Insights - 16 September 2022
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SUPERCHARGED EVENTS CALENDAR BOOSTS
NSW VISITOR ECONOMY
Sydney is set to welcome an impressive line-up of music, art, culture and sporting events over the coming months.
Destination NSW is proud to support the unrivalled calendar of 84 events, including the 2022 UCI Road World Championships, FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, Sydney Super Cup, T20 ICC World Cup 2022, the Spring Racing Carnival, two exclusive Bruno Mars concerts at the recently opened Allianz Stadium, Opera on Cockatoo Island and the highly anticipated opening of the Art Gallery of NSW’s Sydney Modern, before Sydney welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world for Sydney WorldPride.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said Sydney’s summer of major events would bring millions of visitors to the state and deliver over $500 million of visitor expenditure to the NSW economy.
“We are delivering on our promise to make NSW the major events destination of Australia and giving people the opportunity to witness the best athletes, artists, sportsmen and musicians right here in Sydney," Mr Franklin said.
“Our summer of major events will grow the NSW visitor economy, create jobs and secure a brighter future for our state.”
DESTINATION NSW GREETS INAUGURAL
BENGALURU FLIGHT TO SYDNEY
A new Qantas route between Sydney and Bengaluru has taken to the skies thanks to the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund, managed by Destination NSW. It marks the first direct connection between Australia and Southern India by any airline.
Destination NSW greeted the inaugural flight this week when it landed at Sydney Airport.
Treasurer Matt Kean said: “As a direct flight to India, there is potential to support more than 100 jobs and generate more than $19 million in overnight spending for the NSW visitor economy.”
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said India was the fastest growing market to NSW in 2019. The state welcomed 175,000 visitors, with travellers spending an estimated $444 million.
"In July 2022, India was the third largest source of visitors to NSW, with those numbers expected to surge in the coming months due to pent-up demand," Mr Franklin said.
“Our airports are the gateway to our state, so supporting the return of airlines to them through the Aviation Attraction Fund is key to achieving our goal of making NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said: “This direct route will be a benefit to our rich multicultural society, particularly the Indian Diaspora, which represents Australia’s second-largest country of birth.
“It has also come at an excellent time, with Diwalli celebrations happening next month.”
Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said the new route would provide greater connectivity between the two nations with both the outbound and inbound inaugural flights between Sydney and Bengaluru sold out in all cabins.
“The addition of Bengaluru to our route map deepens our ties with India and follows the launch of direct services from Australia to Delhi last year which have also proven popular,” Mr David said.
The new flights will offer corporate and leisure travellers a non-stop flight to the city, with connections to other destinations beyond Bengaluru. Widely regarded as India’s Silicon Valley, many Australian and global fintech organisations have established major operations in Bengaluru.
The Aviation Attraction Fund is open until 30 June 2023.
MUDGEE CROWNED AUSTRALIA'S TOP TOURISM TOWN
Congratulations to Mudgee on winning the major national award of Top Tourism Town for the second year in a row at Australia’s Top Tourism Awards 2022.
Winners of the Top Tourism Town Awards, presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), are determined via a voting process that combines people’s choice votes and an industry judging panel.
The Top Tourism Town award category recognises Australian towns with a population over 5000 people that offer amazing visitor experiences and are committed to increasing visitation to their regions.
Senior Director NSW Tourism Industry Council Paula Martin said the competition to be named top Tourism Town had been fierce.
“It is fantastic to see one of our very own towns in the Central West take out the top award today,” Ms Martin said.
“With its amazing food and wine scene and passionate local operators, Mudgee really is an authentic country town experience not to be missed.
“Domestic tourism is definitely on the rise, with many operators telling us that their forward bookings are at capacity as Australians seek out authentic and unique experiences.”
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox and General Manager Policy, Product and Engagement Stephen Mahoney attended the award ceremony at Parliament House, Canberra.
Acting CEO of Mudgee Region Tourism (MRT) Leianne Murphy said: "To be in a room filled with incredible industry leaders and also Tourism Australia who proudly supports these awards, as well as dignitaries from Destination NSW was an incredible feeling."
Click here to watch Mudgee's Top Tourism Town submission.
NSW LEADS VISITOR ARRIVALS
New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows NSW was the number one destination for international travellers in July, with 107,570 short-term visitor arrivals, an increase of 101,410 year on year. The three leading source countries for visitors to NSW were: New Zealand (20,860 trips) United States (12,870) and the United Kingdom (8500). For visitors arriving in NSW for long-term trips (one year or more) there were 20,540 arrivals, an increase of 18,920 compared with the corresponding month of the previous year.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON
CROSS-BORDER COSTS
The Office of the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner is conducting a survey on how regulatory requirements of two states impact business operations and costs, especially in the visitor economy. The information collected in the survey will be used to improve the regulatory system in NSW and Victoria and will help advocate for changes that reduce those additional costs. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has been engaged to conduct the survey and information analysis. Responses are due by COB today, 16 September 2022.
NEW CEO FOR WELCOME TO COUNTRY
Welcome to Country, the not-for-profit marketplace for First Nations experiences and products, has announced the appointment of its new CEO, Gurindji/Ngalakan man Desmond Campbell. Mr Campbell said: "Welcome to Country fills a gap in the market for Indigenous cultural experiences and products and it carries strong support from the 175 Indigenous businesses currently listed. I invite everyone from individuals to corporate Australia to discover the incredible experiences and products our talented and passionate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander operators and suppliers have to offer.”
UCI KICKS OFF IN WOLLONGONG
The world's cycling elite will descend on Wollongong this weekend for the 2022 UCI Road World Championships, with 1000 athletes and officials from 70 countries competing for the coveted World Champion’s rainbow jersey. Supported by Destination NSW through its 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative, UCI will be the biggest-ever event hosted in Wollongong. It is projected to bring up to $100 million to the region, with 300,000 spectators expected, plus a global audience of 300 million. The 2022 UCI Road World Championships will be held from 18-25 September 2022, with a Community Day on 17 September.
DARLING HARBOUR REDEVELOPMENT
The redevelopment of Harbourside Shopping Centre at Sydney’s Darling Harbour is one step closer with the NSW Government entering into an agreement with Mirvac to turn the site into a world-class retail, residential, commercial workplace and entertainment precinct. Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the $2 billion redevelopment was expected to support more than 2000 construction jobs and create nearly 4500 further jobs on completion. “This project will create an iconic new precinct in the heart of Sydney that will boost our economy, create jobs and strengthen our visitor economy,” Mr Henskens said.
AUSSIES PRIORITISE
TRAVEL PLANS
The Intrepid Travel Index for 2022 has revealed that while COVID-19 remains top of mind, Australian appetite for travel is stronger. The annual report is based on a combination of Intrepid’s owned insights and externally commissioned research of more than 1000 Australians. Intrepid Managing Director for ANZ Sarah Clark said 79 per cent of Australians were planning to book a trip next year, and more than half (55 per cent) said the current financial situation hasn’t impacted their travel plans. Domestic travel is also top of mind. “For the first time in 33 years, we have seen Australia take the top prize as the most popular destination for booking at the moment,” Ms Clark said.
$5 MILLION TO ACTIVATE NSW HERITAGE
Applications are open for innovative ideas that boost public access to the state’s most significant heritage places and stimulate local economies across NSW. Minister for Heritage James Griffin said $5 million in funding support was available through the 2023-2025 NSW Heritage Grants program. “The program has helped deliver heritage renewal projects right around the state. For the first time ever, we’re also trialling a $1 million matched funding grant, which is designed to protect and promote our heritage by incentivising owners and custodians to revitalise state heritage listed sites and bring them back to life. The grants are all about revitalising some of our most meaningful places in NSW and preserving them for future generations.”
SYDNEY BARS SCOOP MAJOR AWARDS
Sydney's inner west has triumphed at the 21st Annual Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards. Enmore's Fortunate Son won Bar of the Year, with fellow Enmore venue Bar Planet taking out New Bar of the Year, while Odd Culture in Newtown was named Best Specialty Beer Venue. Sydney's inner city was also well represented. Cocktail List of the Year went to Maybe Sammy ‘Stardust’ in Sydney CBD, Hotel Bar of the Year was awarded to Dean & Nancy on 22, Gin Bar of the Year went to Moya’s Juniper Lounge in Redfern, Best Distillery Bar was Hickson House Distilling Co, Whisky Bar of the Year was The Baxter Inn, Small Bar of the Year was Double Deuce Lounge and Tequila Bar of the Year was Cantina OK!.
SYDNEY RUNNING FESTIVAL
More 35,000 running enthusiasts are expected to take part in the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on 18 September 2022. Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin joined with Olympic icons including Cathy Freeman and Naoko Takahashi for an event preview this week. Destination NSW is supporting the Sydney Marathon during its three-year candidacy period to join the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. If successful it will join an esteemed group of races - Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW-BERLIN Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon in 2025.
DISNEY ANNOUNCES FIRST AUSSIE CRUISES
Disney Cruise Line is coming to Sydney for the first time from late 2023. The special sailings aboard the Disney Wonder will range from two to six nights. Cruises include encounters with Disney characters including Captain Mickey Mouse, Captain Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Pluto, plus entertainment including original Broadway-quality shows. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro said: “On these limited-time sailings, the ship is the destination, and our amazing Disney Cruise Line crew can’t wait to welcome guests on board as they are immersed in their favourite stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.”
AUSTRALIAN CRUISE CONFERENCE SUCCESS
Destination NSW attended the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) Conference from 7-9 September 2022. It featured the largest gathering of cruise line speakers ever seen at the conference – an indication of the importance of Australia’s cruise re-start. ACA announced during the event that its milestone 25th conference and AGM will be held in Wollongong in 2023.
CONNECT TO COUNTRY ISSUE 2
The second edition of Connect to Country, a digital publication presented by Tourism Australia and Discover Aboriginal Experiences, has been released. The latest edition explores the stories behind the art, festivals, islands and romantic stays, plus provides a first-hand perspective from the storytellers who guide us when we walk on Country.
SIP & SAVOUR FESTIVAL FOR ALBURY
Kate Miller-Heidke will perform at the inaugural Sip and Savour festival in Albury on February 4 and 5. Supported by Destination NSW, the event will showcase regional food, wine, beer, spirits and culture. The curated selection of stallholders from Albury, Wodonga, Murray and surrounding areas will offer free tastings and workshops. Tickets go on sale on 4 October 2022.
SOUTH COAST HIRING CAMPAIGN
The South Coast Hospitality Is Hiring campaign is running until December 2022, giving cafes, restaurants and other hospitality businesses the opportunity to promote positions they need filled, with the Local Jobs Program matching jobseekers into the roles. Businesses that need staff can visit the campaign website to list their jobs. All listed jobs will be promoted across the region.
ONE WEEK TO
WANDERER FESTIVAL
Wanderer Festival, proudly supported by Destination NSW, will kick off at Pambula on 23 September 2022. The recent declaration of 22 September as a national public holiday – in addition to 23 September already being a Victorian public holiday – has sparked a flurry of travellers wanting to arrive early. Organisers have announced they will open the gates to the new Oaklands Campground at 3pm on 22 September. Thursday night camping will be available and free to anyone with camping and festival tickets for Friday.
PARTNERING WITH
GAMAY RANGERS
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) recently signed a partnership agreement with La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Gamay Rangers to care for Kamay Botany Bay National Park and Towra Point Nature Reserve. Minister for Environment James Griffin said: "Appointing the Gamay Rangers is an important recognition of their expertise and knowledge in caring for Country. As honorary national park rangers, they will work alongside the NPWS team to share traditional knowledge and techniques."
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
KING-SIZED PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL: Celebrating its 30th anniversary and proudly supported by Destination NSW, the festival has announced a bumper program of events from 4–8 January 2023. Learn more
MACQUARIE STREET EAST TO COMMEMORATE HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II: A public square has been named in Her Late Majesty's honour in the heart of Sydney’s historic Macquarie Street. Learn more
DO YOU OPERATE A WEBSITE FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Options for web addresses are expanding, you may have priority access to a shorter, simpler domain name. For example, if you own www.yoursmallbiz.com.au, you may be able to claim www.yoursmallbiz.au. Businesses have until 21 September 2022 to apply. Learn more
NATURE CABINS OPEN IN BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK: Galong cabins, which were previously used by horse pack saddlers in the 1970s in the Blue Mountains, have undergone a refurbishment by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. 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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