Insights - 24 November 2023
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SUMMERTIME CALLS FOR DANCING IN THE STREETS
Communities, councils and event organisers will have the chance to have more fun under the sun and stars thanks to an easier and cost-effective path to hosting festivals, parties and events on their local streets and outdoor areas.
The NSW Government will implement a more streamlined application process to help councils and businesses use public lands and close streets without the need to keep going through the same process for the same location every time.
Outdoor dining will also become permanent across the state, with a law change to cement temporary arrangements introduced during COVID-19.
Drawing from the successful approach developed by Wollongong Council, a ‘global approvals’ approach will be rolled out to more than 125 NSW councils, in addition to a pilot program aimed at reducing the costs associated with street closures and traffic planning.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: “People want to be able to use their streets as public spaces – they own them. The proposed reforms will permanently relax rules for outdoor dining that came into force during COVID-19, allowing venues to make the most of space outside their venues with a quicker, light-touch application process.”
Outdoor dining will be freed up on a permanent basis from 1 January 2024, with businesses supported to use their privately-owned land for outdoor dining and events.
The activation of streets is part of the NSW Government’s vibrancy agenda to remove red tape, bring back live music, encourage local entertainment zones and prevent single complaints from shutting down venues.
EARTHCHECK'S NEW CARBON CALCULATORS GIVE USERS THE CLEAREST PICTURE OF THEIR EMISSIONS YET
EarthCheck, the world’s leading certification, consulting and advisory group for the tourism industry, has unveiled three new carbon calculators that will enable visitor economy businesses to understand, manage and reduce their emissions more effectively than ever before.
Leveraging more than 20 years of expertise in measuring and benchmarking carbon, EarthCheck has raised the bar for the visitor economy, unveiling three new state-of-the-art carbon emissions calculators focused on freight, food and laundry.
EarthCheck’s calculators are powered by the world’s largest evidence-based dataset on tourism infrastructure performance, made up of more than 500 million data points.
EarthCheck Founder and CEO Stewart Moore said: “We have consistently been at the forefront of driving sustainability in tourism, and these latest offerings echo this commitment.
“EarthCheck’s calculators help to change how businesses and travellers perceive and manage their carbon footprint. By making the abstract concept of carbon emissions tangible and measurable, these calculators can inspire greater climate action and enhance environmental, social and governance practices across the board.”
NSW visitor economy businesses are encouraged to learn more about the foundations of sustainability through the fully funded Destination NSW Sustainability Skills Micro-credentials.
2024 GOLDEN GUITAR AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED
The nominees for the 2024 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards were announced this week, following a record-breaking number of submissions across several key categories.
A number of artists led the charge into January’s awards, with Felicity Urquhart, Josh Cunningham, James Johnston, The Wolfe Brothers and Travis Collins each receiving six nominations, while top winners from the 2023 Golden Guitar Awards, Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley, picked up five nominations.
Toyota Golden Guitar Awards Executive Producer Peter Ross said: “This year’s list of nominees is a fantastic celebration of Australia’s vibrant and diverse country music industry. The 2024 Awards will acknowledge their hard work and passion and recognise their creativity and ingenuity. On behalf of Tamworth Regional Council, I would like to congratulate all the nominees in the Toyota 52nd Golden Guitar Awards.”
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is a highlight on the NSW events calendar, bringing the region to life and attracting thousands of visitors and artists as they fill local venues, streets, hotels, shops and restaurants across 10 days and nights.
Tamworth Regional Council will present the Toyota 52nd Golden Guitar Awards live on 27 January 2024 from Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.
SOCIAL IMPACT SPECIALIST JOINS BESYDNEY TEAM
As part of Business Event Sydney’s (BESydney) Change Starts Here agenda, a Social Impact Specialist has joined the team to help drive the Social Impact strategy. Tina Demetriou brings a strong background in event sustainability and community stakeholder strategy and engagement. The role was created to be the company’s social impact subject matter expert providing guidance, from event bidding to delivery and beyond. The appointment timing is ideal as BESydney begins a week of Social Impact workshops with key industry partners and staff.
FIRST NATIONS ARTWORKS FOR THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Four significant video works of art by female First Nations artists will go on show at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, as part of the Federal Government’s Sharing the National Collection initiative. The works, on loan from the National Gallery of Australia, have been selected in consultation with local Dharug curator and artist Leanne Tobin. Director of the National Gallery of Australia Dr Nick Mitzevich said: “The National Gallery is proud to hold Australia’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and this partnership with Blue Mountains Cultural Centre provides a meaningful opportunity to share First Nations stories though the digital medium.”
COUNTDOWN TO 2024 MUDGEE CLASSIC
Thousands of cyclists are preparing to pedal their way through the picturesque landscapes of regional NSW, with the 2024 Mudgee Classic set to return for its fourth year. The Dirty Mudgee Gravel Ride will take place on 4 May showcasing Mudgee’s spectacular rural scenery and well-known vineyards, while the road cycling event will kick-off on 5 May. Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “The NSW Government is thrilled to support the Mudgee Classic. This event has become a staple on the cycling calendar, attracting thousands of participants each year and providing an enormous boost to the visitor economy."
WORKSHOP TO HELP SELL EXPERIENCES ONLINE
Join Destination NSW for a free half-day workshop, 'Sell Experiences Online', to find out how to get more direct bookings by setting up to sell online. The Sell Online Workshop will suit visitor economy businesses, including accommodation, tours and activities, and visitor attractions including museums, galleries, wineries, distilleries, breweries and farm gates that offer bookable experiences. The workshop will include visitor and market insights, case studies, industry tips, discussions, activities and a networking lunch. Register now for Mudgee (29 November), Newcastle (5 December) and Port Macquarie (7 December).
SECCA CULTURAL HUB OPENS TO THE PUBLIC
Contemporary art is being reimagined in Bega, with the opening of the expanded South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA). The new art space has nearly doubled the size of the former Bega Valley Regional Gallery, creating a new cultural hub for the region. Bega Valley Shire Mayor Cr Russell Fitzpatrick said: "SECCA is already making its mark on the national art scene, having been selected as one of just six galleries in NSW and Victoria to exhibit the world-renowned Archibald Prize." The centre will hold a community weekend on 9 and 10 December.
REFRESHED PLAN FOR TWEED SHIRE COUNCIL
Tweed Shire Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the Tweed Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2024 - 2030, which provides a framework to position Tweed as one of Australia’s top sustainable tourism destinations. Developed in partnership with council, The Tweed Tourism Company and industry, the draft Tweed DMP 2024 - 2030 builds on the 2019 DMP to adapt to the changing needs of the community and ensure sustainable growth over the next six years. Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said: "Our revised DMP speaks to a vision of the Tweed to be celebrated for its nature and outdoor recreation, and its cultural and culinary experiences."
SYDNEY METRO BREAKS RECORD
A transport milestone has been achieved with a metro train completing the three-minute railway crossing under Sydney Harbour, from North Sydney’s new Victoria Cross Station into the Sydney CBD. The milestone journey was realised as part of a rigorous testing program underway on the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line. Next year, metro trains will take passengers from Victoria Cross Station to Barangaroo Station in just three minutes. Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said: "In 2024, metro services will move more people across the Harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel combined."
SURGE IN CRUISE SPENDING
Spending by Australians on cruises has jumped 55 per cent year-on-year, according to a new report from the Commonwealth Bank. The latest CommBank iQ Cost of Living Insights study showed the continued prioritisation of spending on travel and entertainment, despite feeling ongoing pressures from rising living costs. Quarterly spending on essential goods and services rose more slowly, but travel increased overall and ran ahead of overall inflation. Australians aged over 65 led the charge, with cruise the fastest growing subcategory. The report also indicated spending by Australians in regional areas outpaced city dwellers.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
YOUTH TOURISM NSW'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Youth Tourism NSW will hold its 2023 Annual General Meeting at Erskineville Town Hall on 1 December. Learn more
BOOK YOUR FULL MOTION SIMULATOR ADVENTURE NOW: Temora Aviation Museum's three cutting-edge warbird simulators are now available for booking. A 50 per cent off introductory price for bookings made through the website is available, for a limited time only. Learn more
GOULBURN HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURNS: Goulburn Mulwaree Council, in partnership with Hockey NSW, will host the Indoor State Championships from October 2023 to February 2024. 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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