Insights - 14 April 2023
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VIVID SYDNEY PAYS TRIBUTE TO JOHN OLSEN AO OBE
Vivid Sydney 2023 will pay tribute to John Olsen AO OBE, one of Australia's most acclaimed artists, who died this week at age 95.
Mr Olsen’s vibrant paintings will illuminate the Sydney Opera House sails from 26 May to 17 June as part of the festival. The animated artwork Lighting of the Sails: Life Enlivened will spotlight his interest and fascination with Australian nature and landscape.
Through images selected by curator Dr Deborah Hart and animated by creative technologists Curiious, Life Enlivened will celebrate the power of Mr Olsen's art to envision the natural world anew.
Born in Newcastle in 1928, Mr Olsen's career spanned more than 60 years, with his work exhibited in galleries across Australia and internationally. He was a winner of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes.
Premier Chris Minns said: "John Olsen captured the very best of our country in the most magical way. In losing John, we have lost one of the greatest artists Australia has ever seen. Someone whose work came to define our great country. And someone who tirelessly championed the arts, as a pivotal part of Australia's cultural identity."
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: "John Olsen was a giant of Australian art and his work will live on for generations to come. We are proud to be honouring his significant talent and creative legacy on the sails of the Sydney Opera House for Vivid Sydney 2023. We know John was enormously excited and proud about this project. Our condolences to the Olsen family."
Watch Mr Olsen discuss his Vivid Sydney piece here.
MIKE WHITE & JENNIFER COOLIDGE TO JOIN
VIVID SYDNEY LINE-UP
Creator, writer and director of The White Lotus Mike White and star of the series Jennifer Coolidge have been added to the Vivid Sydney festival program for 2023.
The pair will join forces for Mike White & Jennifer Coolidge in Conversation – an exclusive event as part of Vivid Ideas – to discuss their careers and reveal anecdotes from their decades of experience in Hollywood.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “Sydney is a city where creative industries, ideas and conversations can thrive. I am pleased to see this event added to the program. I hope it will be an opportunity for Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge to fall in love with NSW when they visit.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “We’re thrilled to share that The White Lotus creator Mike White and star of the series Jennifer Coolidge will join this year’s Vivid Sydney line-up. Securing these huge megastars cements Vivid Sydney 2023 as the biggest and most culturally relevant program yet.
“This exclusive event will allow audiences to see behind the curtain on what has become a massive cultural zeitgeist and hear from two of the hottest figures in the creative industries right now."
Mike White & Jennifer Coolidge in Conversation will be hosted at the Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour, on 10 June 2023 and will be moderated by Benjamin Law.
TRAVEL TO NSW EXCEEDS PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS
Tourism Research Australia’s monthly snapshot for January 2023 shows domestic overnight trips to NSW have exceeded pre-pandemic levels, up seven per cent compared to January 2020.
NSW was number one for overnight trips, nights stayed and visitor expenditure.
There were more than 3.554 million overnight trips to NSW in January 2023. This was up 12 per cent compared to January 2022. Regional NSW received more than 2.853 million overnight trips in January 2023, up eight percent compared to January 2022 and 13 per cent compared to 2020.
Visitor expenditure in NSW was up 38 per cent compared to January 2020, driven by both tourism recovery and the rising costs of products and services.
Across Australia, spend was up 29 per cent ($2.7 billion) on January 2020 to $11.9 billion. There were 11 million overnight trips, up three per cent compared to January 2020. Visitors spent 51.4 million nights away, which was on par with January 2020.
SYDNEY BRINGS THE BEAT TO FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
There are less than 100 days until the kick-off of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and hundreds of football fans have united in Sydney to celebrate the milestone.
Excitement is building for the world’s largest women’s sporting event, which is proudly supported by Destination NSW as part of its 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative. Fans will converge on Sydney in July and August, with 11 of the record 64 matches taking place in the Harbour City.
The Matildas will take on the Republic of Ireland on 20 July, marking the opening day of the tournament, with 32 nations competing for the championship trophy.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “This will be a significant moment for Sydney and for NSW.”
“I know that the next generation of Matildas will be inspired when they see our global superstars Sam Kerr, Clare Polkinghorne and Hayley Raso among others take the field for Australia.
“The NSW Government is incredibly proud to support this significant, history-making event, working in unity with FIFA, the Local FIFA Subsidiary and a range of local partners to showcase Sydney to the world and deliver a long-lasting legacy to our community.”
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will provide a huge boost for local businesses including accommodation and hospitality providers, visitor attractions, retailers and more."
This week also saw the launch of the official chant of the tournament, the Unity Beat, which will unite supporters around the world during the event and form part of the match day experience.
Watch fans chant the Unity Beat here.
Last-minute tickets for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 have also been released.
CHAMPION REGIONAL NSW AS A BOARD DIRECTOR
Destination NSW, on behalf of the Destination Networks, is inviting applications for the position of Board Director for the state’s Destination Networks. A Board Director Recruitment Package is available that includes the role description, Destination Network map, remuneration, how to apply and the requirements for these positions. To request a Board Director Recruitment Pack, email recruitment@dnsw.com.au with ‘Destination Network Board Director Recruitment Pack’ in the subject line. Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 17 April 2023.
TOURISM CONFERENCE FOR MANLY
Local government staff and councillors, key industry stakeholders and local operators from across NSW will gather in Manly next month to learn more about promoting their destinations and visitor economies. Hosted by Northern Beaches Council from 29-31 May 2023, the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference 2023 will explore strategies from embracing the 24-hour economy to running major festivals and events. Keynote speaker Layne Beachley AO will discuss the benefits of wellness tourism, while Northern Beaches Council will organise site visits for delegates.
UCI WINS FOR WOLLONGONG
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has published a report on the economic impact of the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong. It shows more than 96,000 unique spectators attended the event, contributing $58 million to the local economy. Held from 18-25 September 2022, it had a 97 per cent satisfaction rating with attendees, with 88% of Australian visitors from other regions and 74% of visitors from other countries saying they would recommend Wollongong as a holiday destination. The event, which was proudly supported by Destination NSW as part of its 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative, was also widely broadcast on television (in 59 countries for a cumulative audience of 132 million viewers) and covered on social media (7.5 million impressions on Instagram, 14.3 million on Twitter and a total reach of 14.3 million on Facebook).
NEW DESTINATION SOUTHERN NSW GM
Richard Everson has been named as the new Destination Southern NSW (DSNSW) General Manager. Mr Everson was a Growth Facilitator with the Commonwealth Government’s Entrepreneurs Programme, has worked as a Project Officer for Regional Development Australia Southern Inland and has more than a decade of direct tourism experience as the owner of Country Guesthouse Schonegg. Mr Everson said: “I am keen to further position DSNSW as an active advocate and facilitator for the growth and development of the regional visitor economy. Our Destination Management Plan is a high-level framework that guides the delivery of the Southern NSW visitor economy and I can’t wait to get actively involved in bringing to life its many initiatives. I am keen to support our operators to deliver unforgettable experiences.”
OVERSEAS ARRIVALS FOR FEBRUARY
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows NSW welcomed 247,020 short-term visitor arrivals in February 2023, an increase of 212,120 compared with February 2022. The three leading source countries for NSW were the United States (37,730 trips), United Kingdom (28,910) and New Zealand (27,390). There were 35,970 long-term visitor arrivals, 12.8 per cent higher than pre-COVID levels in February 2019. A total of 600,710 short-term trips to Australia were recorded, an increase of 510,250 compared with February 2022.
NURA DIYA OPENS AT TARONGA ZOO
A new native wildlife experience at Taronga Zoo - Nura Diya Australia - has officially opened. The new $16 million precinct funded by the NSW Government offers an opportunity for visitors to experience in close proximity some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife in the heart of Sydney including dingoes, which have been returned to Taronga Zoo for the first time in 14 years. The Nura Diya Australia journey starts as guests walk through two Angophora Bark sculptures created by First Nations artist Jacob Nash.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVALS GROW
The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms almost 143,000 students arrived in February, 93,270 more than in the same month last year. Provisional estimates indicate a further 54,350 students entered Australia in March. Universities Australia acting Chief Executive Peter Chesworth said: “Education is a serious economic driver and added more than $40 billion to the economy pre-COVID-19, helping to pay for the essential services Australians need and enjoy."
50TH AIRLINE FOR SYDNEY AIRPORT
Sydney Airport has welcomed its 50th airline with Vietjet’s inaugural service from Ho Chi Minh City on 13 April. It is the highest number of airlines flying regular scheduled passenger services the airport has seen in its 103-year history. Vietjet will offer three return services a week from Ho Chi Minh City. Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said: “The Vietnam market has experienced a strong surge in capacity and demand, with passenger volumes 14 per cent above pre-COVID-19 levels in March 2023."
COFFS TRIUMPHS AT GREEN AWARDS
Congratulations to Coffs Harbour on taking out third place in the Culture & Tradition category at the Green Destinations Story Awards. The awards celebrated inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism development from stories submitted to the annual Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition. 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.
MOST AUSSIES PLAN TO TRAVEL IN 2023
The American Express 2023 Global Travel Trends Report has revealed Australians plan to spend an average of $7740 on their holidays this year. Nearly every Australian (97 per cent) said they planned on taking at least one trip in 2023. The top four global travel trends highlighted in the report were: the rise of "set-jetting", with popular movies and TV shows inspiring people to visit locations; people choosing destinations based on dining experiences; wellness holidays; and going off the beaten track to support local communities when travelling.
WORLD'S BEST NEW HOTELS
Two Australian hotels have been named on Travel + Leisure's 100 Best New Hotels in the World list and both are in NSW: Osborn House in the Southern Highlands and Ace Hotel Sydney. Osborn House is a restored 1890s building in Bundanoon that has been styled as a five-star luxury boutique hotel, while Ace’s first opening south of the equator is a 257-room hotel in Surry Hills.
CENTRAL DARLING SHIRE TOURISM APP
A new tourism app has been launched to help travellers discover the Central Darling Shire. The app includes a blend of Indigenous and European heritage information, old and new photographs, a kids' quiz, animations and interviews with locals. These are explored through a series of six self-guided walking and driving tours taking in Wilcannia, White Cliffs and Menindee.
SPENDING SURGES IN HOTELS & BARS
The Australian Bureau of Statistics Monthly Household Spending Indicator for February 2023 shows spending in NSW hotels, bars and restaurants rose 26.1 per cent, while transport rose 25.5 per cent. Across Australia, household spending rose 11.8 per cent in February compared to the same time last year. Robert Ewing, ABS head of business indicators, said this represented slower growth in household spending, as Australians continued to adjust to cost of living pressures.
SCENIC ECLIPSE II NEWCASTLE DEBUT
Scenic Eclipse II has embarked on her maiden voyage from Portugal prior to heading to NSW in April 2024. Its first Australian cruise will start where Scenic first began in Newcastle and then sail to Broome. General Manager of Sales & Marketing Anthony Laver said: “Bringing Scenic Eclipse II home to Australian waters will be a major event for our guests and travel trade partners, setting the new benchmark for ultra-luxury cruising in the region."
VALE AVIATION PIONEER MAX HAZELTON
Pioneer of regional aviation Max Hazelton has passed away at age 95. Mr Hazelton was instrumental in shaping Australia’s regional aviation industry from co-founding Hazelton Airlines to campaigning for a third runway in Sydney, which helped add more capacity for regional flights. Hazelton Airlines employed 270 people and carried 400,000 passengers a year to 23 destinations before it became part of Ansett Australia in 2001 and was later resurrected with Kendall Airlines to become Rex Airlines.
AUSTRALIA MARKETPLACE EVENT REGISTRATION
Seller applications are open to attend Australia Marketplace South East Asia 2023 and Australia Marketplace India 2023. Australia Marketplace South East Asia 2023 will take place in Singapore from 19 to 21 July 2023 and Australia Marketplace India 2023 will take place in Bengaluru, India from 23 to 27 July. Each event will include two and a half days of pre-scheduled appointments between buyers and sellers as well as networking opportunities. Applications close on 12 May 2023.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
COMMITTEE FOR SYDNEY RELEASES NATURE POSITIVE SYDNEY REPORT: The report has suggested 10 key moves for growing Sydney’s living infrastructure. Learn more
AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL TOURISM CONVENTION 2023: Earlybird registration has opened for the 2023 Australian Regional Tourism Convention. The event will take place in Newcastle from 10 to 12 October. Learn more
AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE 2023 (AFIC): Pre-sale tickets for the conference are available until 16 April, with a 20 per cent saving on the full registration price. AFIC will take place from 30-31 August at Luna Park Sydney. Learn more
HOLIDAY PARK BOOKINGS UP 40 PER CENT: BDO analysis shows NSW holiday and caravan park Easter bookings were up 40 per cent compared with the same time last year. NSW holiday parks were expected to record a 70 per cent occupancy rate, up from the 50 per cent national average for Easter 2022. Learn more
REX ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN DOVETAIL ELECTRIC AVIATION: Regional Express (Rex) has taken a 20 per cent stake in Dovetail Electric Aviation, which is pioneering the conversion of turbine powered aircraft to electric, emission-free propulsion. 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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