Insights - 10 June 2022
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VIVID SYDNEY ATTRACTS RECORD VISITORS
& BOOSTS RESTAURANT BOOKINGS
Since Lights On less than two weeks ago, Vivid Sydney 2022 has attracted around 1.2 million visitors, celebrated the largest opening weekend on record, and is on track to match previous visitor numbers over the long weekend.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Queen’s birthday weekend was historically Vivid Sydney’s biggest and busiest weekend.
“Vivid Sydney visitors have turned out in record numbers, with weekends being the most popular. It’s fantastic to see the crowds and we’re looking forward to another bumper long weekend,” Mr Ayres said.
“Vivid Sydney is transforming Sydney and having a huge impact on the recovery of our visitor economy and creative industries. Friends and families are out enjoying our Harbour City, restaurants are busy and our hotels have seen bookings spike to numbers we haven’t seen in years.
Last Saturday night saw more than 222,000 visitors, the second-largest audience ever on the Vivid Sydney footprint and more than 500,000 visitors are expected over the four nights of the long weekend.
Restaurants on the Vivid Sydney footprint have recorded more than 300,000 patrons since the festival began, 19 per cent higher than at this point in 2019. In good news for the hospitality sector, more than 82 per cent of attendees are purchasing food and beverages on the footprint.
FESTIVAL SPARKS BEST CBD HOTEL OCCUPANCY
FIGURES SINCE 2019
CBD hotels have experienced their best weekend occupancy rates since 2019 during Vivid Sydney 2022.
Data for the last week of May showed revenue per available room was up 65.5 per cent against the same week in May last year. Occupancy peaked at 82.8 per cent on 28 May 2022.
Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) CEO Michael Johnson said the lights extravaganza had seen hotel bookings jump to above 80 per cent for the first time since the pandemic began with visitors flocking into the city from across regional NSW and interstate.
“This is a far cry from last year when entire floors of hotels were closed – indeed some accommodation hotels were actually shut – due to the lack of visitors,” Mr Johnson said.
“Destination NSW and the State Government should be congratulated for staging an event which is giving the struggling tourism accommodation sector such a boost in the quiet winter months.
“The economic flow-on effects to pubs, restaurants and other small businesses in the CBD will be in the millions over the three-week event.”
Fresh data from US research house STR also reveals that gross operating profits for Sydney hotels reached a pre-pandemic 2019 comparable figure in April after coming in at just 51 per cent the previous month.
Sydney hotels in April posted a gross operating profit per available room of $US52.08, which was 82 per cent of the pre-pandemic comparable figure.
CENTRAL STATION DELIVERS THE GOODS AT VIVID SYDNEY
For the first time ever, Central Station and the Goods Line Tunnel, a forgotten historical landmark, are part of Vivid Sydney.
The Goods Line Tunnel beneath Central Station, which first opened in 1855, has been transformed into a modern convergence of lights, lasers and smoke effects with more than 100 laser lights - the largest laser installation in Vivid Sydney history.
Central Station’s iconic ceiling and clock tower also light up each night, while the Grand Concourse is the stage for a series of free live music performances each Saturday night.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said Vivid Sydney visitors should use public transport for easy access into the city’s major transport hub.
“For the first time, the Vivid Sydney Light Walk stretches from Circular Quay to Central. Visitors can catch the train to Central and start enjoying Vivid Sydney with the interactive Vivid Reflections projection on the façade of Central and walk along the Goods Line,” Mr Ayres said.
Travelling by public transport is the best way to visit Vivid Sydney.
Minister for Transport David Elliott said: “My message to those attending the festival this weekend is – please leave your car at home, or park it at a train station, and catch public transport where possible.
“We have capacity on trains, we have space on buses, you can use the Metro, you can use the light rail, and you and the family will spend more time enjoying the festival. The weather forecasts are good. Plan your trip so you won’t be disappointed or frustrated.
“With the size of crowds coming out to see Vivid Sydney, the ferry system reaches capacity very quickly. If you’re going to use a ferry, be prepared to wait for services and expect large crowds.”
For more information on planning your trip, service changes, additional public transport services and road closures during Vivid Sydney, visit transportnsw.info
NEW PRODUCT WORKSHOP BOOSTS
BOOKINGS FOR 23 BUSINESSES
Twenty-three NSW businesses introduced their products to key domestic and international buers this week at the Destination NSW New Product Workshop.
The New Product Workshop is part of the NSW First Program, a capability-building program delivered by Destination NSW to help businesses in the visitor economy develop, promote and sell their products.
The NSW businesses, which took part in this week's workshop, have attended NSW First Inbound Strategy and Seller Training workshops and received assistance from Destination NSW to prepare them to distribute tourism products through online and international travel distribution networks.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the New Product Workshop played a key role in the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, which seeks to make NSW the premier visitor economy in the Asia Pacific.
“Developing and delivering a program of business support and industry development is vital to assist businesses to recover and be resilient and sustainable,” Mr Ayres said.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox was excited to meet with buyers and sellers at the event.
“The Destination NSW New Product Workshop has reinforced that NSW is well and truly open for business and offers an unrivalled mix of diverse and compelling destinations and experiences to make visitors feel new again,” Mr Cox said.
Held at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour on 9 June 2022, the appointment-based New Product Workshop provided a platform for NSW visitor economy businesses to meet and network with buyers, including inbound tour operators, domestic wholesalers and online travel agents.
It was designed to increase buyer awareness of NSW destinations and new distribution-ready NSW tourism products and visitor experiences, while also providing an opportunity for sellers to seek feedback and generate additional bookings for NSW visitor economy businesses.
NSW businesses which attended the event included four Sydney tours that explore the city from new perspectives; four products from Orange; four winery experiences; and six regional NSW accommodation options. Visitor economy businesses attending the workshop spanned accommodation, tour and visitor attraction providers operating in Jervis Bay, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Hunter Valley, Orange, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Southern Highlands, Wollongong, Snowy Mountains, the Eurobodalla and Sydney.
Printhie Wines Marketing Manager Emily Swift said the New Product Workshop was an exciting opportunity for businesses to improve skills at presenting and promoting their products to the international marketplace.
“As a regional business, it’s amazing to be able to access buyers from around the world and put Orange into international itineraries for the first time,” Ms Swift said.
More than 400 buyer appointments were secured for visitor economy businesses taking part in the New Product Workshop.
THE BEST WINE LISTS IN NSW
The NSW Wine Industry Association this week announced the winners of the 2022 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards, with Angelica Nohra at The Blue Door, Surry Hills, taking out the 2022 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year trophy. Ms Nohra was presented with her award by Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres during presentation event held at Parliament House Sydney.
Destination NSW was proud to support the awards, which featured wine lists by talented sommeliers and bar managers from across the state.
2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW venue (<40 seats): Renee Wallace, Birch Restaurant, Moss Vale
2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW venue (>41 seats): David Collins, Charred Kitchen & Bar, Orange
2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW accommodation venue: Andres Aragon, Blaq at The Kyah Hotel, Blackheath
2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney venue (<40 seats): Angelica Nohra, The Blue Door, Surry Hills
2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney venue (>41seats): William Wilson, ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney accommodation venue: Samantha Belt, QT Sydney
2022 Best NSW Wine List in a club venue: Matt Underwood, The Newcastle Club, Newcastle
2022 NSW Wine President’s Award for Outstanding Support of the NSW Wine Industry: Kylie Byron, Whitney’s at The Remington, Orange
ALLIANZ STADIUM REOPENING CELEBRATION
A festival of football is coming to Sydney in celebration of Allianz Stadium reopening, kicking off on 27 August 2022, with a community open day. Destination NSW is supporting matches between the Wallabies and South Africa on 3 September and the Matildas versus Canada on September 6 ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023. Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs will also face off in their final match of the season on 2 September.
100 DAYS TO 2022 UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Wollongong is preparing to welcome more than 1000 of the world’s best cyclists from 75-plus countries to compete in the event from 18-25 September 2022. Destination NSW is proud to support the 2022 UCI Road World Championships as part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups In 10 Years initiative. It will bring around 300,000 spectators and 10,000 international visitors to the region, contributing almost $100 million to the local economy.
NEW STREET PARTIES COMING TO SYDNEY
Nine free street parties are taking place across Sydney during May and June 2022 thanks to the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program. There will be live family-friendly entertainment as well as roving artists and performers. There will be plenty of places to sit so participants can support local businesses and enjoy something delicious. Four-legged friends can have fun in the dedicated dog zones.
BEST START TO SKI SEASON IN 20 YEARS
Thredbo Resort has received more than 125cm of fresh snow in the past seven days, with more on the way, setting the scene for the best start to the ski season in more than 20 years. While the June long weekend is the official start to the ski season, Perisher opened last weekend due to the prime conditions. Nearby resorts Thredbo and Charlotte Pass open today.
CONTINUING THE TRUTH TELLING JOURNEY
Stolen Generation Survivors joined the Premier and Ministers in the NSW Parliament on 7 June 2022 to mark the 25th anniversary of the state’s apology to the Stolen Generations by former Premier Bob Carr in 1997. It was also announced that $15.3 million over four years would be allocated to work with Stolen Generations Organisations to progress the establishment of memorials and keeping places at the sites of former Aboriginal Children's Homes.
CENTRAL COAST NAMED AS ECO DESTINATION
The Central Coast has achieved its ECO Destination certification through an Ecotourism Australia and WWF-Australia funded partnership, as part of WWF-Australia's Wildlife & Nature Recovery Fund. The certification recognises the Central Coast as a world-class location for sustainable and nature-based tourism. The region boasts 42-plus beaches, several national parks and state forests, rolling green hinterland, pockets of rainforest and rugged bushland.
FIRST LOOK: NEW ALBURY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
The Albury Entertainment Centre is receiving a major boost, thanks to $15 million funding from the NSW Government. The funding is supporting the expansion of the convention wing at the centre and providing new pre-function spaces, offices, meeting rooms, an upgraded theatrette, an upgraded loading dock and a multi-purpose events space. A concept animation of the stunning redevelopment, which is scheduled to be completed in 2026, has been released.
DATES ANNOUNCED FOR BOWRAL CLASSIC
Bicycling Australia has announced the Bowral Classic will take place on 15-16 October 2022. The event is expected to attract more than 3500 bike enthusiasts from across Australia. The Bowral Classic is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, Wingecarribee Shire Council and the NSW Police. Locals are encouraged to get involved with the event, through registering for the ride, volunteering or hosting a food stall in the Event Village.
STUNNING NEW WALK OPENS IN THE SNOWIES
The second stage of a world-class multi-day walk, featuring the country’s highest suspension bridge between Guthega and Charlotte Pass in Kosciuszko National Park, is now complete. The spectacular new 9km track along the upper Snowy River will help to establish the region as a key eco-adventure tourism destination. Once all four stages are complete, the 55km Snowies Alpine Walk will be a world-class experience for visitors to enjoy even more of Kosciuszko National Park.
DOMESTIC AIRLINE INDUSTRY RECOVERY
The ACCC’s Airline Competition in Australia report has revealed the number of domestic passengers in April 2022 was the highest it has been since the pandemic began. It shows 4.5 million passengers flew on Australia’s domestic airlines in April, which is 89 per cent of pre-COVID levels. Demand for business travel is also recovering faster than expected, with Qantas reporting small business demand at above pre-pandemic levels and larger corporate traffic at 85 per cent in May.
SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL BONANZA
Twenty-three new film festival initiatives are rolling out across the city, supported by the NSW Government’s Film Festival Funding Program. The targeted funding, delivered through Screen NSW, will support Sydney’s dynamic film festival culture and provide a boost to the economy. Some of the projects being funded include the Sydney Irish Outdoor Film Festival in Sydney’s CBD, C-Town Screenings run through Campbelltown City Council and Eating Here Out West.
GEORGE ST EXTENDS ITS TRANSFORMATION
George Street’s transformation as a pedestrian boulevard has been extended from Bathurst Street to Rawson Place. Part of the City of Sydney’s $43.5 million project to create a seamless car-free path for walking, dining and seating, and align with the light rail tracks running the full length of George Street from Haymarket to Circular Quay. The project has been supported with more than $1.1 million from the NSW Government and $7 million from the Federal Government.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL COAST ANNOUNCED AS LOCATION FOR NEW OFFSHORE ARTIFICIAL REEF: The project is the latest addition to a series of artificial reefs put in place across the state, spanning from Tweed Heads to Merimbula, including one that was recently announced in Forster. The reefs provide a cost-effective method to improve fishing practices and drive economic growth. Read more
FREE TRAINING TO DELIVER IN-DEMAND WINTER SKILLS: More than 1500 fee-free training places are up for grabs as part of the NSW Government’s Winter Skills program, which aims to get people skilled for a bumper winter tourism and hospitality season. Following the success of the Winter Skills campaign last year, the program has been expanded to include the Snowy Mountains, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Hunter Valley and the Central West. Read more
QT NEWCASTLE OFFICIALLY OPENS: The first regional hotel in the group's portfolio opened on 9 June 2022. The 104-room hotel is located in Newcastle’s East End precinct in a former David Jones building on Hunter Street Mall. Read more
GOLDEN RE-ENTRY TO NSW NATIONAL PARKS FOR EXTINCT BANDICOOTS: Australia’s leading native animal rewilding project has hit another milestone, with the 10th extinct species, the golden bandicoot, being reintroduced into a NSW national park. The NSW Government is establishing a network of eight feral predator-free areas across the state, making it a world leader in rewilding. Read more
WESTERN PARKLAND CITY AUTHORITY TO BE LOCATED IN NEW OFFICE BUILDING IN PENRITH: Hundreds of jobs are headed to the Western Parkland City with a major milestone reached in the construction of new and premium office accommodation located in the heart of Penrith. A topping out ceremony was held at the $90 million 50 Belmore Street development last week, marking the completion of the main building structure. Read more
NSW LAUNCHES FIRST VIRTUAL STUDENT HUB: International students across NSW and around the globe will have access to free employability programs and English language mentors thanks to a new interactive platform from the NSW Government. Read more
IMPORTANT KOALA POPULATION DISCOVERED IN KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK: Evidence of an important koala population in Kosciuszko National Park has been revealed by new surveys undertaken as part of a collaboration between NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Australian National University. Surveys have recorded male koalas at 14 sites within the park’s Byadbo Wilderness Area. Read more
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