Insights - 15 September 2023
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GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS RETURNS TO
VENUES ACROSS NSW
The beats of Australia’s best live music will radiate across Sydney and NSW when Great Southern Nights makes its return from 8 to 24 March 2024.
The NSW Government is partnering with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) to bring back the much-loved concert series, ensuring it proceeds over the next four years, starting with 300 live music gigs in 2024.
From established household names to emerging talent and grass roots acts, Great Southern Nights 2024 will spotlight a diverse array of artists across 17 nights while inviting visitors to explore weekends away in Greater Sydney and NSW.
Great Southern Nights 2024 will deliver shows across Western Sydney and Sydney's inner city, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Newcastle, the Northern Rivers and Tamworth.
The new format will support jobs across the hospitality and entertainment sectors and supercharge the state’s night-time and visitor economies.
Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham was joined by ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd and artists Alex the Astronaut, Dami Im and Isabella Manfredi at Waywards in Newtown today to officially launch the return of Great Southern Nights.
Mr Graham said: “Bringing back Great Southern Nights aligns with the policy direction the NSW Government is taking – we're shifting the focus from destination travel to experience tourism with an emphasis on creating a cultural identity for the state.
“We know that the music industry requires greater support to revive live music venues across the state and support artists and workers in the industry, which is why our Government is committed to bring back Great Southern Nights over the next four years.
“We have enormous potential here in NSW to create an immersive, unique visitor experience that combines the nation’s best natural encounters, great cuisine and local hospitality with a world-class cultural experience.
“This is more than a series of live gigs – it's a display of how the collective passion for live music can deliver rich cultural moments that resonate with locals and visitors alike to create unforgettable experiences.”
CEO of ARIA Annabelle Herd said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to bring Great Southern Nights back for another year and provide artists with an increasingly important platform to connect with new fans and long-term lovers of live music.
“Enormous thanks to the NSW Government for valuing the significant economic and cultural contribution of Australian music and understanding the importance of keeping our creative industries thriving in cities and regional communities.”
To celebrate the return of Great Southern Nights, the NSW Government will host a special ‘taster’ event in November 2023 that will feature 10 nights of live performances in Western Sydney and the Inner West.
Thelma Plum, Alex The Astronaut, Dami Im, Jet and The Temper Trap are among the artists taking to venue stages across Parramatta, Penrith, Enmore, Marrickville and Newtown.
The 2023 Great Southern Nights preview program will take place from 16 to 25 November 2023. Tickets will go on sale at 9am on 19 September 2023.
SPECTATOR FESTIVAL FOR SYDNEY MARATHON
The Sydney Marathon will become a spectator sport in 2023, with thousands of people expected to line the streets of Sydney this Sunday, 17 September.
They will be cheering on the largest marathon field in Australia's history, with more than 16,600 entrants confirmed.
The Candidate Race for the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) has unveiled major new upgrades to its spectator live sites and on-course entertainment at hubs across the city.
Four spectator live sites in Pyrmont, The Rocks, Surry Hills and Moore Park have been introduced this year, offering entertainment, free coffee, food trucks, custom sign workshops, DJs, drag queen performances, and prize giveaways. These sites will also feature large screens broadcasting the marathon live. Families will also enjoy a dedicated area at the Moore Park site.
Additional 'Hot Corners' will appear at Macquarie Street/Bridge Street, Macquarie Street/Prince Albert Street and a Moore Park live site, featuring an MC and live DJs.
The Sydney Marathon and its candidacy for the Abbott World Marathon Majors series are proudly supported by Destination NSW.
NSW LEADS INTERNATIONAL VISITOR RECOVERY
Tourism Research Australia (TRA) has released its International Visitor Survey monthly snapshot for June 2023, which shows continued recovery in visitation to Australia.
There were 492,000 trips by international visitors to Australia in the month of June 2023, with NSW receiving the lion's share at 266,000.
Australia’s top five international markets in the month of June 2023 were: New Zealand with 98,000 trips (97 per cent of pre-pandemic levels), United States with 43,000 trips (79 per cent of pre-pandemic levels), China with 36,000 trips (47 per cent of pre-pandemic levels), India with 35,000 trips (eight per cent greater than pre-pandemic levels) and Singapore with 34,000 trips (73 per cent of pre-pandemic levels).
In June 2023, international visitors made 453,000 trips to Australia’s capital cities, which was 81 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. International visitors made 145,000 trips to Australia’s regional areas, which was 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
Spend by international visitors to Australia in June 2023 was $1.9 billion, 99 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Spend by international students accounted for 34 per cent or $649 million of the total monthly international visitor spend.
There were 58,000 business trips to Australia, which was 74 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
DOMESTIC TRIPS & SPEND RISE
The TRA National Visitor Survey monthly snapshot for June 2023 shows overnight domestic spend and trips were up year-on-year in Australia.
Overnight spend was up one per cent to $7.5 billion compared to June 2022, while there were 8.6 million overnight trips, up two per cent on June 2022. However, nights spent on trips was 28.4 million, down two per cent on June 2022. When compared to June 2019, spend was up 23 per cent. However, trips and nights were down 12 per cent and nine per cent respectively.
Early data shows domestic overnight trip rates for July 2023 were similar to July 2022 but were weaker than July 2019. Data for the first three weeks of August 2023 showed stronger results when compared to August 2019 and 2022.
WORLD CUP BOOSTS SYDNEY HOTEL PERFORMANCE
Preliminary August 2023 data from CoStar shows the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ was a winner for Sydney hotels.
The highest occupancy level in Sydney during the tournament was on Wednesday, 16 August (94.8 per cent), the day of the Australia vs England semi-final match. It was followed closely by Saturday, 12 August (93.1 per cent), the day of the quarter final match between England and Colombia.
The average August 2023 hotel occupancy rate during August was 80.7 per cent (up 26 per cent year on year), while the average daily rate was $261.83 (up nine per cent year on year).
VIVID SYDNEY WINS TOP AWARD
Vivid Sydney 2023 has triumphed at the Australian Event Awards, taking out Best Tourism Event. Additionally, Mandylights took out Best Technical Achievement or Innovation for its work on Dark Spectrum 2023. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW. The win follows Vivid Sydney claiming the Best Public Event trophy at the 2022 Australian Event Awards. The events industry gathered at the Highline Venue in Bankstown NSW for the awards ceremony, which celebrated Australia's best events over the last 12 months.
NSW EVENTS TRIUMPH AT AWARDS NIGHT
Events supported by Destination NSW collected a swag of trophies at the Australian Event Awards. They included Sydney WorldPride 2023 winning Best Charity or Cause-Related Event, while Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference 2023 took out Best Congress or Conference 500 Delegates or Over. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023's Sydney Harbour Bridge Unity Celebration won Best Brand Event, while Deni Ute Muster 2022 was awarded Best Regional Event and Sail GP won Best Achievement in Marketing or Communication.
EOIs CLOSING FOR VIVID FOOD
Expressions of interest for Vivid Food 2024 close on Monday 18 September at 5pm. Hospitality companies, culinary talent, event producers, restaurants and venues are invited to submit concepts for consideration to be part of the 2024 Vivid Food Program. Vivid Sydney is looking for concepts that align with its 2024 Creative Direction “Humanity” and that celebrate Sydney and NSW food and its produce in original and dynamic ways.
REGISTER FOR VISITOR ECONOMY FORUM
Join Destination NSW on 5 October for the NSW Visitor Economy Forum – Building Momentum to 2030 to hear about the market trends and programs that will drive the visitor economy over the next 12 months. Gain further insight into the current state of play and help build or strengthen important business relationships. Registrations are open and attendees are encouraged to book their sessions, as places are limited.
EMIRATES PARTNERS WITH DESTINATION NSW
Destination NSW and Emirates have announced a strategic partnership, with the airline enhancing capacity for its Dubai to Sydney route and operating three daily flights, including a double daily A380 service. The collaboration is supported by the NSW Government's Aviation Attraction Fund, designed to rebuild aviation capacity to the state following COVID-19. Emirates is currently undergoing an extensive multi-billion dollar retrofit program. Flights to Sydney have been among the first to welcome the latest cabins due to high demand.
AUSSIES PRIORITISE CONCERTS & TRAVEL
The monthly CommBank Household Spending Insights Index, based on payments data from approximately seven million customers - comprising roughly 30 per cent of all Australian consumer transactions - shows recreation spending rose 1.9 per cent in August and to 8.4 per cent on an annual basis due to the FIFA Women's World Cup and big-name concerts, with ticketing agency spending up 70 per cent in the month. Recreation spending was also driven by online travel bookings, commercial airlines, cruise lines and accommodation.
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS FOR JULY 2023
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows international arrivals to Australia in July 2023 hit 1.7 million, the highest level since January 2020. There were 233,530 short-term visitor arrivals to NSW, an increase of 125,960 compared with July 2022. The number of trips for July 2023 was 12.9 per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels in July 2019. The three top source countries for NSW were: New Zealand (34,550 trips), China (30,080) and theUnited States (27,790). There were 32,080 long-term arrivals in July 2023, an increase of 11,540 compared with July 2022.
SAY G'DAY BOOSTS CHINA ARRIVALS
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows China was the second biggest source of international visitors to Australia in July 2023. There were 79,040 arrivals from China, up 111 per cent on the previous month. The rise followed the June launch of Tourism Australia's Come and Say G’Day Chinese campaign in Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan province and one of the country's top four largest cities. The campaign appeared on one of the city's large-scale 3D billboards, featuring iconic Australian locations including Sydney Harbour.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVALS DOUBLE
More than double the number of international students arrived in Australia in July 2023 compared to July 2022. Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows 131,640 student arrivals in July 2023. Provisional estimates indicate a further 50,630 students arrived in August. Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said: “Our campuses, classrooms and communities are enriched by the significant cultural, social and economic contributions these students make."
TRAVEL RECLAIMS ITS SHARE OF WALLET
The Roy Morgan Holiday & Travel survey indicates that spending on travel is recovering rapidly in the post-COVID-19 period. Travel spending was up by around $30 billion in the 12 months to June 2023 compared to a year earlier. Roy Morgan predicts that spending on travel will continue to claim back its share of wallet among those consumers buffered from cost-of-living pressures, while consumers generally are increasingly redirecting their spending from goods and services to holidays.
SHARE YOUR NEWS WITH DESTINATION NSW
The Destination NSW PR team is seeking news from visitor economy stakeholders to help spread the word about the many reasons to visit NSW. They want to hear about the new experiences your business, organisation or destination is offering - anything from nature-based activities to luxury stays, seasonal attractions, foodie finds or local favourites. The information will be used to create media pitches, produce content on the Destination NSW Media Centre and support planning of media familiarisations.
NEW BRANDING & WEBSITE FOR BESYDNEY
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has unveiled a new logo, website and content refresh. BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said: “We feel the time is right for this bold change in our identity and the way we sell our city to reflect the evolution of our business, as the world of business events has shifted dramatically, with new business models, new ways of working, connecting and gathering. We have come of age on the global meetings stage – and our new brand and logo reflect that confidence.”
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PARTNERSHIP
Accommodation Australia (AA) and Ecotourism Australia have joined forces to forge a pathway toward sustainable tourism for the accommodation sector. AA will encourage its thousands of member hotels, motels and caravan parks to begin their sustainability journey with Ecotourism Australia's pre-certification benchmarking tool the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard.
PLANS FOR GREAT KOALA NATIONAL PARK
The NSW Government has announced the process to establish the Great Koala National Park on the NSW Mid North Coast, as well as a halt to timber harvesting operations in the 106 koala hubs within the area being assessed for the park. Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said: “The creation of the Great Koala National Park is essential to saving koalas from extinction in NSW."
SXSW SYDNEY HONOURS 50 YEARS OF HIP HOP
The hits keep coming for SXSW Sydney, with multiple GRAMMY Award winner Chance The Rapper joining a program of speakers and more than 1000 events and sessions on Tech and Innovation, Games, Music, Screen and Culture, reinforcing Sydney’s standing as a hub for the creative industries in the Asia Pacific. As the world celebrates 50 years of Hip Hop, Chance will reflect on the transformative impact the music genre has had on the world stage. SXSW Sydney will be held from 15-22 October 2023, proudly supported by Destination NSW.
BLACK MIRROR CREATOR JOINS SXSW SYDNEY
The creator of Netflix anthology series Black Mirror Charlie Brooker has joined SXSW Sydney as a headline speaker. SXSW Sydney Managing Director Colin Daniels said: "SXSW Sydney seeks to offer unique perspectives of the future, making Charlie Brooker an ideal speaker for our event. Black Mirror consistently leads the cultural conversation on what we face in the now or may confront in our future, offering a chance for reflection and change. Charlie embodies what attendees can expect from SXSW Sydney; creativity and innovation."
SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF EVENT MANAGEMENT
Destination NSW congratulates Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council's Sara Wightman on receiving her Diploma of Event Management from Meetings & Events Australia (MEA). Ms Wightman was the recipient of a Destination NSW-funded MEA scholarship designed specifically to enable distance-learning-based study by people living in regional NSW who are already working in events roles in those locations.
KEYS TO QTOPIA HANDED OVER
Qtopia Sydney is set to open in the former Darlinghurst Police Station in time for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024. The museum will host permanent and temporary exhibitions that explore the LGBTQIA+ community through the lens of history, culture, art and contemporary issues. The project was made possible through the support of the NSW Government and the contribution of the building.
TINA STARS TO PERFORM AT NRL GRAND FINAL
The National Rugby League (NRL) has announced that a performance from TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL will headline the entertainment at the NRL and NRLW Premiership Grand Final at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on 1 October 2023. It marks 30 years since Tina Turner’s iconic performance of her song "The Best" at the 1993 Grand Final. The NRL Grand Final and TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL are proudly supported by Destination NSW.
PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL UNVEILS THEME
The 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival has revealed its program, which will feature the theme Jailhouse Rock. Proudly supported by Destination NSW and scheduled for January 10-14, this year's program includes favourite events from past festivals, including concerts featuring world-class performers, dance lessons, art classes and the return of an Elvis-themed dog show. The festival attracts 25,000 fans to the region each year.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
2023-24 NSW BUDGET: The NSW Government will hand down the 2023-24 Budget on 19 September 2023. Learn more
SYDNEY’S ACCOR STADIUM GRANDSTAND RENAMED IN HONOUR OF CATHY FREEMAN OAM: The honour follows a nomination process initiated by the NSW Government earlier this year. Learn more
NEW EMERGENCY FUND TO PRIORITISE REGIONAL ROAD REPAIR: The NSW Government has announced more than $700 million in new funding to upgrade and maintain regional roads. Learn more
HUSKISSON WINS AT TOURISM AWARDS: The South Coast gem took home Bronze for Top Tiny Town at the 2023 Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards. Learn more
MAJOR ART AND CULTURAL EXHIBITIONS TO TOUR THE COUNTRY: $1 million in funding from the Federal Government will support 12 exhibitions from Australia's major cultural institutions to tour to remote, regional and metropolitan locations. Learn more
WOLLONGONG TO ROLL OUT E-SCOOTERS: An e-scooter trial will begin on 29 September 2023 in Wollongong, allowing riders 16 years and older to hop on an e-scooter on eligible roads and shared paths around the city. Learn more
NEW AND IMPROVED BAY RUN: New lighting, landscaping and widened pathways have been added along parts of the 7km path in Sydney's inner west. Learn more
FREE TOUR GUIDE TRAINING SESSION: ATEC will host a webinar on 27 September at 11am on how to become a tour guide. Register here
PEPPERS ARRIVES AT MANLY BEACH: Accor Pacific has opened Peppers Manly Beach, previously known as the North Tower of The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach. Learn more
TRANSPORT HERITAGE EXPO RETURNS: Sydney’s Central Station will be transformed to a bygone era with the return of the annual Transport Heritage Expo from 30 September to 2 October 2023. Learn more
PENRITH HOSTS ANNUAL REAL FESTIVAL: Presented by Penrith City Council, Real Festival will offer free activities and entertainment beside the Nepean River from 15-17 September 2023. Learn more
SOUTH COAST CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE SURVEY: The survey aims to gain insights into the challenges currently faced by tourism and hospitality operators in the region. Learn more
HOW TO BECOME SUPERYACHT CREW: Superyacht Australia has published a resource for Australians on how to start their journey as superyacht crew. 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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