Bookings buzz as international border reopens
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BOOKINGS BUZZ AS INTERNATIONAL BORDER REOPENS
The joy and flat whites flowed at Sydney Airport this week when Destination NSW greeted international visitors to the Harbour City for the first time in 704 days.
Sydney Surf Lifesavers and five of Sydney’s most iconic drag queens joined the celebrations as the ultimate welcoming committee, with brass musicians playing Feeling Good, the evocative soundtrack behind the Destination NSW tourism marketing campaign ‘Feel NSW’.
Around 5000 passengers across 26 flights passed through the airport on Monday, arriving from the US, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand and Fiji.
"Since the announcement two weeks ago, we've seen a strong influx of bookings," said United Airlines managing director of international sales Marcel Fuchs. "We're really happy about being able to fly over fully vaccinated customers without any restrictions."
Helloworld chief executive Andrew Burnes said his group had seen most demand from British and European travellers, who were booking high-end tours.
"These are all leisure tourists, they have been hoping to come to Australia for the past two years – for many of them it has been longer than that," Mr Burnes said.
"Australia is one of the most desired destinations in the world. Now Australian borders have opened again the early adapters are getting in and booking as fast as they can.”
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: "The thousands of international tourists arriving this week and many more over the coming months will help kickstart the tourism industry, which has done it tough for the past couple of years. People are very keen to come back to Australia, and we continue to see strong bookings out of the US and UK, as well as South Africa and Canada.”
FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR BUSINESS EVENTS IN NSW
The business events industry is regaining its momentum, with 500 buyers and 180 exhibitors gathering last week at ICC Sydney for Get Local.
The Get Local event showcased suppliers, destinations and product for meetings, events, conferences, incentives and group business travel across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. It gave buyers and exhibitors the opportunity to meet with contacts, identify business opportunities, drive lead generation, build relationships and grow their network.
Destination NSW exhibited with 20 regional destination partners, showcasing the dynamic, diverse and unique range of products and experiences available for business event planners throughout regional NSW. It was also a valuable opportunity to encourage regional NSW venues and business event planners to make applications to the NSW Government's Regional Business Event Development Fund.
Destination NSW received positive feedback from the 20 regional NSW destinations that attended Get Local.
Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association Business Development Specialist Erin Williams said: "Hunter Valley Business Events was proud to partner and exhibit with Destination NSW at Get Local 2022. The Destination NSW team were so organised and helpful and ensured we had a great spot on the show room floor capturing buyers as they came in and out between sessions. Highly successful and we're looking forward to the next one."
Orange360 General Manager Caddie Marshall said: "It was great to be back face-to-face showcasing regional NSW with the support of Destination NSW. Together with our neighbouring regions we were able to pitch a compelling reason for national and potentially international buyers to consider a rural alternative that will deliver a new corporate market to our destination. Orange is only at the introduction phase for conferencing and incentive program market and with the ongoing support of the Regional Conferencing team, I believe we will attract both trade and investment."
Shoalhaven City Council Tourism Investment and Event Specialist Kate Selig said: "It was fantastic to connect face-to-face and talk all things business events at Get Local 2022. A big thank you to Destination NSW for facilitating the opportunity to get in front of so many buyers across two-days. We made so many great connections and there was a real buzz in the room."
Industry Liaison at The Tweed Tourism Sally Scott said: "It was great to reconnect with industry at Get Local and highlight that business events are back. Being part of Destination NSW stand with our Destination North Coast colleagues meant we felt supported and provided a united front for promoting the Meet in Regional NSW message. A successful trade show resulting in immediate leads to follow up for The Tweed."
The Regional Conferencing team at Destination NSW is now preparing for AIME - a leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region - being held in Melbourne from 21-23 March.
HAVE YOU REGISTERED YOUR BUSINESS FOR THE
STAY NSW PROGRAM?
NSW residents are eligible for a $50 accommodation voucher to use across the state as part of the NSW Government’s $250 million Stay NSW program.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the initiative would provide a great opportunity for NSW residents to experience the tourism offering of their home state.
“The Stay NSW voucher is a fantastic incentive for NSW residents to get out and explore the incredible cultural and natural wonders of their home state or even experience what it’s like to be a visitor in Sydney with a staycation in one of the world’s great CBDs,” Mr Ayres said.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our accommodation providers, who have experienced consecutive years of hardship with natural disasters and the pandemic. This initiative will provide a much-needed boost to the sector.”
People can pool the $50 Stay NSW Vouchers with relatives or friends, with no redemption limit. There are more than 1200 Stay NSW businesses registered across the state and it is not too late for more accommodation premises to get on board.
Stay NSW Vouchers are valid until 9 October 2022, and accommodation providers across NSW are encouraged to register their business on the Service NSW website.
Reflections Holiday Parks is among the businesses that have applauded the initiative. Lake Glenbawn Manager Leoni Walsh said: “With 37 holiday parks throughout NSW in some of the most amazing coastal and country locations, we are excited for more people to be able experience our parks and for the much-needed boost to regional tourism these vouchers provide. We couldn’t think of a more perfect remedy for the post-Christmas blues than a holiday with us courtesy of the NSW Government.”
For more information, including details on eligibility plus how and when to apply, click here. For inspiration on great experiences and destinations go to www.visitnsw.com.
WOTIF ANNOUNCES 2022 AUSSIES TOWN OF THE YEAR WINNERS
Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth, has taken out the number three spot in the Wotif 2022 Aussie Town of the Year Awards. Wotif said: "With plenty of country charm and hospitality, Tamworth also features an award-winning regional playground and marsupial park, galleries, museums and national parks." Bateman's Bay also made the top 10 list, coming in at number nine for its crystal blue waters, natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
SCENIC WORLD LAUNCHES WORLD-FIRST PREMIUM TOURISM EXPERIENCE
The new Beyond Skyway experience allows visitors to climb on top of the Skyway cable car as it hovers above the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Visitors are fitted with harnesses before relaxing on custom wooden seating. Scenic World Managing Director Anthea Hammon said: “Beyond Skyway offers an unforgettable experience that you can’t replicate anywhere else in the world. It’s the type of experience that stays with you for life."
COUNTING DOWN TO GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS
Great Southern Nights is a three-week celebration of live music that kicks off on in March. It is being delivered by Destination NSW and ARIA to help stimulate the NSW visitor economy, get artists, crews and music venues back doing what they love, and encourage people to attend hundreds of gigs throughout NSW. Adam Harvey is just one of the talented artists taking part - he will perform at The Broken Hill Musician's Club on 19 March. Watch this video interview with him on why he's taking part.
HISTORIC MERGER MEETING FOR AA & TAA
The Accommodation Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia informally met this week for the first time as the organisations progress towards an amalgamation, with completion expected by the end of 2022. The merger process is heavily regulated, with significant progress being made to meet the requirements. The organisations continue to work closely together to make the most of existing resources and optimise benefits for members. A number of joint events have also been held.
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL PREMIERES AT SYDNEY'S CAPITOL THEATRE
The smash-hit musical 9 To 5 had its Australia premiere last night in Sydney. Based on the iconic 1980 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, the production features a stellar cast, including Marina Prior, Eddie Perfect, Casey Donovan, Caroline O'Connor and Erin Clare. Destination NSW has secured the production as part of its strategy to reinforce Sydney’s reputation as the cultural capital of Australia and events capital of the Asia Pacific.
VIVID SYDNEY LAUNCHES LOCAL BUSINESS FUNDING PROGRAM
Business owners in Sydney’s CBD and surrounds are invited to apply for funding to host Vivid Sydney-inspired experiences, tours or menus. Business owners can also access LED screens, window decals and posters to display their interpretation of what Vivid Sydney means to them and can light their building facades in synchronisation with ‘Our Connected City’ – a large scale programmed lighting activation of Sydney Harbour. Applications are open until 15 March 2022.
WESTINVEST FUNDING TO TRANSFORM LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Local councils across West and South-West Sydney are eligible for up to $400 million in funding as part of the first wave of the $5 billion WestInvest program launching at the end of March. Funding is designed to deliver community benefit and help turbocharge economic recovery across six areas: parks, urban spaces and green space; enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting grounds; modernising local schools; creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities; revitalising high-streets; and clearing local traffic.
FRESH MULTICULTURAL EVENTS FUNDING ANNOUNCED
Fifty-six community organisations are sharing in $548,850 in funding to hold festivals and events thanks to the second round of Multicultural NSW’s Stronger Together Grants Program. Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said: “This money will help our vibrant multicultural communities bounce back from the pandemic and allow more opportunities for groups to connect with and celebrate the communities they represent. We have already seen Lunar New Year festivals and refugee awareness programs take place thanks to this funding."
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR NSW TOP TOURISM TOWN
NSW Tourism Industry Council is calling for nominations for NSW’s Top Tourism Towns across three categories: Top Tourism Town, Small Tourism Town, and Tiny Tourism Town. In 2021, Berrima and Mudgee took out the top awards. Winners in each category for 2022 will be announced at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference to be held from 17–19 May in Orange.
DESTINATION NSW HELPS IMM DELEGATES FEEL NEW
Delegates at International Media Marketplace last week were given a taste of a NSW holiday, with a spa-inspired experience courtesy of Destination NSW. The activation rejuvenated attendees with neck massages and express facials between appointments. The Destination NSW team also met with more than 40 of Australia’s top travel and lifestyle media during one-on-one appointments.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
PRINCESS TO PUT THE ROYAL IN EASTER SHOW: Princess Anne will be guest of honour at Sydney Royal Easter Show in April, as the event celebrates its 200th year. First held in 1823, it has grown to become Australia's largest ticketed event, attracting more than 850,00 visitors on average. General Manager Murray Wilton said: “Being our 200th anniversary, that’s the sole purpose of her visit to Australia. We’re incredibly chuffed and very excited about Her Royal Highness being here for the grand opening.” Read more
EXPERIENCE BADU GILI LIVE: The Sydney Opera House’s Monumental Steps are being transformed at sunset each Saturday into a free outdoor festival that celebrates First Nations music, art and food until 2 April 2022. Read more
REGION X LAUNCHES BLISS OUT WEEKENDS: Every weekend in Autumn, Region X is heading out to kayak, camp and practice yoga somewhere remote around Batemans Bay, South Coast NSW. Read more
THE INCONVENIENCE STORE OPENS IN BATLOW: The award-winning interactive performance piece created by artist Marina DeBris is supported by funding from the NSW Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. It is open to the public for the next six months on Thursdays and Fridays. Read more
