Insights - 3 November 2023
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DESTINATION NSW SECURES BUMPER NOVEMBER
EVENTS LINE-UP
Major events will inject millions of dollars into the NSW visitor economy during November, with Destination NSW securing a bumper calendar for the state.
The events are set to boost visitation to Sydney and regional NSW, solidifying the state’s stature as a hub for cultural and sporting experiences.
Sydney International Art Series, a Destination NSW initiative in collaboration with the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, will bring two major exhibitions exclusively to Sydney.
The largest exhibition of influential modernist Vasily Kandinsky's work ever to be seen in Australia, Kandinsky, will open at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on 4 November 2023. Learn more
Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day? will open at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on 25 November 2023.
The exhibition will include the first presentation in Australia of the French-American artist's world-famous and seminal sculpture Maman 1999. Made of bronze, steel and marble, the monumental spider stands more than nine metres high and will be installed on the forecourt of the Art Gallery’s South Building as an unmissable first encounter with the work of this trailblazing artist. Learn more
Armidale will host the WEMBO World Solo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championship from 4-5 November 2023, proudly supported by Destination NSW.
The event is considered by many competitors, fans and the mountain biking community to be one of the pinnacle challenges globally for the sport. Learn more
The FOX Australian Supercross Championship will return to Newcastle bigger and better in 2023 with the marquee event, the AUSX Triple Crown, kicking off the series at McDonald Jones Stadium on 11 November 2023.
Last year almost 20,0000 fans packed the stadium to see American Justin Brayton take the SX1 crown, proving the popularity of supercross in the Hunter region and growing interest in the Australian domestic series.
The highly anticipated return is a great result for locals as well as the visitor economy of the Hunter region, with the event taking place in partnership with the Destination NSW and Venues NSW, supported by City of Newcastle. Learn more
Practice for the 37th World Gliding Championships will kick off from 28 November 2023 in Narromine, ahead of the opening ceremony on 2 December. The event, proudly supported by Destination NSW, will bring a field of 80 entrants from 23 countries and thousands of spectators to the region, who will stay in hotels, visit attractions and spend locally, supporting local businesses and jobs across the Central West. Learn more
The ISPS HANDA Australian Open will be held at The Australian Golf Club and The Lakes Golf Club from 30 November to 3 December 2023. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, it will create history as the world’s first national open tournament bringing together the best men, women, and all-abilities golfers from across the globe to compete on the same courses at the same time in front of a crowd of over 50,000 people. Learn more
Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) will host the 2023 ARIA Awards on 15 November at the Hordern Pavilion, proudly supported by Destination NSW.
As the vibrant, creative hub of Australia, Sydney will be the ideal location to celebrate Australian talent, against the backdrop of the city's booming music scene and 24-hour economy. Learn more
The following day, Destination NSW will launch a sneak peak of Great Southern Nights 2024. Running from 16-25 November 2023 across Parramatta, Penrith, Enmore, Marrickville and Newtown, it will feature artists including Thelma Plum, Alex The Astronaut, Dami Im, Jet and The Temper Trap.
Next year's full Great Southern Nights program will be held from 8 to 24 March 2024 and is set to deliver more than 300 live gigs in venues across Western Sydney and Sydney’s inner city as well as shows in Wollongong, Wagga, Newcastle, the Northern Rivers and Tamworth.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “This is more than a series of live gigs – it's a display of how the collective passion for live music can deliver rich cultural moments that resonate with locals and visitors alike to create unforgettable experiences.”
CHINESE VISITOR MARKET REBOUNDS STRONGLY
Visitor numbers to NSW from China are on track to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.
Sydney Airport has confirmed seat capacity from mainland China has recovered to 86 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels.
Sichuan Airlines touched down this week, the final of the eight Chinese airlines to resume services to Sydney since China began lifting COVID-19 travel restrictions in January.
Other carriers flying between mainland China and Sydney are China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Beijing Capital, Hainan, Tianjin and Xiamen Airlines. Qantas flights from Shanghai to Sydney have also recommenced.
The nine airlines will operate a combined total of 85 return services per week. At the start of the year just three Chinese airlines were flying into Sydney Airport, operating only four return services a week.
Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said: “The return of Sichuan Airlines comes at a time when capacity to China is nearing pre-COVID-19 levels, something that seemed impossible at the start of the year.
“The pace at which this market has returned has exceeded our expectations and will play a crucial role in supporting the recovery of tourism, business and student travel and the broader NSW economy.” Learn more
Before the pandemic, China was the largest and most valuable inbound traveller market for the NSW visitor economy.
There were 770,700 visitors in total to NSW from China in the year ending December 2019. These visitors stayed 22.2 million nights and spent an estimated $4.1 billion in NSW.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows China was the second leading source country for short-term visitor arrivals to NSW in August 2023, with 27,370 arrivals.
QANTAS RESUMES SHANGHAI FLIGHTS
Qantas flights from mainland China to Australia have returned for the first time in more than three years, with flights initially operate five days per week.
This will add more than 2500 seats per week between Australia and China, growing to over 4000 seats per week when services increase to daily in March 2024.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said: “The business travel market is a key focus for this route and we expect the recent trade developments will drive more travel between Australia and China.
"While demand from Chinese visitors wanting to travel to Australia is below the record levels that we saw prior to the pandemic, demand has been steadily climbing since borders reopened.”
DISNEY CRUISE LINE DEBUTS IN SYDNEY
Disney Cruise Line arrived on Australian shores for the first time this week, with Disney Wonder docking in Sydney Harbour after sailing from Vancouver, Canada.
More than 900 international cast members are on board the ship, providing service and experiences to 2400 guests.
The ship is embarking on an inaugural season of ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ cruises for families in Australia and New Zealand and has announced it will return in 2024 due to high demand.
The next Australia and New Zealand Disney Cruise Line season will set sail from 19 October 2024 through to February 2025.
Carnival Cruise Line’s resident creepy-crawly Fangelica made a special appearance at Sydney Zoo’s Halloween Spooktacular event last weekend before attempting to board the Carnival Splendor as it sailed into Sydney Harbour.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers captured the giant spider and escorted her to the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
Carnival Cruise Line VP Kara Glamore said: “Fangelica’s escape was a bit of a trick, but we hope her appearance will be a treat for families coming through the terminal.”
Sydney is Carnival Splendor's home port year-round.
AUSTRALIAN CRUISE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT CELEBRATES TRIUMPHANT YEAR
The Australian Cruise Association has released its 2022-23 annual report, which reveals a steady influx of daily bookings into ports as cruise ships return to Australian waters.
CEO Jill Abel said: "The rapid and robust growth of our Australian summer season took us by surprise. While we anticipated a strong domestic market rebound as the dedicated cruise community embraced the seas with renewed fervour, the vigour of the return of the international market was most encouraging.
"Overseas cruise travellers graced our waters in solid numbers, outpacing many of the traditional international market segments."
SUPPORT TO ATTEND
ATE 2024
Destination NSW is supporting NSW businesses to attend the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE24), delivered by Tourism Australia. From 19–23 May 2024, ATE24 will bring together Australian visitor economy businesses and global distribution partners to conduct scheduled business appointments and participate in networking events over four days. The New Product Pathway program, delivered by Destination NSW, will reimburse up to 12 NSW businesses to attend as new sellers at Australia’s largest B2B travel industry event. Expressions of interest are open to businesses that register as a new seller at ATE24 by 10 November 2023.
DESTINATION NSW HEADS TO MEETING PLACE
ATEC's annual Meeting Place trade event was held in Adelaide this week. The program offered business-to-business trade engagement appointments, a conference program, break-out sessions, forums and networking opportunities with 120 buyers. Destination NSW attended alongside 30 NSW sellers and engaged with more than 50 buyers. The Remington Orange Marketing Executive Kylie McCloskey said: "Meeting Place allowed us to connect, collaborate and create new business. The takeaway for me was the strength our business is gaining in the international market with support from ATEC and Destination NSW."
REGISTER FOR 'SELL ONLINE' WORKSHOPS
Join Destination NSW for a half-day Sell Online workshop and find out how to increase bookings by using online booking software, creating effective ATDW-Online listings and working with online travel agents (OTAs) to grow visibility. Upcoming workshops include Sydney (register here), Broken Hill (register here), Wagga Wagga (register here), Mudgee (register here), Newcastle (register here) and Port Macquarie (register here).
INBOUND STRATEGY WORKSHOPS
Destination NSW is hosting an Inbound Strategy Workshop in Shoalhaven on 23 November 2023, designed to help visitor economy businesses to develop and sell export-ready products to international visitors via the inbound travel trade. The workshop will suit visitor economy businesses, including accommodation, tours and activities and visitor attractions, including wineries, distilleries, breweries and farm gates.
IVS RESULTS RELEASED FOR AUGUST 2023
Tourism Research Australia has released its International Visitor Survey results for August 2023. The results show there were 551,000 international trips to Australia (78 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels), visitors stayed 19 million nights (87 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels) and spent $2.1 billion (85 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels) during their trips. The top international market was New Zealand with 98,000 trips, followed by China with 52,000 trips. International visitors made 150,000 trips to Australia’s regional areas (65 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels).
NVS RESULTS RELEASED FOR AUGUST 2023
Tourism Research Australia has released its National Visitor Survey results for August 2023. The results show there were nine million overnight trips (up seven per cent on August 2022) and spend was $9.7 billion (up 17 per cent on August 2022). Overnight trips and spend in capital cities were stronger in August 2023 compared to August 2022, with particularly strong results for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Australians took 5.6 million trips (up 7 per cent) to regional Australia and spent $5.2 billion (up 7 per cent) in August 2023.
NEW SYDNEY WATERFRONT CHARTER
New Sydney Waterfront Co has officially launched its Charter for Partnership for the World’s Best Waterfront. The Charter is based on the findings of an Urbis research study into the success factors of global waterfront precincts. New Sydney Waterfront encompasses Sydney's Western Harbour from the Harbour Bridge to the Anzac Bridge. The 2023 Charter provides an evidence-based framework for collaboration to inspire and guide business members of the New Sydney Waterfront Business Improvement District (BID) to invest and collaborate with each other, the community, the City of Sydney and NSW Government in a collective aspiration to make the waterfront precinct even better. Over the next decade, more than $12 billion will be spent on attractions, amenities and experiences in the area.
BESYDNEY RESULTS RETURN TO 2019 LEVELS
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) held its annual general meeting (AGM) and presented its FY2022/23 results on 31 October. It was Chair The Hon Bruce Baird AM’s final AGM, with Professor Mary O’Kane AC taking up the appointment effective 1 February 2024. Secured business results for FY2022/23 were strong, while calendar year events for 2023 are on track to exceed pre-pandemic figures. During FY2022/23, 57 global and national meetings were held in Sydney, which attracted 41,000 delegates and generated an estimated $155 million in direct expenditure for NSW. At the end of the financial year, BESydney had also secured a pipeline to 2030 that included 55 business events that are expected to attract 85,000 delegates to Sydney and generate $364 million in direct expenditure.
APAC HOTEL RECOVERY ACCELERATES
While other parts of the world began their post-pandemic recovery earlier than Asia Pacific, recent STR data suggests that the region is accelerating its recovery process. In the year ending August 2023, hotel occupancy rates surged past 90 per cent of 2019 comparable levels across most subcontinents worldwide, with Asia Pacific occupancy indices ranging from 91 to 100. Combining the forecast data for the remaining months of 2023, Asia Pacific markets including Sydney are poised to recover at a pace similar to the Europe, Middle East and Africa markets.
NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR MUSICNSW
Congratulations to Joe Muller on being appointed as the new Managing Director of MusicNSW. He replaces Emily Collins, who vacated the position in July to take up the role of Interim Head at Sound NSW. Muller has been the Music Curator for Vivid Sydney since 2021 and has considerably grown the festival’s music footprint, with a core focus on free public programming. He will steer the state music body in an exciting new phase as it expands recognition of the economic, social and cultural value of contemporary music in NSW.
NSW PLAYS STARRING ROLE IN FILM & TV
NSW has recorded blockbuster results in the annual Screen Australia’s Drama Report, accounting for more than half of the $2.3 billion spend across Australia. Local production spend hit more than $1.3 billion in 2022/23 – a 20 per cent increase in 12 months. Spend on foreign features was up 305 per cent since 2021–22 and foreign TV and Video On Demand spend were up 25 per cent and 77 per cent respectively. Big-budget international productions such as The Fall Guy, Anyone But You and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, helped to drive foreign expenditure in the state to a record $822 million, more than half of the $1.22 billion national total of foreign production.
SYDNEY STEALS THE SHOW IN HOLLYWOOD FILMS
Sydney plays a starring role in newly released trailers for two Hollywood films: Anyone But You and The Fall Guy. Anyone But You stars Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell as a warring pair who attend a destination wedding in Sydney. Spectacular scenes were shot on Sydney Harbour and other locations during March and April 2023 and the movie will debut in cinemas on Boxing Day. Watch the trailer here. The Fall Guy stars Ryan Gosling as a stuntman and Emily Blunt as his director. It was filmed at locations including Sydney Harbour Bridge, Martin Place and Sydney Opera House from October 2022 to March 2023 and will arrive in cinemas in February 2024.
RECREATIONAL FISHING TRUST GRANTS
The next round of Recreational Fishing Trust Grants has opened. Fishing clubs and local councils can receive funding for projects to improve and promote recreational fishing in their areas, whether it’s by rivers, lakes or the ocean. This year, the grants program will have an additional focus on encouraging applications for projects that will help open up fishing opportunities for people with disabilities, such as fishing platforms in popular fishing spots that don’t have one or that need an upgrade. Grants are available for both large projects valued at more than $10,000 in funding and small projects involving less than $10,000. Applications close 18 December 2023 for projects to enhance recreational fishing, including new fishing facilities and access to fishing spots.
EV CHARGING GRANTS FOR REGIONAL NSW
Applications are open for small to medium regional visitor economy businesses and councils to install EV charging infrastructure via the NSW Government's Destination Charging Program. Successful applicants will receive 75 per cent of the cost of purchasing and installing up to four charge points at each site. Around 3000 EV chargers will be installed at regional destinations under the $10 million allocated for round two of the program. Destinations could include motels, wineries, cafes, restaurants, natural attractions, visitor information centres, museums, zoos and local government facilities. Following the successful rollout of the chargers, a series of EV tourist drives will be developed to promote EV travel across NSW.
SUPERSIZED SUPERCARS SEASON OPENER
Supercars will race into Bathurst in February for a bumper start to the 2024 Championship series. Destination NSW secured the 2024 Supercars Championship opener for Bathurst as part of Bathurst SuperFest. It will include the Bathurst 12 Hour from 16 to 18 February and the Bathurst 500 as the opening round of the 2024 Supercars season from 23 to 25 February, complemented by a program of public community events throughout the week. The 2024 Supercars Bathurst 500 is expected to attract more than 18,500 visitors to the region and generate approximately $11.3 million in visitor spending across the state.
CENTRAL COAST GREEN DESTINATION ACCOLADE
The Central Coast has been announced as the only Australian region to be selected in the 2023 Green Destination Top 100 List. Every year the Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories competition collects outstanding, innovative Good Practice Stories from destinations worldwide to inspire tomorrow's travellers and today's tourism professionals. All selected destinations were evaluated on the core criteria of the Green Destinations Standard identified as the basics of sustainability performance. It is the third year running the Central Coast's Good Practice Story has achieved Finalist ranking.
NEW LOOK FOR SYDNEY AIRPORT VOLUNTEERS
Sydney Airport’s volunteer ambassadors are wearing a new uniform, which has been 100 per cent Australian designed and made. Since 1999, ambassadors have been offering customer support in the terminals, with teams across T1 international as well as T2 and T3 domestic. The new uniform includes M.J Bale jackets and shirts, plus scarves and ties adorned with artwork designed for Sydney Airport by Indigenous artist, Charmaine Mumbulla. Titled ‘Heart Journey’, the artwork reflects the airport being a gateway and connector of people, places and communities and its unique location surrounded by water.
AHA CELEBRATES BEST NSW HOTELS
The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) has recognised the best of the hospitality industry at its annual NSW Awards for Excellence. Armidale’s Tattersalls Hotel took home the lion’s share of accolades, including Regional Hotel of the Year and Best Steak Sandwich. The Log Cabin at Penrith took out the Metropolitan Hotel of the Year award. Best Steak was awarded to Elanora Hotel in East Gosford, while the Best Parmi was awarded to Country Club Hotel Tooleybuc and the Best Burger went to The Prince of Merewether. The state's Best Cheap Eat Meal can be found at Fernhill Tavern in Port Macquarie.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
SECRETARY APPOINTED TO LEAD NSW DEPARTMENT OF CUSTOMER SERVICE: Graeme Head AO, a highly experienced public and private sector leader with 25 years of senior executive experience, will be the next Secretary of the department. Learn more
GREAT KOALA NATIONAL PARK UPDATE: Three advisory panels have been established to provide input into the creation of the park on the state’s Mid North Coast. Learn more
HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN $200 MILLION FLOOD ROADS UPGRADES: The funding is being rapidly deployed into commencing work on the Pitt Town Bypass, as well as commencing enabling works on Garfield Road East at Riverstone and the Richmond Road - M7 to Townson Road - upgrade. Learn more
FOCUS ON PREVENTION TO REDUCE RISK TO LIFE DURING FLOODS: The NSW Government has rezoned parts of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley to ensure new homes are not constructed in high-risk areas. Learn more
DISASTER ASSISTANCE EXTENDED TO THE CLARENCE VALLEY: Following severe bushfires on 13 October 2023, assistance is being provided for people impacted by bushfires in the Inverell, Kempsey, Kyogle, Mid-Coast, Mid-Western, Port Macquarie Hastings and Tenterfield LGAs. Learn more
NEW METRO STATION AT WATERLOO NEARS COMPLETION: Train testing is underway as Waterloo Station prepares to open its doors to passengers next year. Waterloo is one of eight stations that make up the transformative Sydney Metro City & Southwest line that spans from Chatswood in the north, before heading under the harbour, through Sydney’s CBD and onto Sydenham. Learn more
FUNDING BOOST TO BRIDGE WALKING AND CYCLING GAPS IN WESTERN SYDNEY: The NSW Government has announced $60 million for councils across the state to improve walking and cycling, with a major focus on Western Sydney and regional communities. Learn more
35 BLUE PLAQUES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ACROSS NSW: The plaques share the fascinating stories of significant people and events that have shaped the state. Learn more.
EDUCATION PLATFORM FOR OUTDOOR & ADVENTURE PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE: Outdoors NSW & ACT has created a program highlighting the areas that insurers look for in risk and to educate industry on best practice. 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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