Insights - 22 April 2022
No images? Click here
EASTER TRAVEL BOOSTS NSW VISITOR ECONOMY
Leisure travel soared to pre-pandemic levels over Easter as Australians eagerly embarked on air and road trips after two years of lockdowns and restrictions.
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chair John Hart said: “The boom is concentrated around tourism and leisure destinations, especially across regional destinations, where we are seeing very high occupancies.”
Australian Tourism Industry Council deputy chairman Daniel Gschwind said travel activity was a welcome relief for operators, some of whom were seeing stronger bookings and occupancies than before COVID-19.
“The propensity to travel overseas is still quite low, which presents a golden opportunity for the industry to entice Australians to see their own backyard,” Mr Gschwind said.
NSW residents also embraced the NSW Government’s voucher programs over the Easter long weekend, with more than $25 million injected into businesses across the state during the four-day break.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “With more than 266,000 vouchers redeemed over the Easter long weekend, the Dine & Discover NSW program enjoyed its biggest uptake since Christmas providing a $12.3 million boost to the economy and Stay NSW also set a redemption record with people enjoying the sights of this beautiful State to the tune of $10.3 million."
Around a quarter of the long-weekend’s redemptions were in the City of Sydney followed by Wollongong, the Central Coast, Newcastle and then the regions.
The uptake of Parents NSW vouchers set a new redemption record with 32,558 used on Good Friday alone, making it the single biggest day in the history of the program since launching in February.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said: “Over the holiday weekend, more than 117,000 Parents NSW Vouchers were spent, totalling $5.8 million in voucher redemptions.
“With an average customer spend of $96 for every $50 voucher, Parents NSW is providing the perfect stimulus for registered Discover NSW and Stay NSW businesses, injecting more than $10.3 million into the economy over Easter.”
The vouchers are valid until 9 October 2022 and it is not too late to register your business for the program.
FIRST CRUISE SHIP ARRIVES IN SYDNEY HARBOUR
AFTER TWO-YEAR HIATUS
P&O Cruises Australia’s flagship Pacific Explorer received a spectacular welcome home to Sydney this week with a ceremonial water cannon salute celebrating her arrival – marking the start of the rebuilding of the $5 billion a year Australian cruise industry.
Pacific Explorer became the first cruise ship to return to Australia in more than two years and was welcomed by chartered boats carrying cruise suppliers, loyal passengers, travel agents and cruise line staff, who cheered as the ship came into view.
Leading the water cannon salute was the Port Authority of NSW’s fire tug, Shirley Smith — named after a Wiradjuri woman, social worker and humanitarian — in consort with Engage Towage’s water cannon tugs Martinique and Fitzroy. Two other Engage ‘working’ tugs, Cook and Diamantina, accompanied Pacific Explorer to the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
“It was always going to be an emotional homecoming for Pacific Explorer and her crew and this was a fitting celebration for her return to Sydney,” P&O Cruises Australia President Marguerite Fitzgerald said.
“Pacific Explorer coming through Sydney Heads after two long years was a magic moment and I am proud to say there was hardly a dry eye among our suppliers, guests and staff.
“Pacific Explorer’s arrival has replaced uncertainty with optimism and marks the rebound of cruising, on the way to re-establishing Australia as the world’s most successful cruise market, previously contributing more than $5 billion annually to the national, state and regional economies and supporting 18,000 jobs.”
Ms Fitzgerald said the first cruise carrying fare-paying guests would be on 31 May, a four-night round trip from Sydney to Brisbane. It would operate with comprehensive health and safety protocols developed in collaboration with eastern seaboard governments.
Port Authority of NSW Chief Executive, Captain Philip Holliday said: “Hearing our marine pilot requesting port clearance and our vessel traffic team welcoming the ship’s Captain back to Sydney Harbour was one of the sweetest radio calls I’ve heard for a long while."
Transport Minister David Elliott said: “Today our city reclaimed its title as the gateway to Australian cruising, with Sydneysiders and boaties once again witnessing the miracle of modern shipping. Sydney Harbour has long been the jewel in the crown for Pacific cruising."
Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson said: “This will be the first of many cruise liners to return, which is great for CBD hotels that have been doing it tough for so long, but the benefits are much more widespread. The visitor economies of other parts of NSW, like Eden and Newcastle, also benefit each and every time one of these liners docks.”
MUSIC FESTIVAL MAGIC RETURNS TO NSW
Music festivals are roaring back to life following the Great Southern Nights initiative by Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which reignited the live music scene across NSW.
Managing director of the industry body Music NSW Emily Collins said: “We’ve seen things start to come back blazing the last few weeks since restrictions lifted: sold-out shows, eager crowds and world-class talent."
Bluesfest returned over Easter, selling more than 101,000 tickets, with 15,000 being purchased in the week leading up to the event. The festival employed 1200 workers, 350 stallholders and 400 volunteers.
A Bluesfest spokesperson said artists played to the largest and most appreciative crowds they’ve enjoyed in years and, in many cases, their careers.
Tickets to Bluestfest 2023 go on sale soon. Click here for more details.
The rescheduled Tamworth Country Music Festival kicked off on Monday and has also enjoyed a last-minute surge in tickets sales, including a very high percentage of first-time attendees. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Tamworth Country Music Festival is Australia’s largest music festival, with a program featuring 700 artists and more than 2800 events across seven days.
Destination NSW is a proud supporter of Tamworth Country Music Festival and it's not too late to enjoy the magic of the event, which runs until 24 April. You’ll find gig information here.
A sea of bejewelled jumpsuits, poodle skirts and hip-swinging rockers converged on Sydney’s Central Station on 21 April to board the Elvis Express, bound for the Parkes Elvis Festival.
Parkes Mayor Ken Keith donned a blue jumpsuit to wave fans off at the platform: "People just want to let their hair down and have fun again. Elvis has such wonderful music that so many people know and can sing and dance to and there's the opportunity to dress up."
Elvis tribute artists performed special concerts throughout the train journey, entertaining passengers on their pilgrimage to Parkes.
The 2022 Parkes Elvis Festival runs from 20-24 April and features a huge range of free and ticketed events including the headline Feature Concert Series, Elvis Gospel Service, the Northparkes Mines Street Parade and free entertainment at the Cooke Park Main Stage.
FUNDING TO OPEN NEWCASTLE AIRPORT TO THE WORLD
The Australian Government is providing $55 million to make the Newcastle Airport an international hub. Building on its $66 million investment to upgrade the runway, the Government has announced additional funding to upgrade and expand the terminal, which is expected to bring a further 850,000 visitors to the region. Transforming Newcastle Airport into an international hub will also create more than 4400 jobs and generate $12.7 billion in economic activity.
MAKEOVER FOR OBERON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Oberon Visitor Information Centre will undergo a makeover thanks to $502,559 in Australian Government support through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program. The external walls will be painted and the entrance upgraded, while visitors will also enjoy a fossicking and foraging experiential zone, a virtual reality experience, new vibrant customer service area, refurbished display zones and branding and infographic upgrades, creating a warm, inviting space.
RETURN TO FULL ANZAC DAY SERVICES
Veterans across NSW will be honoured through traditional Anzac Day commemorative services on 25 April, with 2022 heralding the return of full-scale dawn services and marches. Two-up will also be allowed to be played at clubs and pubs across all three days of the Anzac Day long weekend for the first time. Minister for Hospitality Kevin Anderson said: “This is a great way for people to come together to enjoy the Anzac spirit while paying respect to veterans past and present while also giving pubs and clubs a leg up as they continue to recover from a challenging few years.”
FESTIVALS ONE-STOP SHOP GUIDE GOES LIVE
Music festival organisers now have a one-stop shop to help them plan the ultimate event. The online Music Festivals Guide has been developed to cut red tape and make it easier for operators to organise their events. The online resource enables festival organisers to refer to a simple approvals checklist, understand who to talk to, what approvals are needed and when, so the festival runs smoothly. The NSW Government also launched the Event Saver Fund in January to provide financial support to organisers of major events that are cancelled or significantly disrupted as a direct result of a Public Health Order.
2022 LGNSW DESTINATION & VISITOR ECONOMY CONFERENCE
Have you registered to attend the 2022 LGNSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference? The three-day event is being held from 17-19 May in the NSW Central West. It will bring together local government staff and councillors, key industry stakeholders and local operators to discuss insights and the ever-changing world facing future visitors. Destination NSW is a strategic partner of the conference, which will feature keynote speaker Professor Tim Harcourt, the new Industry Professor and Chief Economist at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney.
VIVID SYDNEY CELEBRATES DIVERSITY WITH LGBTQIA+ LINE-UP
Vivid Sydney, the annual celebration of creativity, innovation and technology, is proudly honouring queer Sydney with a compelling line-up of performance, talks and parties featured across Light, Music & Ideas. Artists include Troy Sivan, Perfume Genius and Cakes Da Killa, plus Queer Sydney at Powerhouse Museum and the Heaps Gay Qween's Ball at Luna Park Sydney. Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney tells the compelling story of Sydney’s creativity and innovation and LGBTQIA+ communities have always been at the essence of our city’s soul." Vivid Sydney is proudly owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW.
THREE OPALS VS JAPAN GAMES TO BE PLAYED IN NSW NEXT MONTH
Basketball Australia has announced that Olympic silver medalists Japan will head to Sydney next month to play three matches against the Australian Opals in the lead up to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022. Two games will be played at Sydney Olympic Park at the Quaycentre, the third game will be hosted regionally at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. Destination NSW is proud to support the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup as part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative.
DUEL IN THE POOL RETURNS TO SYDNEY IN AUGUST
Destination NSW is partnering with Swimming Australia to host Duel in the Pool from 19-21 August. Australia and the United States will each select a team of 30 Olympic, Paralympic and National Team athletes to contest pool events at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC) and an Open Water component at Bondi Beach. Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said: “This is going to be an absolutely enthralling battle for supremacy in the pool watched by millions of people on both sides of the Pacific."
MEMORABLE PEOPLE & EVENTS RECOGNISED WITH BLUE PLAQUES
The first 17 Blue Plaque recipients have been announced from the initial round of public nominations. They include aviator Nancy Bird Walton, artist Brett Whiteley and public education advocate Bessie Robinson. The initiative is inspired by the Blue Plaques program in the United Kingdom and is designed to highlight the amazing people and stories that have shaped our state. They will be installed in the second half of 2022 after consultation with property owners and communities.
$15 MILLION FUNDING BOOST FOR ALBURY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
The Albury Entertainment Centre is receiving a major boost, thanks to $15 million funding from the NSW Government. The funding will support the expansion of the convention wing at the centre, providing new pre-function spaces, offices, meeting rooms, an upgraded theatrette, an upgraded loading dock and a multi-purpose events space. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the upgrades would also boost the local economy and create jobs.
LAKE MACQUARIE TO HOST AIR RACE EVENT
The Air Race World Championship will bring the high-octane event to the Lake Macquarie region thanks to a $2.5 million grant by the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund. Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said: “This will be a great opportunity for locals to get out and see some of the best pilots in the world compete against the clock racing through inflatable airgates at more than 400 kilometres per hour."
APPLY YOUR EXPERTISE TO CONSERVATION
Are you interested in contributing to one of the eight National Parks and Wildlife Service Regional Advisory Committees in NSW? Applications are being sought from members of the community who have a strategic interest in caring for and protecting our environment and heritage. Applicants are expected to have strong connections to the national parks and reserves in the administrative region they represent. Applications close 4 May 2022.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
CHAMPION REGIONAL NSW AS A DESTINATION NETWORK BOARD MEMBER: Destination NSW is inviting applications for the position of Board Director for the state’s Destination Networks. Please email recruitment@dnsw.com.au to request a Board Recruitment Package. The closing date for applications is 2 May 2022. Read more
MORE SUPPORT FOR HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES: Thousands of hospitality businesses will have an extra four months to pay their annual liquor licence fees, with the NSW Government postponing the due date from 30 May to 30 September 2022. Read more
NEW DATES ANNOUNCED FOR NORTH COAST FESTIVAL OF FLAVOUR: Destination North Coast is calling on food, beverage and agri-tourism businesses to open their doors and offer events, unique experiences and special deals to attract visitors during the North Coast Festival of Flavour on 3-5 June 2022. Read more
900,000 ATTEND 2022 SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW: The Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) bicentenary Sydney Royal Easter Show welcomed a staggering 900,000 visitors, with approximately 30 tonnes of potatoes turned into chips on a stick and the Country Women’s Association baking 34,204 scones in its kitchen. The RAS will inject $65,000 from the sale of Ag Bags and $40,000 from the Big Bush BBQ back into local shows across NSW. Read more
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED FROGS HOP BACK INTO THE WILD: Eighty critically endangered Spotted Tree Frogs will be introduced into Kosciuszko National Park in the first release of this species since they were severely affected by the unprecedented 2019-20 summer bushfires as part of the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program . Read more
UPDATE ON COVID-19 SETTINGS: From 6pm on 22 April, close contacts of COVID-19 cases will no longer have to isolate, as long as they have no symptoms and comply with the guidelines. Public Health Orders requiring key workforces to be vaccinated will also be lifted, with vaccine requirements to be based on risk assessments under occupational work health and safety. From 30 April unvaccinated international arrivals will not be required to undertake hotel quarantine. Read more
FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here
DID YOU ENJOY THIS NEWSLETTER? Forward it to colleagues and friends so they can subscribe too. Was this issue forwarded to you? Click here to sign up
