Insights - 15 July 2022
No images? Click here
NSW NO.1 FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
NSW is the most popular destination in Australia for international visitors according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
A total of 231,480 short-term trips were recorded in Australia during May 2022. The number of visitor arrivals on short-term trips to NSW was 81,990, an increase of 65,510 compared with May 2021.
New Zealand was the largest source country for travellers to Australia (46,670 trips), accounting for 20 per cent of all visitor arrivals, followed by India (31,570) and Singapore (26,900).
The three leading source countries for visitors to NSW were New Zealand (14,490 trips), India (9,190) and the United States (9,140).
HOSPITALITY SPENDING SURGES IN NSW
ABS has also released figures showing there has been increased household spending in the NSW visitor economy.
Household spending in hotels, cafes and restaurants in NSW was up 9.8 per cent in May 2022 compared to the same time last year, while spending on recreation and cultural activities rose 5.8 per cent.
Jacqui Vitas, Head of Macroeconomic Statistics at the ABS, said household spending increased in all spending categories in Australia during May.
“Strength in the services categories was driven by transport (up 14.5 per cent), as air travel continued to recover, and higher petrol prices increased motor vehicle running costs,” Ms Vitas said.
Strong growth was also seen in spending on miscellaneous goods and services (up 12.6 per cent), hotels cafes and restaurants (up 10.3 per cent), and recreation and cultural activities (up 10 per cent).
HAVE YOUR SAY ON WESTERN SYDNEY'S
FUTURE VISITOR ECONOMY
Destination NSW is hosting workshops in early August for stakeholders interested in growing the visitor economy in Western Sydney.
As part of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, Destination NSW is developing new Destination Management Plans for the Western Parkland City and the Central River City aimed at identifying gaps and opportunities, plus pathways to realising them.
The workshops will give councils, businesses, Aboriginal stakeholders, universities, industry associations, potential investors, and other stakeholders the opportunity to provide input into the Destination Management Plans.
Destination NSW has engaged a specialist stakeholder engagement firm to facilitate two visioning workshops:
- Western Parkland City – 2pm, 4 August 2022 - Event Centre at Panthers, 123 Mulgoa Road Penrith.
This workshop is for stakeholders in the Blue Mountains, Campbelltown, Camden, Hawkesbury, Fairfield, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly local government areas.
Register here.
- Central River City – 2pm, 5 August 2022 - PARKROYAL Parramatta, 30 Phillip Street, Parramatta.
This workshop is for stakeholders in the Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Parramatta and The Hills local government areas.
Register here.
ABORIGINAL FLAG TO FLY ON HARBOUR BRIDGE
The Aboriginal flag will fly permanently on top of Sydney Harbour Bridge following NAIDOC week celebrations, completing a commitment made by the NSW Government.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “Our nation’s story is rich and enduring and flying the Aboriginal flag permanently above the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a celebration and acknowledgment of that. Honouring this commitment is part of our ongoing commitment to recognise the history, culture, excellence and achievements of Aboriginal people.”
Funding was initially announced in the NSW Budget to place a permanent third flagpole on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, however the Aboriginal flag will now replace the NSW state flag, which will move to the Macquarie Street East precinct redevelopment.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said the $25 million in funding allocated for the additional flagpole would instead be allocated towards indigenous initiatives.
“This builds on the NSW Government’s commitment to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people across NSW, following a $716 million investment in this year’s Budget to prioritise Closing the Gap initiatives,” Mr Franklin said.
“I am proud to be part of the Government that will permanently fly the Aboriginal flag above the Sydney Harbour Bridge and I am happy that a further investment will be made to deliver real outcomes for Aboriginal people across NSW.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said: "The Sydney Harbur Bridge is the primary gateway to our beautiful land and therefore an appropriate place to proudly fly both flags."
MORE HELP FOR NSW FLOOD VICTIMS
The Australian and NSW Governments have extended support committed following the extensive floods in NSW in February and March to include those impacted by the most recent July event.
The package is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments and includes:
$80 million committed to assist with the clean-up and removal of flood and storm related damage, debris and green waste.
Grants of up to $75,000 to assist primary producers that have suffered direct damage.
$1 million grants to each impacted council (the 37 declared local government areas) to assist with their immediate recovery costs.
$36 million committed for a building assessment program for flooded properties, and free demolition of those found to be uninhabitable.
Grants of up to $50,000 to assist small business and not-for-profit organisations that have suffered direct damage.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said: “We are doing everything we can to ensure businesses and not-for-profits get back on their feet as quickly as possible."
Recovery centres and assistance points are operating across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter to support communities recovering from the recent flood event.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the multi-agency hubs were designed to help flood-affected individuals, families, farmers and business owners begin the clean-up and recovery process. Learn more
Destination NSW has created three NSW First Quick Tips Guides that provide practical advice to help tourism businesses prepare, respond and recover from natural disasters:
The Department of Customer Service has also prepared an updated communications toolkit containing the latest floods recovery information and collateral. Click here to download it.
NORTH COAST TOURISM SYMPOSIUM
The North Coast Tourism Symposium and Awards Gala Dinner will be held in Grafton on 28 July 2022. Jointly hosted by Destination North Coast and Clarence Valley Council, the theme of this year’s event is ‘Evolution for Success’. The speaker line-up includes futurist Steve Sammartino, who will discuss emerging technology. The program will also deliver visitor economy updates and networking opportunities. The awards ceremony will recognise local visitor economy industry heroes from across the region.
SOUND WEST ANNOUNCES FULL PROGRAM
Masked Wolf will lead the line-up of Greater Western Sydney artists performing at SOUND WEST next month. Tech heavyweights from Shopify, TikTok, Linktr.ee, Culture Kings, Immutable X and Finder will also be participating in the music and technology festival. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, SOUND WEST will feature 35 keynote sessions and workshops, plus more than 15 live music events and music programs. The festival will be held in Parramatta from 20-28 August 2022.
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL UPGRADE
After more than two years of extensive renewal works, the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall will reopen to the public on 20 July 2022. Funded by the NSW Government, the upgrade is the largest and final project in the Sydney Opera House’s 10-year program of capital works totalling almost $300 million to upgrade the World Heritage-listed masterpiece ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2023.
BROKE REGION PREPARES TO REOPEN
Following the unprecedented floods in the Broke Fordwich wine region last week, many businesses are preparing to re-open this weekend. Winery cellar doors, restaurants and accommodation providers are urging people to show support and visit the region. The Broke Disaster Relief team are also working in partnership with Resilience NSW to raise much needed funds for the community.
WORKING HOLIDAY VISA APPLICATION BOOM
New data shows more than 12,700 working holidaymaker applications were received by the Department of Home Affairs in May, the highest rate in the last 12 months. More than 58,200 working holidaymaker visa applications were lodged in the first five months of 2022 – about 75 per cent the rate of applications before the pandemic. Additional staff have been added to speed up processing of applications.
25 MARTIN PLACE PRECINCT OPENS
A three-story dining and bar precinct has officially opened at 25 Martin Place in Sydney CBD. The new precinct complements Theatre Royal Sydney, which is currently hosting Jagged Little Pill, the Broadway musical inspired by Alana Morissette’s album of the same name. Destination NSW is supporting the return of the award-winning musical to Sydney following its sold-out Australian premiere season in December 2021.
JOEYS MINI WORLD CUP HEADS TO LISMORE
More than 2000 people from across NSW and Queensland will converge on Lismore from 26 September to 1 October 2022 to take part in one of the nation’s largest regional football tournaments - The Joeys Mini World Cup, which includes age categories ranging from Under 10's to Under19's. Destination NSW worked with Lismore City Council, the Northern Rivers Football Academy and Football Far North Coast to secure the event for the next three years.
BANKSTOWN BITES
IS BACK
One of Sydney’s best and most beloved food festivals is returning to delight foodies and amateur chefs alike. Proudly supported by the NSW Government, Bankstown Bites kicks off 30 July 2022 and will showcase the area’s unique food and culture. The action will take place on Olympic Parade, with 24 food stalls and activities at Griffith Park and Bankstown Arts Centre. The event will include a BBQ cooking school, celebrity chefs and food tours.
SUCCESSFUL START TO EDEN CRUISE SEASON
The Coral Princess arrived in Eden this week, marking the return of cruising to the port. Of the 987 passengers who disembarked, 223 went on tours. The majority went on Eden tours, while two tours went to Merimbula. Cruise Eden co-ordinator Debbie Meers said: "Passengers were thrilled with the welcome they received at Eden. They were conscious of the community and the cruise line asked them to wear masks. The main street had markets and it was a bustling day. Many said they would love to come back."
ICC SYDNEY SCOOPS INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
ICC Sydney has taken home two accolades at the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) Congress. The venue was named overall winner of the AIPC Innovation Award, which recognised its new one-stop destination for digital event solutions – Connect Hub. The AIPC Future Shapers ‘EventShaper’ team, including ICC Sydney’s Mathew Haynes (Senior Manager, Live Events), who developed the original solution concept, and Sandra Rae (Senior Manager PR), were recognised for its client portal platform.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
INVESTMENT IN REGIONAL ARTS TOURING DELIVERS SHOWS ACROSS NSW: Regional audiences across the state are in for a show with eight high-calibre arts and culture organisations set to take their shows on the road, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Arts Touring and Multi-Year Regional Arts Touring programs. Learn more
SHOALHAVEN CITY COUNCIL EVENT SUPPORT: Event owners can apply for up to $20,000 in funding if they can prove their event will encourage visitors to experience Shoalhaven in autumn, winter or spring. Applications are open until 18 August 2022. Learn more
ACCC ISSUES DRAFT DETERMINATION FOR VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: ACCC is proposing to grant authorisation for Virgin Australia to enter into codeshare pricing arrangements with its international airline partners - United Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines - for five years. Submissions on the draft determination are due by 29 July 2022. Learn more
LOCAL ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTS OPEN: Local councils, not-for-profit organisations and Local Aboriginal Land Councils can apply for funding to support creative cultural infrastructure projects that improve arts and cultural facilities. The funding is part of the NSW Government’s $72 million Creative Capital program. Learn more
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2022 SYDNEY AWARDS: The 2022 Sydney Awards celebrate the people who have contributed in significant ways to creating a city that is lived and loved by its diverse communities. There are five award categories: Global Sydney, City Visionary, Western Sydney Champion, Emerging Leader and Unsung Hero. Learn more
NEW TESLA CHARGING STATIONS FOR GRIFFITH: Tesla will provide six destination chargers for electric vehicles for the city to encourage electric vehicle tourism. Learn more
FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE ALERT: Travellers holidaying in Bali are being urged to help prevent the highly contagious Foot and Mouth Disease from reaching Australian shores and devastating our $28.7 billion livestock industry. Learn more
HOW AI IS REVOLUTIONISING ROAD MAINTENANCE: The NSW Government is funding a $2.9 million Asset AI™ trial involving 32 sensors installed on 32 public transport buses across Greater Sydney area. 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
