Insights - 11 November 2022
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LESS THAN 100 DAYS UNTIL WORLDPRIDE 2023
SHINES ON SYDNEY
Sydney WorldPride has marked 100 days until its first party on 17 February 2023 with a giant rainbow sand sculpture at Bondi Pavilion.
The event, which is proudly supported by Destination NSW, has also announced its full program, featuring more than 300 events over 17 days, including Charli XCX joining Kylie Minogue for the Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert on 24 February 2023. Kelly Rowland has also been confirmed to headline Domain Dance Party.
The Sydney WorldPride program, spanning WorldPride Arts and the First Nations Gathering Space, WorldPride Sports, the Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference and Pride Amplified events can be found at www.sydneyworldpride.com.
Sydney WorldPride CEO Kate Wickett said: “From international stars like Kylie Minogue and Peaches and other local talent like Jessica Mauboy and Steven Oliver, to international theatre and community sports, this is a program that reflects the diversity and brilliance of Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community."
Minister for Tourism and the Arts Ben Franklin said: “WorldPride 2023 will showcase Sydney’s natural beauty, lifestyle and attractions to a global audience. We are the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to host WorldPride and we’re incredibly excited to welcome revellers and friends from across the globe for the ultimate celebration.
"Now is the time to check out the program, plan your festival, book tickets and join us in Sydney for an unmissable event.”
For more information on things to see and do in Sydney during Sydney WorldPride visit www.sydney.com.
NINE DAYS OF CELEBRATIONS TO MARK
ART GALLERY OF NSW BUILDING OPENING
A free concert, nightly drone shows, performances and talks will form a nine-day extravaganza to mark the official opening of the new extension to the Art Gallery of NSW.
Grammy-nominated pop star Ellie Goulding will headline the Art for All concert, one of the highlights of the curated program set to run from 3-11 December 2022. Playing alongside Goulding in The Domain on 10 December will be Australian singer Meg Mac and the electronic duo Electric Fields.
The celebrations, which are supported by Destination NSW, will include a spectacular artist-designed nightly drone show Art Up, created by Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie. The show will feature 400 drones animating artworks set to a soundtrack in the sky above the Art Gallery and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
A series of public conversations between artists, creatives, and other panelists from around the world discussing ideas, challenges and innovations in art and culture will also take place.
The event program will be a major visitor drawcard, attracting more than 33,000 visitors to Sydney and delivering an anticipated $20 million into the NSW economy.
'THE SYDNEY SIDE' FILMS LAUNCH
The Feel New Sydney campaign has been reignited with the new ‘Sydney Side’ films, which shine a light on the Harbour City as the events capital of the Asia Pacific.
The films are an extension of the Feel New Sydney campaign launched in December 2021 by Destination NSW. The first two films in the series are Sydney Side of Sport and Sydney Side of Entertainment.
Further films to be released in early 2023 will focus on Sydney’s natural beauty and beach lifestyle, food and nightlife, family fun and Aboriginal experiences.
DESTINATION NSW BOARD VISITS WESTERN SYDNEY
The Destination NSW Board visited Western Sydney last week for a networking event and strategy session.
The Destination NSW Board meets every two months, with two meetings each year conducted in different locations across NSW to promote the region's attractions.
The program for the November 2022 Board meeting included a stakeholder function at Chu Restaurant by China Doll in the West HQ precinct.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox welcomed guests to the function and noted that it was an exciting time for the Western Sydney visitor economy, with the development of the Western Parklands City, Western Sydney Aerotropolis and new Western Sydney International Airport.
Destination NSW is also supporting 10 major events in Western Sydney from July 2022 through to the end of the year. The events are expected to inject over $66 million in visitor spend and bring more than 75,000 visitors to the region. They include Madagascar The Musical, which will have its Australian premiere at Sydney Coliseum Theatre next month.
The networking function was followed by a Destination NSW Board strategy session at the West HQ Board Room, plus a site inspection of the Sydney Coliseum Theatre and NSW Gymnastics Centre. The visit concluded with a tour of Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).
WSI CEO Simon Hickey led Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin, the Destination NSW Board and its executive leadership team on a guided tour of the construction site.
With Sydney's aviation demand set to double over the next 20 years, the airport will help to meet this demand and provide a source of jobs and economic growth for the region.
Work to build WSI is on track for the airport to open on time, at the end of 2026.
FREE PROGRAM ACCELERATES DIGITAL SKILLS IN
WESTERN SYDNEY VISITOR ECONOMY
Destination NSW is launching a Western Sydney Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program to help visitor economy businesses transform their online marketing.
The initiative follows Destination NSW delivering a successful state-wide Digital Accelerator for Tourism program earlier this year. Destination NSW has partnered with digital consultancy Tourism Tribe to offer the free program to accommodation providers, tour companies and visitor attractions.
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said: "Western Sydney has a vibrant tourism offering and this important program will better equip local tourism operators and businesses to level up their digital presence and further establish Western Sydney as a premier tourism destination.”
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said: “Digital innovation is crucial to success in the contemporary landscape. Helping businesses in the visitor economy to improve their digital competency is a key pillar of the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030.”
In addition to receiving a customised digital health check report and Australian Tourism Data Warehouse review, successful applicants will also have two consultation sessions with a digital advisor and access to a course library to help improve their digital skills.
Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler owner Carol Bennett took part in the first Destination NSW Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program held earlier this year and said it played a vital role in raising the online profile of her business.
“As a small business, we manage our own digital presence, including our website, social media and Google,” Ms Bennett said.
“The Digital Skills Accelerator Program’s online health check highlighted a lot of improvements to boost our website’s organic search reach as well as useful tips to enhance our Google listing. Since implementing the recommendations, we have seen an increase in our Google ranking, which in turn has increased our organic search results. This program has been invaluable for us.”
The Western Sydney Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program is open to 200 visitor attraction, accommodation and tour providers located in Sydney's Central River City and Western Parkland City.
The Western Sydney Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program is part of the NSW First Program. Learn more here.
WATCH: VISITOR ECONOMY FORUM HIGHLIGHTS
Destination NSW recently 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. We are planning another Visitor Economy Forum for 2024 with an expanded program of insights and initiatives covering Greater Sydney and regional NSW.
NSW HOLIDAY PARK OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to the winners of the NSW Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) and Land Lease Living Industry Association's 2022 Awards of Excellence. Destination NSW General Manager Policy, Product and Engagement Stephen Mahoney presented the NSW Holiday Park of the Year award to NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort (more than 100 sites category) and BIG4 Myall Holiday Resort (less than 100 sites category). CCIA NSW President Mark Lindsay said: “These businesses are setting the benchmark for holiday parks in NSW and offer the kind of holiday experience people are looking for while directly working to drive the increase in domestic visitation.”
UNITED CUP DRAW ANNOUNCED
NSW will take centre court this summer with the inaugural United Cup, with Sydney set to host Australia, Spain, United States, Great Britain, Germany and Czech Republic for the round robin format of the tournament commencing 29 December 2022. The official draw for the inaugural United Cup builds excitement for the biggest tennis tournament to be hosted in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics. Destination NSW has secured the finals of the United Cup for Sydney from 6-8 January 2023.
FITCH REAFFIRMS NSW TRIPLE-A CREDIT RATING
Global ratings agency Fitch has reaffirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating. NSW is the only state in Australia with two triple-A credit ratings, with Moody’s also assigning a triple-A rating in September. S&P Global has also maintained the state’s double-A plus rating. Treasurer Matt Kean said: “The state’s strong financial management has supported our credit rating and enabled the Government to continue to deliver on its $112.7 billion infrastructure program. NSW remains on track to return to surplus in 2024-25.”
NET ZERO A 'SHORE' THING FOR SYDNEY BERTHS
The NSW Government has fast tracked the world’s first 100 per cent renewable energy shore power precinct at Glebe Island and White Bay, with two berths to be ready for ships by the end of 2024. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz welcomed the news. “Of the CLIA member new-build cruise ships due for launch by 2028, 98 per cent will either be fitted to operate on shoreside electricity or will be configured to add shoreside power in the future," he said.
WATCH: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR
The National Indigenous Art Fair will return to the Sydney Harbour foreshore on 1-2 July 2023, showcasing creations from First Nations artists, designers and makers. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the event provides Sydneysiders and visitors with the opportunity to buy ethical, authentic art directly from the artists. It includes a festival of art, song, dance, communal weaving, smoking ceremonies, bushfood and culture. Click on the link below to see a video about the 2022 National Indigenous Art Fair.
ORANGE SPARKLING WINE WINS TOP AWARD
Swift 2011 Blanc de Blancs by Orange's Printhie Wines has been crowned Best Australian Sparkling at the 2022 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships. The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships is regarded as the world's most comprehensive and rigorous sparkling wine competition. The Swift 2011 Blanc de Blancs was also recently crowned Best Sparkling at the NSW Wine Awards.
NSW RECONSTRUCTION AUTHORITY ANNOUNCED
A new authority dedicated to natural disaster preparedness, recovery and reconstruction will be established under legislation introduced to NSW Parliament. Its creation was a key recommendation of an independent flood inquiry. Premier Dominic Perrottet said: "We need to make sure communities across NSW are equipped to respond to natural disasters and that they have the support to get back on their feet."
FINAL DESIGNS FOR ROZELLE PARKLANDS
Sydneysiders and visitors will soon be able to enjoy 10 hectares of sprawling gardens, wetlands and new sporting and recreational facilities with the final designs of the new Rozelle Parklands unveiled. Premier Dominic Perrottet said the expansive parklands, which are being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Rozelle Interchange Project, will be one of the largest open green spaces in inner Sydney. Major construction on the Parklands will start early next year.
NSW WINS SILVER AT WANDERLUST AWARDS
NSW has won Silver in the Most Desirable Region Rest of World category in the 2022 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. Wanderlust magazine is one of the longest standing and leading travel publications in the UK. Readers were asked to vote for the places, people and travel brands that had ignited their wanderlust. Tens of thousands of people voted in this year's awards, with Australia taking out Bronze in the Most Desirable Country (Rest of World) category.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
APPLICATIONS CLOSING SOON FOR 2023 VIVID SYDNEY LOCAL BUSINESS PROGRAM: Apply to host a one-of-a kind Vivid Sydney experience, exclusive offer or light up your building façade or cruise vessel to entice customers to visit, dine, stay, or shop during the festival. Applications close on 17 November 2022. Learn more
AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE 2023 (ATE23) SELLER APPLICATIONS CLOSING: ATE23 will bring together Australian tourism businesses, tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world to conduct scheduled business appointments and participate in key networking events. Seller applications close 11 November 2022. Learn more
15 COUNCILS TO HOST MAJOR CULTURAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS: The NSW Government is investing $8 million into 21 major cultural festivals and events run by local councils across Sydney, the Hunter and Newcastle and the Illawarra. Learn more
SUPPORT AUSMUSIC T-SHIRT DAY: Music industry charity Support Act is holding its annual fundraiser, Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, on 18 November 2022. Music lovers can support the campaign by buying a t-shirt, fundraising in a team or donating to Support Act. Learn more
MORE SAVINGS, MORE BUSINESSES, BETTER SENIORS CARD PROGRAM: Businesses will now be able to register for the NSW Seniors Card program faster and more efficiently online, thanks to a new digital registration process. Learn more
NATIONAL PARK ESTATE CONTINUES TO GROW IN NSW: The NSW national park estate is expanding with an additional 1300 hectares of land added to permanently protect important habitat for threatened and endangered species. 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
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