AIRLINES ANNOUNCE GROWTH PLANS IN LINE WITH DOMESTIC DEMAND AND TRANS-TASMAN OPPORTUNITY 

Australia’s two major airlines – Qantas and Virgin – have affirmed their commitment to supporting the strong demand for domestic travel through route and fleet expansion, while looking to international opportunities as they present. 

For its part, Virgin Australia Group has announced fast-tracked plans to acquire new aircraft, create more frontline jobs and grow its network to further support domestic tourism. 

The recovery efforts include the reintroduction of 10 additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft and the planned return of more than 80 per cent of the airline’s pre-pandemic domestic capacity by mid-June. Network operational changes will also allow the airline to redeploy Boeing 737 aircraft to other parts of its network over the coming months. Read the full announcement.

Meanwhile, Qantas Group has reported that capacity has reached 90 per cent of pre-COVID levels for Q4 of financial year 2021-21, while Jetstar has exceeded 100 per cent due to strong leisure demand.  

All Qantas and Jetstar domestic crew are now back at work and the continued growth in domestic capacity is expected to continue in FY22 with Jetstar to reach 120 per cent of pre-COVID levels, and Qantas at 107 per cent. 

To help meet increased demand for low fares leisure travel Jetstar will deploy six Airbus A320 aircraft on loan from Jetstar Japan on leisure routes. Jetstar also expects to deploy up to five Boeing 787-8 in the domestic market from mid-year on routes including Sydney-Gold Coast and Sydney-Cairns. Read the full announcement. 

Image: Virgin Australia Group CEO Jane Hrdlicka with support crew. Photo: Glenn Hunt.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR THE $1.6 BILLION NSW WINE INDUSTRY

The NSW Government and NSW Wine Industry Association this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will deliver support to producers and provide a renewed focus on increasing exports and regional industry development. 

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the agreement, signed at a Hunter Valley gathering of wine industry leaders who were meeting with a visiting Trade Mission from European Union nations, will deliver a range of support measures and commitments with an equivalent value of more than $3 million through to June 2023. 

“NSW wine is some of the finest in the world and the agreement we have signed will see the NSW Government and the industry work together to identify initiatives that will help our product achieve even greater success both here in Australia and overseas. 

“This MOU includes the establishment of a new $300,000 Regional Wine Industry Fund, which will provide grants to help producers diversify and improve their existing business or cellar door experience, with a focus on increasing capacity in regional areas,” Mr Barilaro said. 

President of the NSW Wine Industry Association Mark Bourne said: “The NSW Wine Industry is a strong industry that covers everything from the planting and growing of wine grapes to the export and promotion of wine both in Australia and abroad, as well as providing local employment in regions right across the State.” 

The Regional Wine Industry Fund is scheduled for rollout from 1 July 2021. 

DESTINATION NSW EXECUTIVE TEAM UPDATE, GM CONSUMER MARKETING APPOINTED 

Destination NSW has appointed Ms Kathryn Illy to the role of General Manager Consumer Marketing, effective 10 May. 

Ms Illy joins Destination NSW from PwC Australia where she was Director of Brand and Marketing, responsible for leading the organisation’s national brand and marketing strategy. 

Prior to PwC, Ms Illy led the development and delivery of brand and marketing programs for several financial services organisations including Macquarie Group, Kessler Financial Services Australia and CommSec. 

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “We are delighted to have a marketing professional with Kathryn’s track record of excellence in brand strategy and customer experience delivery joining the Destination NSW team. 

“As the custodian of new brands for Sydney and NSW, Kathryn will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the state’s visitor economy. 

“In particular, her experience in consumer-centred campaign design and management and digital transformation programs will contribute greatly to NSW’s goal of becoming the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific,” Mr Cox said. 

Other recent Destination NSW executive appointments include Ms Julie Turpie in the role of General Manager Events, Mr Stephen Mahoney as General Manager Engagement and Development, Ms Lyndal Punch as Chief Financial Officer and Ms Francine Biddulph to the role of Director People and Culture. 

Ms Turpie joined Destination NSW in 2017 and has extensive experience in developing and implementing major event strategies, and the creative development, production and execution of large-scale signature events, festivals, sporting and cultural programs. Mr Mahoney has been with Destination NSW for three and a half years and has extensive experience across many aspects of the visitor economy including six years as Etihad Airways’ Head of Corporate Affairs for the Asia Pacific. 

Ms Punch joined Destination NSW from NSW Treasury where she was its Chief Financial Officer, and Ms Biddulph joined Destination NSW from HSBC Bank where she was the Regional Head of HR for Asia Pacific in the retail banking and wealth management division. 

LAST CHANCE TO SEE CAMPING HOLIDAY SUPERSHOW THIS WEEKEND

Camping and caravanning enthusiasts and roadtrippers are encouraged to catch the final weekend of the Sydney Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow at Sydney Olympic Park before it closes on Sunday.  

Caravan & Camping Industry Association (CCIA) NSW CEO Lyndel Gray said the show had something for everyone this year, with the demand for domestic travel at an all-time high.  

“This year’s Supershow is not only one of the biggest events held in 2021 so far, it is the ultimate destination for caravan and camping inspiration. 

“Given the pent-up demand for both events and travel, we expect this year's Supershow to be as popular as ever and we have a line up to match that includes more than 260 exhibitors showcasing the latest in caravan and camping equipment, caravans, motorhomes, campervans, slide-ons, camper trailers, tents, caravan and camping equipment, 4WD and touring accessories, along with wonderful opportunities to learn more about how to best enjoy your caravan or camping holiday,” Ms Gray said.  

The COVID-safe show is set to offer all the features of previous years, from food stalls to entertainment, displays and children's entertainment.  

Supershow 2021 features a range of fabulous food including a champagne bar, smokehouse meats, barista coffee, healthy food options, licensed eateries, cafes and a sit-down restaurant. 

TV celebrity chef Fast Ed is hosting daily cooking shows, and the program includes free daily seminars and short films, and appearances by special guest Pat Callinan from RV Daily and 4×4 Adventure. 

Supershow tickets must be pre-purchased online. For more information and tickets head to the Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow website.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT TRAVEL AGENTS 

The Commonwealth Government this week announced an additional $130 million to support travel agents who continue to face challenges associated with international travel restrictions.  

This brings to $258 million the Government’s total commitment to support travel agents through the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program. 

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said applications for Round Two of the program would open later this month, to provide further support for eligible travel agents, inbound tour operators and tour wholesalers.  

“Our Government is finalising payments under Round One of the program valued at $128 million, which has supported around 3,000 travel agents who continue to service their customers, including by providing refunds and credits for Australians whose travel has been impacted by state border lockdowns and the closure of international borders.

“Our Government announced 800,000 half-price airfares to support airlines and tourist destinations and when you’re booking your discount holiday, do it through your local travel agent to support them as well. 

“We have been working with industry associations to ensure the delivery of effective and efficient support packages targeted to those industries impacted by the economic fallout of COVID-19,” Mr Tehan said. 

Under Round Two, eligible travel agents and tour operators who have received a payment under Round One may be entitled to a second payment, ranging between $7,500 and $100,000. To be eligible the business must:  

• Have been operating a travel agent, inbound tour operator or tour wholesaler business prior to the announcement of the closure of international borders, and are continuing to operate that business;  
• Have a turnover of between $50,000 and $20 million (or between $500,000 and $200 million Total Transaction Value - TTV) for the 2019 calendar year.

For more information, visit the Austrade website. 

MORE THAN $2.3 MILLION FOR COUNCILS TO MANAGE THEIR COASTLINES

The NSW Government announced more than $2.3 million in coastal funding for councils through the 2020-2021 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program’s planning stream this week, to aid councils in managing their coastlines. 

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock congratulated the councils of Ballina Shire, Bellingen Shire, Byron Shire, City of Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield City, Kiama Municipal, Shoalhaven City and Wollongong City in partnership with Shellharbour City on their successful applications for funding. 

“This funding will ensure councils are supported as they manage the health of our unique coasts and estuaries while improving the resilience of coastal communities through well-planned action. 

“Our Coastal and Estuary Grants Program’s planning stream supports councils to understand the complex coastal and estuarine environment, and ensure our enviable coastlines are protected now and into the future. 

“These latest grants will greatly benefit councils and ensure they can undertake works including scoping studies, preparing their Coastal Management Programs (CMP), updating coastal hazard assessments as well as determining the best way to manage erosion, accretion and inundation issues,” Mrs Hancock said. 

Last year, the NSW Government increased its funding ratio for planning grants and now offers $2 for every $1 provided by a council, which will assist them with developing their CMPs. 

There are currently five funding streams under the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program with one stream dedicated to planning and studies, and the other four designed to implement works identified in certified coastal or estuary management plans. 

Councils can apply for funding to undertake planning and studies at any time during the year, while applications for funding to implement works are available annually. 

Further information on the program can be found here. 

NORTHERN BEACHES & WESTERN SYDNEY SHOWCASED VIA DESTINATION NSW CAMPAIGN   

Destination NSW is running new radio and social media ads promoting the attractions and experiences on offer in Western Sydney and the Northern Beaches as part of the Sydney Love It Like You Mean It campaign.  

The ads highlight the unique attributes of each area, from heritage to headland and prime picnic spots to balcony and rooftop views, reigniting listeners’ interest in visiting these parts of Sydney.  

Visitor experiences featured in the radio spots include:  

• Picnics at Parramatta Park and Palm Beach  
• Skydiving at Picton  
• Watching the Western Sydney Wanderers  
• Surfing at Freshwater  
• Lunch at the Newport Hotel and Jonah’s (Palm Beach).

The ads can be heard across major commercial networks including KIIS, Nova, Smooth, WSFM, The Edge, 2DAYFM and digital, Triple M and digital, C91.3 and 2GB and digital.  

Sydney Love It Like You Mean It launched in late 2020 and to date, has generated more than 42,000 leads for businesses engaged in the visitor economy.   

The campaign is a rally cry to Sydneysiders to book a multi-day staycation, enjoy a meal, a performance or retail therapy, and to visit an attraction to get Sydney businesses back in action by welcoming visitors. Sydney Love It Like You Mean It complements Destination NSW’s statewide Love NSW tourism recovery campaign platform. 

VALE COLIN WALLER

Destination Sydney Surrounds South Board Director, Colin Waller, passed away this week following a long illness. Mr Waller, who was the inaugural chair of Destination Sydney Surrounds South, gave tirelessly to countless organisations over many years, despite his illness in more recent years.  

Mr Waller was a talented businessman and a big supporter of many charities and mentor to many staff of his beloved Heads Hotel. He will be remembered as a loving partner and father, great friend to many, a strong voice for the hospitality and tourism industries, and strong advocate for the South Coast he called home. 

Mr Waller was a former accountant in private practice with established networks in domestic and international tourism, hospitality and hotel/accommodation industries and events. He was not only the owner/manager of Shoalhaven Heads Hotel Motel, he was also the National /NSW State Secretary Treasurer of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Tourism Accommodation Australia.  

Mr Waller’s commitment to the visitor economy and hospitality industries was clear through his previous involvement with Shoalhaven City Council’s Industrial Development and Economic Committee, being the former  owner/operator of the Buckland Hotel in Alexandria, former Chairman/ Director of the ILG (Independent Liquor Group Co-Operative Inc) and HEM (Hotel Employees Mutual Limited). He also chaired Noahs Ark inc, a not-for-profit that operates several centres for children with special needs.