Insights - 7 October 2022
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INTERNATIONAL CRUISE PASSENGERS RETURN TO NSW
NSW welcomed its first international cruise passengers in nearly three years when Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor arrived in Sydney Harbour last week.
The return of Carnival Splendor marked the official start of Australia's first summer cruise season post-COVID-19. Forty cruise ships from 25 cruise lines will visit NSW during the 2022/23 financial year.
President of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia Marguerite Fitzgerald said Australia was the most successful cruise market in the world prior to the pandemic.
“The resurgence of cruising and the revitalisation of the $5-billion-a-year cruise industry has happened at a faster rate than could have been expected after more than two challenging years.
"As our ships have progressively returned to service, we have experienced the excitement of regional destinations as they have seen cruise visitors and opportunity return.”
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said the cruise industry was making a remarkable recovery, with operators and suppliers reaping the benefits.
“Carnival Splendor brought more than 3500 passengers to Sydney, all of whom were excited to be travelling again and to explore this fabulous city," Ms Osmond said.
“That’s thousands of people who might want to enjoy Sydney’s shopping experiences, perhaps visit Taronga Zoo or the Sydney Opera House or book a ticket to one of the many shows or art exhibitions Sydney has to offer. We’re ready to ensure they have the best possible experience during their time here.
"From smaller businesses through to big hotel chains, the industry is thrilled that cruising is back and bigger than ever. We’ve seen a surge in people inquiring about cruises over the coming months and who are excited to get back on board.”
Pictured above: Carnival Splendor was met by P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure when she arrived in Sydney Harbour on 30 September 2022, following a 23-day transpacific voyage from Seattle, Washington.
New data from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia shows consumer sentiment among past cruise passengers has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Eighty-one per cent of previous passengers said they were planning to cruise again in the next few years, a significant uplift from the 73 per cent measured 12 months ago and close to the 82 per cent pre-pandemic confidence figure recorded in December 2019.
CLIA Managing Director Joel Katz said: “Sentiment has climbed even higher in other countries where cruise operations have been running for some time, so we can be confident of a similar rise in our region as we move forward.”
Highlighting the economic impact of cruising, 90 per cent of Australian cruisers said they stayed on shore at least one night in their embarkation port prior to sailing, while 27 per cent stayed three nights or longer.
Prior to COVID-19, cruise passengers each spent an average of $387 every day they were on shore in Australia, providing huge economic benefits to local businesses.
CLIA's 2022 State of Industry Outlook report projects cruise passenger volume will rise more than 12 per cent above 2019 levels by the end of 2026.
Prior to COVID-19 cruising contributed $25 million per year to the visitor economy in regional NSW.
During the 2022 summer cruise season it is estimated 72,000 passengers will pass through Eden Welcome Centre, injecting an estimated $20 million into the Sapphire Coast's visitor economy.
Port Authority NSW chief executive Phil Holliday said the local council, businesses and community were excited by the return of cruise tourism to Eden.
“I am delighted the new facility, which is home to the Eden Visitor Information Centre, is now also welcoming cruise ships, cementing Eden’s place on the Australian cruise map and driving economic growth in the region,” he said.
Eden Welcome Centre is home to the Eden Visitor Information Centre, which was recently announced as a Finalist in the Visitor Information Services category of the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards.
Destination NSW has collaborated with Port Authority of NSW to create a resource to help visitor economy businesses capture passenger spending. ‘Quick Tips for Creating Cruise Shore Experiences’ provides practical tips to help businesses tailor experiences and sell them through the cruise distribution network.
BIGGEST FIBA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP IN HISTORY
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022, held in Sydney from 22 September – 1 October 2022, recorded the highest attendance in the history of the competition. The confirmed number of attendees for the competition was 145,519.
The United States claimed its fourth consecutive FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup title in Sydney and its eleventh in total in front of a sold-out crowd at Sydney SuperDome.
Australia won bronze against Canada in the Third Place Game, with Opals legend Lauren Jackson celebrating a fairytale finish to her illustrious career.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the event, which was supported by Destination NSW as part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years Initiative, had attracted athletes and fans from around the world and provided major economic stimulus for the state.
The NSW Government has invested $1 million in legacy initiatives in partnership with Basketball NSW, with the aim to provide 10,000 girls with the opportunity to participate and be more involved in the sport.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the skill, athleticism and passion on show at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup would leave a lasting legacy and inspire future generations of Opals players.
“We’ve seen a 13 per cent increase in the number of children playing basketball in Australia, and as part of FIBA World Cup legacy initiatives, such as the I AM A GIRL program, we hope to encourage more girls and women in NSW to play, referee, coach and officiate basketball,” Mr Henskens said.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said more than 4000 girls had already participated in the program across NSW.
“This tournament, along with other initiatives delivered through the NSW Legacy Program, is providing young girls across the state with strong female role models and awareness of pathways to succeed on an off the court.”
FIRST COMMUNITY PROJECTS ANNOUNCED FOR
CITY-SHAPING WESTINVEST FUND
The $5 billion WestInvest program is helping to fund and deliver transformation projects to enhance communities and help create jobs throughout Western Sydney, with $2 billion reserved for priority community projects.
Projects to be announced in the coming weeks include:
- At least 13 new and revitalised parks
- At least seven activated high streets
- More than 15 new and upgraded community centres
- Nine upgraded sports grounds and fields
- More than 25km of new walking and cycling tracks
- More than nine new BMX and skating tracks and parks
- Thousands of new trees and greenery.
Projects were announced this week for Canterbury-Bankstown, the Blue Mountains, Parramatta and Blacktown.
Residents and visitors in Canterbury-Bankstown will benefit from new state-of-the-art community facilities, new parks and priority pedestrian links. Projects include Revitalising Campsie Civic Precinct, Roberts Park Community Hub, Wran District Park Revitalisation and a local traffic program. Learn more
Dedicated walking tracks and pedestrian and cycling links connecting towns in the Blue Mountains have also been announced. Projects include the Lomatia Park Clubhouse and Amenities Upgrade, the Greater Blue Mountains Trail and the Grand Cliff Top Walk. Learn more
Projects in Parramatta include the Somerville Park Improvement, the Max Ruddock Reserve Amenities Modernisation, the Sue Savage Reserve Multigenerational Recreational Facilities project to provide a new youth precinct centered around a skate and BMX park, improved youth-focused play equipment across Dundas Ward, the Let’s Play @ Kilpack! project to enhance the existing open space with new play and fitness equipment, as well as circuit paths and lighting and the West Epping Dog Off Leash Area. Learn more
Six transformational projects have been announced for Blacktown, including the Revitalisation of Mount Druitt Hub, Community Infrastructure in the Blacktown Local Government Area, Reserve Embellishment – Tallawong Reserve and Rosenthal Park, Community Park refurbishment at Ashley Brown Reserve North, Quality Green and Open Spaces in Blacktown LGA and Local Traffic Programs in Blacktown. Learn more
DESTINATION NSW BOARD MEETS IN ORANGE
Destination NSW held a board meeting last week in Orange. The Destination NSW Board meets once every two months in locations throughout NSW. The trip to Orange was an opportunity for board members to experience some of the business event facilities and activities on offer in the region, including The Remington, Rosedale Farm, Country Food Trails and Printhie Wines. Destination NSW also launched a video during the visit, which showcases Orange as a vibrant, dynamic destination for business events
GRAND FINAL BOOSTS VISITOR ECONOMY
The NRL Grand Final returned to Sydney last weekend for the first time since 2019. Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said: “An estimated 31,000 visitors made the trip to NSW to watch the game, injecting $18 million into our economy, with the majority spent in Western Sydney on accommodation, hospitality and entertainment. The NRL Grand Final makes a vital social and economic contribution to the state, supporting thousands of jobs and providing a significant boost to the visitor economy."
TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2023 NEWCASTLE 500
The Newcastle 500 will kick off the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship from 10-12 March 2023. Tickets for the event, which is supported by Destination NSW, are now on sale. City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said: "Local tourism and accommodation providers that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19 will be looking forward to and benefit from the economic stimulus provided by the Newcastle 500's return."
'FEEL NEW IN THE TWEED' CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES
A high-impact marketing campaign inviting visitors to 'Feel New in The Tweed’ will go to market next week, reaching major metropolitan audiences including Brisbane and Sydney. The campaign has been brought to life through the Destination NSW Feel New Co-operative Marketing Program, which aims to enhance awareness and drive bookings to the state’s incredible attractions and visitor experiences.
DENI UTE MUSTER BREAKS RECORD
Deni Ute Muster broke its blue singlet count record last weekend, with 4136 singlets worn at the festival. The singlet count, which started in 2004, is the most popular event at the muster, which is proudly supported by Destination NSW. General Manager Vicky Lowry said about 18,000 people attended the event, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. "It was a great few days. We had so much positive feedback about it being our best and we think it was as well," she said.
NEW RULES TO BOOST AGRITOURISM
The NSW Government has introduced a new agritourism policy aimed at helping farmers to diversify their incomes by starting, running and growing agritourism experiences such as farm stays, cafes, cellar doors, roadside stalls, retreats, fruit picking and small wedding venues. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said: "Farmers who want to innovate and share a taste of their region with visitors shouldn’t be held back by red tape."
NATIONAL MEETING OF TOURISM MINISTERS
A Tourism Ministers' Meeting was held in Adelaide this week, aimed at turbocharging Australia's national strategy for the visitor economy, THRIVE 2030. Representatives of every state and territory affirmed their commitment to returning the visitor economy to pre-COVID expenditure levels of $166 billion by 2024. Ministers also endorsed a collaborative workplan to deliver over the next 12-18 months.
SYDNEY VENUES VOTED WORLD'S BEST BARS
The World's 50 Best Bars list for 2022 has been announced, with two Australian venues making the cut, both of them in Sydney. Maybe Sammy, located in The Rocks, was at number 29, while Surry Hills bar Cantina OK! was at number 41. The annual World's 50 Best Bars awards are voted on by bar industry experts from around the world, including bartenders, consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists.
SYDNEY'S A HIT FOR ICC T20 WORLD CUP
Sydney Harbour was transformed into the ultimate cricket field for a special ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 'Biggest Hit' activation. Sports stars and celebrities lined up to see who could hit a cricket ball furthest into the harbour. Six Super 12 matches, including Australia's opening match against New Zealand on 22 October, plus a Semi-Final match on 9 November, will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, secured as part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 years initiative.
MOULIN ROUGE HEADS TO CIRCULAR QUAY
Destination NSW will transform Sydney’s Circular Quay into an interactive pop-up precinct inspired by Moulin Rouge! The Musical on 15-16 October 2022. There will be fun photo opportunities, a pop-up cafe, interactive activities, giveaways and more. The centrepiece will be a huge heart-shaped swing set against an iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour Bridge, with visitors invited to have their photo captured. New Moulin Rouge! The Musical tickets will be available on pre-sale from 17 October 2022.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
$110 MILLION TO UNLOCK INVESTMENT IN REGIONAL NSW: The NSW Government will invest $110 million to activate new and emerging industries, drive high value jobs and help the regions reach their economic potential with the Regional Investment Activation Fund. Learn more
OCTOBER IS INDIGENOUS BUSINESS MONTH: This year’s Indigenous Business Month theme is 'Actions Today. Impact Tomorrow', which aims to inspire the next generation of First Nations business leaders. Learn more
BUNDANON ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM: Siteworks 2022: From a Deep Valley will open to the public from 26 November 2022 – 12 March 2023. It will include the work of more than 25 artists and 10 scientific researchers, drawing on climate research, critical thinking, First Nations knowledge and technologies and creative digital spaces. Learn more
SURF’S UP AS FACILITY FUNDING PROGRAM OPENS: Surf Life Saving NSW clubs are set to benefit from more than $5 million to help the upgrade, restoration and construction of surf life-saving facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program. Learn more
INTERIM CEO FOR ACCOMMODATION ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (AAoA): Hotelier Michael Johnson, who is currently Managing Director of Tourism Accommodation Australia, will take over as interim CEO of AAoA in the lead-up to the proposed amalgamation of the two organisations in 2023. 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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