maitland is emerging as a slow food mecca with a community of sustainable producers. Begin at the Slow Food Earth Market to taste produce from small scale farmers, or purchase chemical free food from Phoenix Park Farm. Many historical buildings have been converted into bars and restaurants, such as The Rigby – a sophisticated wine bar, cocktail lounge and restaurant, inside 1870’s architecture on High Street, and The Old Victoria Inn, with a Georgian bar and character filled guest rooms. Learn more about how you can make the most of your time in this beautiful region at Make It Maitland.
