No images? Click here
A MESSAGE FROM DESTINATION NSW
These are unprecedented times for the travel and tourism industry in NSW and the road ahead is unclear. I want to reassure you that Destination NSW is with you on this journey – not just in spirit but also in as many areas of practical advice and support as we are able.
We will continue to share news and relevant information with all our stakeholders through Insights and, as always, welcome your feedback and any suggestions you may have for content across all our industry communication channels.
Where are we today?
While there are currently no Orders in place restricting domestic travel, we know many in the community are undecided about whether it’s safe and responsible to take a short break over the weekend or plan a holiday in NSW – in light of advice from health authorities relating to social distancing and Government Orders restricting mass gatherings.
Against this background, Destination NSW is reviewing all its programs – from in-person workshops for industry to event and destination marketing activities.
With restrictions on all inbound travel we have temporarily paused all destination marketing in our 14 international markets and will recommence a full program of activity at the appropriate time.
On the domestic front, our Now’s The Time To Love NSW social media program continues to gain organic momentum with more and more tourism operators and #LoveNSW followers showing the world what they love about NSW each day. While we have paused some planned investments in the campaign, including television advertising, our always-on social media program continues to invite people to post images and videos of their favourite destinations and experiences and to encourage others to dream of where in NSW their next holiday might be.
We are also continuing to meet with industry associations and tourism operators to listen to their concerns and help feed this into Government plans for practical and effective industry support.
In summary, Destination NSW’s commitment is:
- To support our industry stakeholders by continuing to promote NSW as a holiday destination, as appropriate to the current situation and strictly in accordance with the advice of health authorities and Government recommendations and Orders. Our programs will be reviewed in line with changing conditions. Consumer-facing social media content will focus on travel inspiration and keeping the #LoveNSW conversation alive. Corporate social media will provide the latest health and travel advice, updates on Destination NSW activities and, as appropriate, may amplify industry messages.
- To proceed with the administration of the Regional Event Fund with applications closing at midnight on Wednesday 25 March (see full story below).
- To continue the Now’s The Time To Love NSW campaign development including content creation and asset production so that it is ready to roll out at the appropriate time. Photo above from Destination NSW content shoot in the Hawkesbury at Shield's Orchard, Bilpin, this week.
- To advocate for the NSW visitor economy at relevant Australian and State Government forums.
- To deliver timely updates via the Destination NSW corporate website and social media channels with the latest information, linking to the latest health advice and industry specific support or guidance.
- To delivery timely updates for consumers via Destination NSW’s consumer websites with the latest health and travel advice.
- To be a trusted source of news and information from Destination NSW and the NSW Government through this weekly newsletter and other Destination NSW-owned corporate communication channels such as LinkedIn and Twitter
Stay informed and stay safe.
Stephen Mahoney
Acting Chief Executive Officer
NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
On 17 March 2020 the NSW Government announced a $2.3 billion health boost and economic stimulus package to protect the community and help protect jobs in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak over the next six months.
HEALTH BOOST
- $700 million extra funding for NSW Health to double ICU capacity, prepare for additional COVID-19 testing, purchase additional ventilators and medical equipment, establish acute respiratory clinics and bring forward elective surgeries to private hospitals
BUSINESS SUPPORT AND JOBS
- $450 million to waive payroll tax for businesses with payrolls of up to $10 million for three months (the remaining 2019-20 Financial Year). This means businesses will save a quarter of their annual payroll tax bill in 2019-20.
- $56 million to bring forward the next round of payroll tax cuts by raising the threshold limit to $1 million in 2020-21;
- $80 million to waive a range of fees and charges for small businesses including bars, cafes, restaurants and tradies;
- $250 million to employ additional cleaners of public infrastructure such as transport assets, schools and other public buildings;
- More than $250 million to bring forward maintenance on public assets including social housing and crown land fencing;
- $500 million to bring forward capital works and maintenance.
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
On 12 March 2020 the Australian Government announced a $17.6 billion economic stimulus package to protect the economy by maintaining confidence, supporting investment and keeping people in jobs. Additional household income and business support will flow through to strengthen the wider economy. The stimulus package includes:
- Delivering support for business investment
- Cash flow assistance for businesses
- Stimulus payments to households to support growth
- Assistance for severely affected regions
The package includes a one-off Economic Support Payment of $750 to eligible lower-income Australians.
The Government has committed an additional $2.4 billion to support the country’s health system to manage any further outbreak in Australia.
In addition, the Government has also committed to cover 50 per cent of additional hospital costs incurred by states and territories related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with, or suspected of having, the Coronavirus.
On 18 March 2020 the Australian Government announced a major relief package would be delivered for the Australian aviation industry in the order of $715 million. On 19 March 2020 the Reserve Bank of Australia announced an emergency rate cut to 0.25 per cent among other relief measures.
REGIONAL EVENT FUND WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY
Destination NSW will continue accepting Regional Event Fund applications from event owners to support NSW communities to attract visitors and provide a boost to local businesses.
Applications for the NSW Government’s
$1 million Regional Event Fund are open through to midnight Wednesday 25 March 2020, after which all submissions will be assessed based on merit.
Event owners can apply to one of two funding streams: the Flagship Event Fund (to support event marketing activities) and the new Micro Event Fund (to support community-based events with limited budgets).
To be eligible for funding events must be delivered between 1 May and 31 December 2020. In line with current Australian Government requirements regarding non-essential, static gatherings of people, Destination NSW will, as part of the assessment, liaise with applicants whose events are impacted by the restrictions to discuss their plans. Events must be delivered to receive funding.
The fund was announced last month as part of the NSW Government’s $10 million Tourism Recovery package.
“We know it is an incredibly challenging time for the NSW tourism and events industry, which is why this support for regional businesses and event owners is more important than ever,” Destination NSW Acting Chief Executive Officer Stephen Mahoney said.
“There’s no doubt that events drive visitation and engage local business which stimulates regional economies.
“We are committed to supporting the tourism and events industries and look forward to a full calendar of diverse sporting, arts, cultural and lifestyle events later in 2020.”
For more information and to submit
an application for the Regional Event Fund:
destinationnsw.com.au/ref
Please note the closing dates for Austrade's Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants Program (streams 1 and 2) have been extended. Austrade is also considering some minor changes to the grant guidelines.
VIVID SYDNEY 2020 CANCELLED
The NSW Government announced the cancellation of Vivid Sydney 2020 this week following recommendations by the Federal Government and health authorities to limit non-essential organised gatherings to less than 500 people to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said that while the cancellation of the event is disappointing and another major setback for the tourism industry, it is the right thing to do to control the spread of infection and keep people safe.
“Vivid Sydney is a bright star of Sydney’s event calendar so the decision to cancel was not taken lightly. As the event owner, we must follow the advice of health officials to ensure the health and safety of our citizens and everyone involved with Vivid Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
“We have taken the decision early in consideration of those planning to travel to Sydney for the festival, our commercial partners, artists, and volunteers so as to minimise the disruption and impact on them.
“We are currently working through the full implications of the cancellation and will provide further information and advice as soon as it’s available,” Mr Ayres said.
“It’s been an incredibly tough time for the tourism industry and this is yet another body blow, but NSW will bounce back and Vivid Sydney will shine brighter than ever in 2021.”
Vivid Sydney, the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere, was scheduled to run from 22 May - 13 June 2020. The cancellation means that all elements of ‘Vivid Sydney - Lights, Music and Ideas’ will not proceed in 2020.
Vivid Sydney debuted in 2009 and is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. In 2019 a record 2.4 million people attended Vivid Sydney, generating $172 million for the NSW economy.
OTHER RESOURCES
There is a COVID-19 information page on the Destination NSW corporate website that will be updated as new information becomes available.
This page has resources for tourism businesses, including advice regarding:
- Travel restrictions, as introduced by the Australian and NSW Governments
- How to protect your staff and customers
- Financial support that is available to businesses. Both governments have announced stimulus packages aimed at supporting small businesses including tourism operators through cash flow assistance and waiving of fees and charges.
The Australian Government Health Department is the definitive source of health advice on COVID-19 (coronavirus).
The Government has launched an information campaign to keep the public informed about this health crisis and to provide information to help stop the spread of the disease which may be valuable content for your channels.
NSW Health also has extensive information online about COVID-19 including advice on protecting against the virus, work and travel arrangement, home isolation and social distancing.
Helpful resources:
- FAQs about COVID-19
- Simple steps to stop the spread
- Identifying the symptoms
- Isolation guidance
- Recently travelled overseas
- Coronavirus health information line – call 1800 020 080
Other advice:
- Travel restrictions - SmartTraveller.gov.au
- Australian Banking Association - six month deferral of small business loan repayments
- Cruise industry – Cruise Lines International Association statement
- Event organisers – Department of Health advice
- Airlines – International Air Transport Association advice and updates
- Hotel industry – Accommodation Association of Australia or Tourism Accommodation Australia updates
