Insights - 11 August 2023
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HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF ARTS AND CULTURE IN NSW
Visitor economy businesses are invited to contribute their insights and ideas to inform the NSW Government's new Arts and Cultural Policy.
There are a number of options for stakeholders to make a contribution including town halls and submissions.
Town hall discussions are being held at these locations:
- Dubbo - 14 August 2023
- Tamworth - 15 August 2023
- Wollongong - 21 August 2023
- Liverpool - 25 August 2023
- Broken Hill - 29 August 2023
You can also join the conversation by providing a written, audio or video submission here.
Submissions close on 31 August 2023.
The contribution of visitor economy stakeholders will help the NSW Government develop innovative solutions and address challenges to foster growth in the arts and cultural sector and to enrich the visitor experience for domestic and international travellers.
Your contribution to the new Arts and Culture Policy will help the NSW Government and Destination NSW to identify opportunities within this diverse sector and strengthen its links with the state’s visitor economy.
Minister for the Arts John Graham said: "Our arts and cultural sector is still reeling from the most disruptive period in modern times.
"Having survived a decade of lockouts and lockdowns, the industry is now beset by serious economic headwinds. A vision to grow the arts sector in NSW and propel us forward must account for these impacts and include effective strategies to address them.
"Whether you’re a novelist in country NSW who is yet to be published, or the CEO of a major arts company in inner Sydney, we want to hear from you.”
FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023 LIGHTS UP
NSW VISITOR ECONOMY
NSW is in the grip of FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ fever with forthcoming matches expected to continue breaking viewing records across the world.
The Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated green and gold on Saturday, 12 August 2023 in support of the Matildas in quarter finals match against France.
The Sydney Opera House and more than a dozen landmarks around Sydney were illuminated green and gold on Monday in support of the Matildas 2-0 victory over Denmark on Monday night. More than 75,000 people attended the match at Stadium Australia, while thousands watched it at the FIFA Fan Festival™ site in Tumbalong Park.
More than 173,000 fans have already enjoyed the hospitality of the FIFA Fan Festival™ in Sydney. Watch a video capturing the amazing atmosphere here.
New Sydney Waterfront Company data shows total footfall in Sydney’s Western Harbour district was up 11 per cent in July compared with the previous month, while visitation was up 42 per cent year-on-year and up 23 per cent compared with June 2019.
There was particularly strong month-on-month performance around the fan festival area in Darling Square (up 20 per cent), while adjacent area Cockle Bay was up 19 per cent.
The Matildas vs Denmark match was also a ratings bonanza, with more than 3.5 million Aussies tuning in to watch the game.
LIVE SCREENS FOR FANS AT OLYMPIC PARK
Football fans heading to Saturday’s FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ clash between England and Colombia at Sydney Olympic Park will be able to watch the earlier Australia vs France Quarter Final, with special screens to be set up to show the Matildas game.
The NSW Government has worked with event partners to provide screens at the Olympic Park precinct so that an expected crowd of 75,000-plus attending the 8.30pm game on Saturday can enjoy every minute of Australia’s do-or-die match kicking off at 5pm.
This is a special arrangement to broadcast the Matildas game for fans attending Stadium Australia and is not a live site for the general public.
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, will be open from 3pm until 11pm on Saturday 12 August, and will broadcast both Quarter Final matches live and free.
Public viewing events are being hosted across NSW and fans are encouraged to check local advice or visit the Office of Sport website.
WATERSHED MOMENT FOR WOMEN'S SPORT
The excitement surrounding the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ has confirmed women's sport has become a powerful player in the visitor economy.
Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells told the Federal House of Representatives: "Our female athletes are excelling on the world stage. Our female athletes are changing sport in this country forever. The women's football World Cup has ended any and all arguments about the popularity and importance of elite women's sport.
"Women's sport is not a phase, it is not a nice-to-have, it is not a charity. It is thrilling, it is brilliant and it is here to stay.
"This government is determined to support people to achieve their dreams, from playground to podium and from unmown suburban lawns to walking out onto a World Cup pitch in front of 80,000 people."
Leading figures in Australian sport and business came together this week to establish The Winning Playbook – a roadmap to guide the continued growth of women's sport.
Hosted by the NSW Government and Football Australia, The Winning Playbook looked at key trends driving innovation in women's sport.
Speakers included FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, a trailblazer for women's football who has overseen unprecedented growth in the sport, two-time World Cup champion coach for the US Women’s National Soccer Team Jill Ellis and Football Australia CEO James Johnson.
"FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ has been a turning point for women's football in Australia," Mr Johnson said.
"The energy and engagement we've seen around this event has been truly transformative. However, our journey does not end here. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders at all levels of the game, we are committed to harnessing this energy to provide sustainable growth, inclusivity, and opportunity for women's sport in Australia. The Winning Playbook will ensure we stay focused and united in achieving these goals."
CHINESE TOUR GROUPS SET TO RETURN TO NSW
Australia has returned to China’s list of approved outgoing group travel destinations for the first time since borders reopened.
The reinstatement of Australia's Approved Destination Status (ADS) follows the recent launch in China of Tourism Australia’s successful $125 million Come and Say G’Day campaign. The campaign kicked off on 29 June and is already proving to be a success, with the television commercial receiving more than 66 million views across all channels.
Prior to the pandemic, China was the largest and most valuable inbound traveller market for the Australian visitor economy. In 2019, more than 1.4 million holiday makers from China spent $2.1 billion in Australia, including about $581 million spent by ADS group travel participants.
Accommodation Australia (AA) CEO Michael Johnson said the ADS announcement was one of the most critical components of the tourism industry’s recovery following the pandemic.
"This will result in an immediate and significant increase in business activity right across Australia, and at just the right moment," he said. "In the weeks ahead, we expect to see a wave of new bookings and forward business activity, helping support many thousands of jobs in each state and territory.”
The Australian Airports Association (AAA) Chief Executive James Goodwin said: “This will be a boost for the recovery of the Australian aviation and tourism sectors. It is an important step to encourage more travellers from China into Australia."
Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) CEO Margy Osmond said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome back even more Chinese visitors. The immediate return of group tours from China to Australia will help our sector recover."
Sydney Opera House Chief Customer Officer Jade McKellar said about 25 per cent of its tours business was from China prior to COVID-19.
“On average the ADS facilitated about 120,000 guests a year on Opera House tours, pre-Covid,” Ms McKellar said.
Internationally-ready businesses can sign up here for free access to ATEC's China Host as part of Destination NSW's NSW First collaboration with ATEC.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR UK & EUROPE ROADSHOW
The Destination NSW UK & Europe Roadshow 2023 will be held from 12-27 November and will include six events that aim to reach approximately 300 agents and product managers. The roadshow is designed to showcase Sydney and NSW products and destinations to key trade partners; and to educate agents, product managers and front-line wholesale staff about destinations, experiences and products.
G-FLIP'S SKYWAY PERFORMANCE
The Blue Mountains became the ultimate stage this week, with music artist G Flip performing their new single 'The Worst Person Alive' atop Scenic World’s Skyway cable car. Scenic World Managing Director Anthea Hammon said: “We’re so pleased to have had G Flip perform on the roof of the Scenic Skyway and to do what no-one has done before – drum on a stage that’s floating 270 metres above the Blue Mountains."
ATDW TRANSFORMATION UPDATE
The Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) is embarking on a digital transformation journey. The evolution will include a new brand identity and cloud-based platform with enhanced functionality, to ensure seamless representation of Australia’s regions, visitor experiences and events to better capture and convert global consumer interest.
VIVID SYDNEY FINALIST IN EVENT AWARDS
Vivid Sydney is a national finalist in three categories of the Australian Event Awards: Best Tourism Event, Best Achievement in Marketing or Communication and Best Cultural, Arts of Music Event. The national awards program for the Australian events industry fosters excellence, innovation and unity. The awards night will be held on 13 September 2023 at the Highline Venue in Bankstown.
FIRST NATIONS MENTORING PROGRAM
Applications have opened for the First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program (FNTMP), which is designed to support mentees as they grow their tourism businesses. Mentees will have access to expert advice, tailored learning and culturally respectful industry specialists. The FNTMP is open to businesses that are at least 50 per cent First Nations-owned, operating in the visitor economy and have products or services targeting domestic and/or international visitors.
SYDNEY CBD RETAIL VACANCY RECOVERY
CBRE's CBD Retail Vacancy report has predicted a fall in retail vacancy rates in Sydney. CBRE Australian Head of Retail Leasing Leif Olson said: “Based on current enquiry levels we expect to see vacancies contract across all markets over the next six months. This is particularly the case in Sydney, with deals pending for several large arcade vacancies and strong enquiry from food and beverage and luxury fashion retailers who are seeking new opportunities.”
CARAVANNING JULY SENTIMENT REPORT
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) has shared its Caravan Industry Consumer Sentiment Report for July 2023, which shows many Australians are opting for cost-effective, value-for-money holiday alternatives instead of abandoning their travel plans entirely. Additionally, 29 per cent even intend to increase their holidays this year, underscoring a desire to "spoil themselves" amid the economic strain, while 90 per cent of respondents view caravan and camping as offering superior value for money compared to other holiday types.
HOUSEHOLD SPENDING SLOWS
Household spending was 1.8 per cent higher in June 2023 compared to June last year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). ABS head of business indicators Ben Dorber said: “This was the smallest growth in household spending since February 2021. Spending on discretionary goods and services was down for the third straight month, falling 0.7 per cent over the year, as households adjust to cost of living pressures. Non-discretionary spending rose 4.2 per cent, however the growth rate has been slowing since January, when it reached 21 per cent.”
PICK-YOUR-OWN FARM EXEMPTIONS
The NSW Government will amend the agritourism policy to ensure pick-your-own-fruit farms are allowed to operate with more than 100 visitors at a time without the need for planning approval. Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said: “The visitor caps were an unfair restriction on pick-your-own activities, which were operating before the policy began - some cater for up to 1500 visitors a day, especially on weekends and at harvest time. By removing the visitor cap for all businesses, it will give more farmers greater opportunities to sell fresh produce direct to the public.”
GEOTRAIL EXPERIENCE FOR FAR WEST
A new geotrail experience has been launched to help visitors explore Mutawintji National Park. Important to Aboriginal people for thousands of years, the area preserves numerous art and cultural sites, while its landscape is a haven for diverse plants and animals. The project follows the launch of geotrails in the Warrumbungles, Newcastle and Port Macquarie. It was delivered by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the guidance of Mutawintji Board of Management, Mutawintji Local Aboriginal Land Council, local Aboriginal elders and members of the wider community.
GLOBAL AIR TRAFFIC RECOVERS FROM COVID-19
International Air Transport Association (IATA) data shows post-COVID-19 recovery momentum continued in June 2023 for passenger markets. Global traffic is now at 94.2 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels. Asia-Pacific airlines had a 128.1 per cent increase in June 2023 traffic compared to June 2022, the largest percentage gain among the regions. Capacity climbed 115.6 per cent and the load factor increased by 4.6 percentage points to 82.9 per cent.
WSI FLIGHT PATH INFORMATION SESSIONS
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is seeking feedback on the preliminary flight paths for Western Sydney International Airport. Information sessions have been organised to help the community understand how they are impacted. The sessions will be an opportunity to meet with members of the project team to have questions answered. Informal drop-in sessions will also be held.
DIRECT NEWCASTLE TO NARRABRI FLIGHTS
FlyPelican has announced a new direct service between Narrabri and Newcastle, commencing 25 August 2023. The service will initially operate twice a week, providing essential connectivity for both business and leisure travellers. The direct flight will take approximately one hour. FlyPelican will also offer Narrabri passengers a seamless onward connection to Canberra and Sydney.
VINTAGE RAIL JOURNEY TO BATHURST 1000
To celebrate the 60th running of the iconic Bathurst 1000, the 1960’s ex-Southern Aurora train is making a special trip to Australia’s greatest touring car race. The train will leave Sydney's Central Station on 6 October 2023, bound for Bathurst. Passengers will sleep on board the train on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, with coaches taking them to and from the circuit.
WOMEN'S GOLF TO BOOST REGIONAL ECONOMIES
Some of the state’s finest golf courses will be in full swing over the coming months with venues confirmed for the inaugural NSW Open Regional Qualifying Series for women, leading up to major tournaments, the NSW Women’s Open and the Australian Women’s Classic in early 2024. With a record purse of $500,000 now set for each of the two major tournaments in 2024, the nation’s brightest up-and-coming female golfers will go stroke for stroke vying for qualification, driving the fairways of stunning courses as well as the visitor economy of regional NSW.
VALLEYWAYS FESTIVAL RETURNS
The Rubens' hometown festival ValleyWays returns to Camden on 25 November 2023. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, acts will include Grinspoon, Ball Park Music, Ruby Fields, Coterie and Kee’ahn. Minister for the Arts, Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: “Another masterpiece from the Rubens. I want to thank them for giving something back to the south west with this festival. They have played a leadership role in the fight to bring Sydney’s music scene back to life.”
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
NEW TOURISM AUSTRALIA BOARD MEMBERS: Georgina Richters, Ian Horne and Linda Wayman have joined the Tourism Australia Board. Ms Richters has 20 years of experience in Indigenous affairs, Mr Horne has extensive events knowledge, while Ms Wayman has specialised corporate governance knowledge. Learn more
NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR LGNSW: The Board of Local Government New South Wales has appointed David Reynolds as its new Chief Executive. Learn more
ENTER THE 2023 NSW SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS: The Sustainable Tourism category of the awards recognises organisations, destinations and businesses that prioritise environmental conservation and demonstrate a commitment to minimising their ecological footprint, promoting responsible travel and visitor education, supporting local communities and preserving natural and cultural heritage. Learn more
KANDINSKI EXHIBITION FOR SYDNEY: As part of the Sydney International Art Series 2023-24, the Art Gallery of New South Wales will present Kandinsky, a major exhibition exploring the work of one of the most influential European modernists. Learn more
SYDNEY STUDIOS VISIT THE GLOBAL HEART OF DIGITAL GAMING; Three digital games studios from Sydney will travel to Germany this month as part of the Australian stand at the world’s largest gaming event, Gamescom 2023. Learn more
WESTERN SYDNEY TREE TECH PROVIDES 1500 HOMES FOR ANIMALS: An innovative tree carving technology pioneered by Transport for NSW has so far provided 1500 new homes for animals. The Habitat Hollows program is being used to offset habitat loss from road projects from the Snowy Mountains to Sydney and the North Coast. Learn more
SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL 2024 EVENT APPLICATIONS OPEN: The first round of applications close on 31 August 2023. Learn more
PRESTIGIOUS GLIDING EVENT FOR NARROMINE: The FAI World Gliding Championships will be held in Narromine from 2-16 December 2023, featuring more than 100 competitors from 20 nations. The event is proudly supported by Destination NSW. Learn more
GONE FISHING DAY GRANTS: Applications are now open for fishing fun and activities as part of the annual Gone Fishing Day on 8 October 2023. Learn more
HYAM'S BEACH NAMED 10TH BEST IN WORLD: Enjoy Travel has revealed its 50 Best Beaches in the World for 2023, with rave reviews for Hyam's Beach. Learn more
FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here
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