FLIGHT BOOKINGS SURGE FOLLOWING
BORDER REOPENING ANNOUNCEMENTThe reopening of Australia’s international borders from 21 February is expected to provide a massive boost for NSW tourism, investment and trade. Andrew David, Chief Executive Officer Qantas Domestic and International, said bookings for flights coming into Australia had doubled within 24 hours of the announcement. "Bookings are strongest out of the United States and UK and we've also seen spikes from South Africa, India and Canada, with March, April and May the most popular months for travel," Mr David said. “This shows how much people want to come to Australia.” Premier Dominic Perrottet said the reopening would provide further momentum
to the NSW Government’s recovery roadmap and the return of foreign investment. Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “Tourism and hospitality operators will welcome the opening of international borders after two incredibly difficult years. This means more jobs, stronger businesses and a faster economic recovery across NSW.” The Australian Airports Association Chief Executive James Goodwin said airports would be ready to welcome back international tourists as soon as the border reopens. Business leaders have welcomed the announcement. Business Council Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said: “We can now look forward to welcoming the
world back to Australia again as a fantastic place to visit, work, study and invest in.” Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said: “A step back to normality, this decision will allow our tourism sector to recover, saving businesses and saving livelihoods. Given we are an export-oriented economy, our future prosperity is contingent on our international borders being open.” Australian Chamber - Tourism Executive Chair John Hart said: “The economic benefits of international tourism to Australia are considerable. Prior to the pandemic, tourism was Australia’s fourth largest export industry, contributing $45 billion in export income each year. Allowing business travellers back to Australia is also important. Much of our economic
growth and economy relies on foreign investment so getting these travellers back into Australia will allow them to make the investment decisions that will boost jobs, growth and living standards of Australians.” Australian Tourism Export Council Managing Director Peter Shelley said: “Australia is an incredible destination and one that enjoyed a place at the top of the global travel bucket list prior to COVID-19 closing our borders back in March 2020, and we can see a strong future for our industry.”
BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR
STAY NSW VOUCHERSThe NSW Government is helping the visitor economy bounce back from COVID-19 restrictions with the opening of business registrations for the Stay NSW voucher program and the launch of the new Parents NSW Vouchers. The new vouchers are a double win – encouraging people to get out and enjoy the best of NSW, while also providing much needed income to businesses affected by the
pandemic. Accommodation, recreation and entertainment businesses such as cultural institutions, live music and arts venues will benefit from this support. All NSW households where a school-enrolled child resided in 2021 can now apply for five $50 Parents NSW Vouchers. Multiple Parents NSW Vouchers can be used in the same transaction up to $250 in total. Vouchers can also be combined by two or more adults from different households. Stay NSW Vouchers will be progressively rolled out from late February, providing NSW residents aged 18 and older with a $50 voucher to spend at registered accommodation providers. Minister for Customer Service and
Digital Government Victor Dominello said that with millions of vouchers to be issued to NSW residents soon, businesses should get ready to boost their income by registering for both programs. “Whether you’re a hotel in Sydney, motel in rural NSW or a holiday park on a coastal town, we want you to take advantage of this stimulus and see more customers come through your doors,” Mr Dominello said. Registered Discover NSW and Stay NSW businesses do not need to register again to accept Parents NSW Vouchers. Eligible new businesses are encouraged to register for Stay NSW and Discover NSW. Once approved, businesses can download the Service NSW for Business app and get ready to accept vouchers. For help with business registration call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or book a call with a Business Concierge.
FEEL NEW HITS HIGH NOTE ON SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE Singer-songwriter Azure Ryder has become the first artist in the world to release a music clip filmed atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Azure Ryder’s rendition of Nina Simone’s 1965 hit Feeling Good is the soundtrack behind the Destination NSW Feel New marketing campaign. Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “I am delighted with the music video for the soundtrack behind our Feel New campaign. It captures all the things I love about our state. From the vibrant energy of Sydney to the welcoming relaxation of our regions, NSW offers remarkable destinations and experiences that re-energise visitors like nowhere else. “We are incredibly blessed in NSW to have some of the most spectacular filming backdrops in the world and to have one of our brightest talents in Azure Ryder pay tribute to her home city
and state highlights what incredible places Sydney and NSW are to live and visit." The video takes viewers on a journey from the Blue Mountains to Sydney, via the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Megalong Valley and nighttime energy of The Rocks. Azure Ryder brings her adventure to a climax alongside the magnificent, curved steel arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
REX AIRLINES EXPANSION CREATES
2500 JOBS BOOST FOR NSWThe NSW Government has helped secure Sydney as the national hub for Rex Airlines, generating more than 2500 new jobs for the state. The package is part of the $250 million Jobs Plus program, offering companies with support to establish and expand their footprint in NSW, including payroll tax relief, streamlined planning approvals and rebates enabling infrastructure construction. Rex Airlines will build a Boeing Flight Simulator Centre at its Sydney headquarters, construct a new aircraft hangar and boost the capacity of its call centre in Orange. Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “By supporting Rex Airlines to expand its Sydney headquarters we are not only
creating thousands of new jobs, but also signalling to the world that NSW is open and ready to welcome travellers.” Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said the government was backing a well-established NSW business with an impeccable track record. “Last year, we incentivised international airlines to recommence flights to Sydney through a $60 million fund," Mr Ayres said. "Supporting the domestic sector to continue those interstate journeys is another crucial step as part of our COVID-19 recovery response plans. “This support will mean jobs right across the board, from construction and maintenance, catering and office staff through to new flight attendants, pilots and engineers who will also
benefit from the new training facilities." Rex Airlines Deputy Chairman John Sharp AM said: “Without the Jobs Plus Program assistance, Rex’s expansion plans in the state would never have materialised in this pandemic climate and many new jobs would not be created." Australian businesses that currently employ 20 or more staff and international companies with at least 80 current employees looking to establish a minimum of 30 new jobs before June 2024 are eligible to apply for the Jobs Plus Program. For more details visit https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/jobs-plus-program.
NEW SYDNEY-BROKEN HILL ROUTE CREATES STRONGER REGIONAL CONNECTIONSQantas this week announced its new Sydney-Broken Hill route during a Destination NSW integration with Channel 7's breakfast show Sunrise. From 8 April 2022, Qantas will operate two weekly return flights between Sydney and Broken Hill on Mondays and Fridays to provide residents with an easy long weekend in the city and allow visitors to make the most out of outback exploration. QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the service would create stronger connections for the far west of NSW for both business and leisure travellers. The Sunrise integration showcased places and experiences across NSW that will make travellers 'Feel New' this year. Presenter Sam Mac explored five regions over five days, ranging from Broken Hill to Yamba, Albury Wodonga, Lake Jindabyne and Newcastle. To coincide with the broadcast, Qantas launched a NSW Sunrise Sale, with flight deals until 21 February for every location.
SYDNEY METRO SEEKS INPUT ON NEW HUNTER STREET STATION The NSW Government has launched an industry engagement process to deliver the new Hunter Street Station and the world-class jobs, economic and tourism precinct around it. The new station will provide an integrated transport hub connecting Wynyard to Martin Place through underground links and providing an interchange between Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, light rail and buses. Sydney Metro will work with landowners, developers and integrators to deliver the best outcome, including the underground station, the buildings and spaces above it. Minister for Transport David Elliott said: “Hunter Street Station will revitalise Sydney’s northern CBD and become a gateway to jobs, business and tourism and a catalyst for economic recovery." Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said: “Bidders for Hunter Street Station will have to show how they will improve the local area and create a precinct and a sense of place, not just a station."
SUMMIT EXPLORES BRINGING SYDNEY CBD BACK TO LIFE The NSW Government today held the third in a series of CBD Summits at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The summit - Kick-Starting Sydney: Recapturing the Energy of the Sydney CBD - explored the revitalisation of the city centre in response to COVID-19. The summit heard from businesses, government and industry groups across a range of sectors, with a focus on how to drive business, employment and foot traffic in the city. It also examined how people will live, work and interact socially in the Sydney of the future. Premier Dominic
Perrottet said the summit would help accelerate the next stage of the Government’s economic plan and bring the CBD back to life. Today's CBD Summit follows two similar events held in the past two years, which resulted in initiatives such as the Dine and Discover program, the $50 million CBD Revitalisation Fund; $66 million investment in alfresco dining; and funding of major events including ELEVATE Sydney, Sydney’s Open for Lunch, Culture up Late and Sunset Piazza.
AL FRESCO DINING REGULATIONS EXTENDED TO SUPPORT VENUESPlanning regulations allowing pubs, bars and restaurants to serve customers outside more easily have been extended. Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “Sydney has the perfect climate and we’re slashing red tape to allow the hospitality industry to make the best of that and bring business roaring back to life.” The measures are aimed at supporting some of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic and designed to keep the economic wheels turning during the Omicron wave of the pandemic. Treasurer Matt Kean said: “We’ve already changed the rules to let diners onto the footpaths and public spaces, and now we’re extending measures to let pubs and restaurants use privately owned car parks and open space until 30 June.” Other measures announced by the NSW Government include the extension of emergency construction hours on weekends until 31 March; and allowing 24-hour deliveries in industrial and business zones.
2022 AUSTRALIAN SURF ROWERS LEAGUE OPEN HEADS TO CRONULLA Australia’s premier surf boat event is bringing more than 3000 competitors, supporters and event officials to Cronulla. The 2022 Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open will be held at Elouera Beach from 17 – 20 February, with almost 300 surf boat crews from 80 clubs attending. ASRL is the biggest stand-alone surf boat racing event in Australia. ASRL President Nick Sampson said the membership loved to travel to the Sutherland region, which was important when making the decision to return to Elouera.
“The ASRL is committed to taking our premier event to top surf destinations that are also visitor-friendly, and through the support of Destination NSW, Sutherland Shire Council, Team Navy and Elouera SLSC, we are able to achieve this in 2022,” Mr Sampson said.
SYDNEY GIVES HOMETOWN ADVANTAGE TO AUSSIE DAVIS CUP TEAMThe 2022 Davis Cup Qualifiers will be held on hardcourt at Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre, from 4-5 March. The Australian Davis Cup team, comprising world No.33 Alex de Minaur, world No.65 Alexei Popyrin, Australian Open men’s doubles champion Thanasi Kokkinakis, world No.12 doubles specialist John Peers and debutant Luke Saville, will line up against Hungary. NSW Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said: “I am delighted that Sydney will host this great Australian tennis team Lleyton Hewitt has
assembled. “Sydney has a proud tennis history and on the back of the successful ATP Cup and Sydney Tennis Classic tournaments, a win against Hungary in the Davis Cup would be another great coup for NSW."
NEW RESIDENCE FOR REPTILES AT TARONGATaronga Zoo’s reptile residents will soon have a new place to call home, with the NSW Government giving the green light for a purpose-built Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre in Mosman. The brand-new facility will replace the zoo’s popular Reptile World, which will soon be demolished to make way for a new on-site Wildlife Hospital. Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts said the centre would be a drawcard for visitors and locals, giving them the opportunity to meet an array of reptiles and frogs and learn about the zoo’s conservation work
to protect species now and for generations to come. Construction on the facility is expected to begin mid-year and will create around 800 design, project management, and construction jobs, helping fuel the state’s economic recovery.
VALE 'MR LIVERPOOL' HARRY HUNTThe South West Sydney Tourism Taskforce this week announced the sad passing of its president, Harry Hunt. The Taskforce develops the visitor economy in suburbs including Liverpool, Fairfield, Penrith, Camden Wollondilly and Campbelltown. Mr Hunt ran the Hunts Hotel in Liverpool for more than 50 years and served at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce from 1980 to 2016. He was awarded
the Senior Citizen Award at Council's Australia Day Awards Ceremony in 2021. Known as ‘Mr Liverpool’, Mr Hunt also served the community through his involvement in the Liverpool Business Awards and Liverpool Rotary Club. Additionally, he generously supported fundraising events for the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool SES, Liverpool Hospital and many more.
FIRST BLAK MARKETS FOR 2022 AT LA PEROUSEThe first Blak Markets for 2022 will be held at La Perouse on 13 February. The program will include a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony with cultural dance performances. Festival goers can also explore stalls selling authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, bush food, crafts and wears, with 100 per cent of the profits going back into Aboriginal communities. The Blak Markets will be held at Bare Island within the Kamay-Botany Bay National Park.
ESCAPE TO NATURE WITH PARK’NPAYWhether it is a day trip to Kosciuszko, exploring the beaches of the Royal National Park or camping under the stars at the Blue Mountains, motorists will be able to pay their vehicle entry fee via Park’nPay as the app rolls out across national parks. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said: “The technology is a game changer and gives drivers the power to easily pay and top up for parking from their phones in a few simple clicks." Since its launch in 2019, more than 78,000 people have downloaded the app.
BLUE MOUNTAINS ANNOUNCES NEW FESTIVAL The Blue Mountains next month celebrates a new festival: Equinox – Autumn Celebration of the Senses. Blue Mountains Tourism president Jason Cronshaw said the festival aligned with the Destination NSW Feel New campaign. Equinox will span the entire Blue Mountains region
over four weekends between 18 March and 10 April 2022. It will include live music at events such as Blue Mountains Music Festival, art workshops, bushwalks, stargazing, fine food, craft beverages and yoga.
$15 MILLION FOR CROWN LAND UPGRADESThe NSW Government will invest $15.23 million from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund in more than 250 projects to maintain and upgrade Crown land reserves and community facilities across the state. Crown land reserves support assets ranging from parks, community halls, nature areas, and showgrounds to sporting facilities, camping areas and walking tracks. Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said maintaining and enhancing Crown reserves benefited
business, tourism and recreation.
SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL CAMP PROVIDERS Businesses impacted by school COVID-19 safety measures in late 2021 now have access to a grant program to help them get back on track. The $14 million grant program is available to businesses such as overnight camp providers, whose services schools were restricted from accessing in Term 4 of 2021. The grants will provide eligible businesses and not-for-profit organisations one-off payments equal to 40
per cent of their decline in Term 4 2021 turnover compared to previous years, up to $15,000.
SYDNEY HOSTS SUMMER STREETS FESTIVALS To help support small business and to provide more outdoor entertainment for residents, the City of Sydney is holding a series of Summer Streets events. Main streets will be closed for a day, from 11am to 10pm. Roving performers and entertainers will help bring the streets to life for each event. On 12 February, Glebe Point Road will be transformed into a relaxed and convivial pedestrian-only zone;
on 19 February, Harris Street will be closed; and on 12 March, Stanley Street will be closed for the event.
SAFETY REBATE DOUBLES TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES Small business owners and sole traders can apply for a NSW Government rebate of up to $1000 to make their workplaces safer during COVID-19, with $1 million added to the Small Business Rebate Program. Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said: “We have doubled the rebate to encourage small business owners and sole traders to think about how they can make their workplaces safer. “This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s
commitment to support small businesses in bouncing back.”
THREE SYDNEY PARKS SET FOR TRANSFORMATION A $19 million upgrade is on the way for parks at Ermington, Frenchs Forest and Belrose, funded through the NSW Government’s $50 million Parks for People program. At Nandi Reserve at Frenchs Forest and County Road Reserve at Belrose, nature trails in the native bushland will be upgraded. Country Road Reserve in Belrose and George Kendall Riverside Park will be transformed into modern, multi-use community and recreation hubs. Construction for all three
parks is expected to begin by mid-2022.
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