SYDNEY 2023 VISITOR ECONOMY FORUM Destination NSW this week held its inaugural Visitor Economy Forum - Sydney 2023. It was an exciting opportunity to share the strategies and programs that are reinvigorating Greater Sydney's visitor economy on its road to recovery. The event's objective was to share information, build engagement, encourage collaboration and inspire fresh, actionable ideas that will help the Metropolis of Three Cities - Eastern Harbour City, Western Parklands City and Central River City - build back better. Attendees heard from a range of
subject matter experts and thought leaders, who shared valuable data and consumer insight as well as details of the events, marketing programs and product development initiatives that will turbocharge COVID-19 recovery efforts in 2023 and beyond.
The program commenced with a Welcome to Country by musician Matthew Boyle and an opening address by Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin. Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said holding the forum had been a goal since he joined the agency in 2020, with the aim of bringing together the many stakeholders who make up the visitor economy of Greater Sydney – a coalition of the best and brightest minds from all parts of the visitor economy – to share information and network. "2023 will be a year of unprecedented opportunity for Greater Sydney, with collaboration accelerating the road to recovery," Mr Cox said. Attendees were informed about the opportunities for rebooting the
international market in areas including major events, business events, wellness tourism and luxury travel. During the 'Showcasing Our Strengths' panel discussion, the latest Virtuoso travel data was explored, which showed the United States has already outperformed 2019 outbound travel numbers for 2022 by 122 per cent. Splendour Tailored Tours founder Carly Rea said luxury travellers were eager for "you only live once" experiences. "Throw wellness into a 'you only live once' experience and any price tag is acceptable," she said.
Other panel discussion topics included 'Making Sydney a 24-hour city', 'The value of major events to a host destination', 'Driving the business visitor economy' and 'Western Sydney: the engine room of the future visitor economy of Greater Sydney'. Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the new airport would operate around the clock without a curfew and cater for an initial 10 million passengers per year, with room to grow to cater for up to 82 million annual passengers. "Those are the numbers everyone needs to get their head around and be ready to accommodate," he said. "We need to ensure the infrastructure is in place when the airport opens in 2026." South By Southwest (SXSW) Sydney Managing Director Colin Daniels said the technology conference would be an opportunity for Sydney to show it possessed both beauty and brains. He predicted SXSW would have a profound impact on the evolution of the city's visitor economy. "When you get future-focused entrepreneurs together, magic happens," he said. Magic also happened in the Cockle Bay Room at ICC Sydney during our inaugural Visitor Economy Forum. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the forum a success, from attendees to panellists, guest speakers and the Destination NSW team that brought the event to life. Destination NSW is planning its next Visitor Economy Forum for the first quarter of
FY24 with an expanded program of insights and initiatives covering Greater Sydney and regional NSW.
MAJOR EVENTS LEAD VISITOR ECONOMY REVIVALA new report shows Sydney’s central business district is bouncing back after business hours. More Sydneysiders are heading into the CBD on weeknights and on weekends than before the pandemic. The report by DSpark for the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) found: - The overall number of people visiting or working in Sydney’s CBD throughout the week and on weekends is 67 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels, rising from 46 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels in January 2022.
- Weekend visits have recovered strongly, with visitors above pre-COVID-19 levels (101 per cent) on average. There are more visitors to Sydney’s CBD than before the pandemic on weeknights after 10pm, peaking at 116 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels around 3-4am.
- CBD workers are at 52 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels, increasing from 34 per cent in January 2022.
- Year-to-date, there are approximately 60,000 people in Sydney’s CBD
per hour on the weekend on average and approximately 80,000 people per hour on average each weekday.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said: “Live entertainment and major events are the dominant force driving people back into the city at night and on weekends, when we’re seeing the biggest recovery since the pandemic. “More people are keen to see a show or visit one of our iconic landmarks, as the weather warms up and lockdowns fade into memory. This data shows how crucial our arts and events industries have been in recent months and they’ll continue to help our cities bounce back."
VIVID SYDNEY BUSINESS PROGRAM LAUNCHESBusiness owners in Sydney’s CBD and surrounding suburbs have been invited to get involved in the largest light festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Vivid Sydney, and apply for Vivid Sydney’s Local Business Program. Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said Vivid Sydney’s Local Business Program would support the local business community and encourage festival attendees to dine, shop, spend, stay and experience the Harbour City. Participants are encouraged to host a one-of-a-kind Vivid Sydney experience, exclusive offer or light up
building façades or harbour vessels over the festival with assistance from Vivid Sydney. The return of Vivid Sydney in 2022 saw Sydney hotels experience their best weekend occupancy rates since 2019, according to figures released by Tourism Accommodation Australia, with bookings jumping to above 80 per cent for the first time since the pandemic began. In 2022, more than 650,000 Vivid Sydney attendees dined out in a CBD restaurant or hotel while 2.1 million enjoyed a sit-down or takeaway meal. Vivid Sydney 2023 will light up Sydney from Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 June.
TWO NSW CITIES IN
2022 GREEN DESTINATIONS TOP 100The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition has revealed its 2022 winners, including two accolades for NSW, with the stories of Central Coast and Coffs Harbour making the list. Now in its eighth year, the Global Green Destinations Top 100 List acts as a showcase of inspiring ‘good practice’ stories from destinations around the world to be shared among destination managers, tour operators and visitors. “With the tourism sector facing very challenging times in the past years, these destinations'
resilience and hard work to become more responsible should be celebrated,” Green Destinations said in a statement. The Central Coast was recognised for its story - 'People Power: Rebuilding a region with ECO at heart' - which shared its goal to fulfil a two-year ‘ECO journey’, unearthing a range of hidden stories and green-hearted businesses across the region, including the sustainable world of oyster farming, launching recyclable cup systems across 30 cafés, installing accessible beach matting in summer and rewilding farmland for native bird species. Coffs Coast's story entry - 'Two Path Strong' - celebrated Aboriginal tourism on the Coffs Coast and the rich culture that has supported the establishment of the first bilingual Indigenous language school in NSW. Known as the ‘sharing people’, the Gumbaynggirr in Coffs Harbour are celebrated widely for giving their abundant food, waterways and knowledge to others, so it is fitting that they received international recognition for their success in sustainable tourism and Indigenous education. Coffs Harbour’s Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours and Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation are also finalists in the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards. The accolades coincide with Indigenous Business Month. This year’s theme, 'Actions Today,
Impact Tomorrow', aims to inspire the next generation of First Nations business leaders. Indigenous Business Month co-founder Mayrah Sonter said: “First Nations cultures are steeped in learning from the people who have gone before us. As a business owner today, we’re paving the way for the young people around us to learn, creating a ripple effect for our sector and opportunities for their future."
Click here to download the Communications Guide, which shares ways to get involved in Indigenous Business Month.
SAY G'DAY SHORT FILM AND TOOLKIT RELEASEDTourism Australia’s new global marketing campaign - Say G'day - has officially launched. With international travel returning after two years of restrictions, Come and Say G’day is a joyful, creative and unmistakably Australian invitation to the world. The campaign echoes the same friendly invitation first extended by actor Paul Hogan in the 1980s. A short film features Ruby the souvenir kangaroo, brought to life with CGI animation. The campaign will run across 15 key international markets to support visitor economy recovery by driving demand for travel to Australia. Click here to view the campaign. An industry toolkit has also been created, which includes campaign information, social media tools and a range of assets.
INDUSTRY WELCOMES
SAY G'DAY CAMPAIGN Tourism Australia's Say G'day campaign has been welcomed by the Australian Chamber – Tourism. Chair John Hart said: "With the tourism landscape becoming increasingly competitive, it is even more important that Australia stands out – and this creative campaign hits the mark." Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “This joyful and engaging campaign will cut through to international audiences and help send a clear message that a trip to Australia is well worth it.” Australian Tourism Export Council Managing Director Peter Shelley said: “This campaign works with proven themes which will resonate across our major international visitor markets, helping to drive recovery and the future of our industry’s growth."
NEW DEIT SECRETARY ANNOUNCED Elizabeth Mildwater has been appointed as Secretary, NSW Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade. Ms Mildwater previously held Deputy Secretary roles at Transport for NSW and most recently was the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Cities Commission. Before joining the NSW Government, she had a distinguished private sector career.
2022 HM AWARDS CONFERENCING FINALISTS Congratulations to the NSW venues nominated as finalists in the 2022 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence. Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach and the Hunter Valley's Spicers Guesthouse will vie for the Meetings and Conferencing Property trophy at a gala dinner at Sydney Town Hall on 25 November 2022.
SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE FLIGHTS ANNOUNCEDThe sky is set to sparkle when the Qantas WorldPride flight from Los Angeles to Sydney takes off on 22 February 2023, bringing members of the American LGBTQI+ community to Australia for the celebration. United Airlines will also fly a special service from San Francisco to Sydney in partnership with Virgin Australia. Domestically, Virgin Australia is offering Pride flights from Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. All flights descend into Sydney on 24 February 2023.
CARMEN IS COMING TO COCKATOO ISLANDThe inaugural Opera On Cockatoo Island will open with Carmen on 25 November 2022. Destination NSW has partnered with Opera Australia to create the three-year series. Minister for Tourism and the Arts Ben Franklin said: “Experiencing a world-class production like Carmen against the striking industrial setting of Cockatoo Island with the world’s best harbour views as the backdrop will be a highlight of Sydney’s summer events calendar and a major visitor drawcard.”
STUNNING NEW HARBOUR BRIDGE RESTAURANT Luke Mangan is opening a restaurant on top of Sydney Harbour Bridge's Pylon Lookout. Luke’s Table will have a single table for 20 guests, who can book as a group or individually at $295-a-head. Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: "This innovative dining offering will not only be a fantastic addition to the city’s culinary scene, it will also appeal to visitors seeking memorable experiences that you can have only in Sydney. It is a great example of private enterprise working with the NSW Government to grow the visitor economy."
T20 COMES TO SYNDEY CRICKET GROUND NSW is set for a major economic injection when Sydney Cricket Ground hosts seven matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, thanks to the NSW Government's 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative. The first Sydney match during the tournament will be the sold-out clash between Australia and New Zealand on 22 October 2022. A Captains Day photoshoot was held this week, with a record 16 skippers taking part. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be watched by more than one billion cricket fans around the world.
FOOD LINE-UP AT
ART GALLERY OF NSW Matt Moran, Clayton Wells, Palisa Anderson and Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo will lead the extended food and beverage options across the expanded Art Gallery of New South Wales when the new building opens in December. Two new dining options will be offered at Sydney Modern Project - Dining by Clayton Wells will be an all-day relaxed experience, while Kiosk, a casual takeaway option, will feature a menu developed by Gamilaroi elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo that highlights Indigenous Australian ingredients. Matt Moran's The Fresh Collective has been reappointed to manage restaurant, cafe, kiosk and event and catering services across the art gallery.
NEW HOSPITALITY CONCIERGE SERVICEThe NSW Government has launched a concierge service to help start or grow hospitality businesses across the state. Minister for Hospitality Kevin Anderson said Hospitality Concierge would streamline the application process and assist businesses and local councils to navigate the liquor licensing, planning and regulatory changes introduced through the 24-Hour Economy reforms. “We recognise that it can be challenging to access initiatives and support which involve contact with multiple agencies. With Hospitality Concierge the process is streamlined through an online enquiry, followed by a phone call at a time that suits you,” Mr Anderson said.
AGRITOURISM TOOLKIT RELEASED The NSW Government has introduced a new agritourism policy aimed at helping farmers to start, run and grow agritourism experiences such as farm stays, cafes, cellar doors, roadside stalls, retreats and fruit picking. A toolkit has been created to help inform stakeholders about the new agritourism policy. It includes key messaging about the policy, newsletter templates, a fact sheet, infographics and a short video to use on social media or in stakeholder newsletters.
GUCCI COMES TO POWERHOUSE The exclusive Australian premiere of the immersive multimedia exhibition Gucci Garden Archetypes will be presented at Powerhouse Ultimo from 17 November 2022. Supported by the NSW Government’s Blockbuster Funding Initiative, the major international exhibition brings to life iconic, maximalist campaigns by Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele during his six-year tenure at the helm of the Italian fashion luxury house.
FIRST QUEER MUSEUM
FOR SYDNEY Sydney's first queer museum - Qtopia - will open in The Bandstand at Green Park, Darlinghurst, ahead of Sydney WorldPride 2023. The City of Sydney has provided an ad hoc grant of $283,500 to fund the development of the museum, which will celebrate, remember, educate and increase awareness of the rich history of the LGBTQIA+ community.
BESYDNEY CEO HONOURED AS FELLOW BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith has been made a Fellow of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in recognition of her service to the institution. The fellowship recognised her service to the UTS Business School, including extensive joint research projects, and her outstanding contribution to business and the broader community.
MOULIN ROUGE HEADS TO CIRCULAR QUAY Destination NSW transformed Sydney’s Circular Quay last weekend into an interactive pop-up precinct inspired by Moulin Rouge! The Musical. There were photo opportunities, a pop-up cafe, giveaways and more. The centrepiece was a huge heart-shaped swing set against an iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour Bridge, with visitors invited to have their photo captured. New Moulin Rouge! The Musical tickets are now available here.
TOURISM INQUIRY COMMENCES The Commonwealth Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, has launched an inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, with a focus on the operation of both sectors in the post COVID-19 world. Senator Deborah O’Neill said: “We encourage a broad range of stakeholders in the tourism and international education sectors from across the country to share experiences."
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS STORM AND FLOOD SUPPORT TOOLKIT: An updated toolkit to help communicate important information to communities and networks impacted by severe weather and floods has been created by the NSW Government. Learn more SCUPLTURE BY THE SEA RETURNS: The
famed outdoor exhibition will feature on the Bondi to Tamarama Beach coastal walk from 21 October to 7 November 2022. Learn more STAR CASINO LICENCE SUSPENDED: In response to the Bell Report, the NSW Independent Casino Commission suspended The Star’s licence. It will also fine the casino giant $100 million and appoint a manager. Learn more CLIA ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT RELEASED:
The results of the 2022 Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report show progress towards achieving the industry’s vision of net-zero carbon cruising globally by 2050. Learn more NEXT STEP TO PROTECT WOLLUMBIN NATIONAL PARK: The future of Wollumbin National Park on the NSW North Coast will be guided by Aboriginal custodians after the development of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Wollumbin Consultative Group. Learn more FREE SENIORS CHRISTMAS CONCERTS IN NOWRA: Seniors will be treated to performances by musical powerhouses Rhonda Burchmore and Rob Mills at this year’s Seniors Christmas Concerts in Nowra, supported by the NSW Government. Read more
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