Insights - 26 May 2023
No images? Click here
PHOTO SPECIAL: LIGHTS ON FOR VIVID SYDNEY 2023
Vivid Sydney 2023 celebrations kick off tonight with First Light, a vibrant Welcome to Country that will honour our nation's First People.
This year's creative direction for the festival is “Vivid Sydney, Naturally”, focussing on our relationship with the natural environment. There will be more than 300 events from 26 May to 17 June 2023, across the pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: "Tonight the bright lights of Vivid Sydney will once again transform our city, mesmerise, delight and inspire, and I encourage both visitors and Sydneysiders alike to take part in this year’s festival.
“Since its inception in 2009, Vivid Sydney has showcased the vibrancy, buzzing nightlife and diverse creative talents of Sydney on the global stage and supercharged our visitor economy around experience tourism.”
"I am pleased that Vivid is evolving as Sydney does - this year includes a fourth pillar, Vivid Food, and I look forward to sampling some of NSW’s best produce, created by some of our finest culinary talent."
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney has come of age and has evolved into a progressive and inclusive event that celebrates the best of our creative industries in 2023.”
“We are truly proud of this year’s festival. We have raised the bar on the size and scale of the events and activated new parts of the city. Our line-up features more diverse talent across more industries."
The Vivid Sydney Light Walk will stretch continuously for 8.5km linking the Sydney Opera House to Central Station, with 57 free light art installations and 3D projections featuring 32 NSW based artists and collaborators.
Vivid Music will feature 67 gigs and concerts at 14 venues across the CBD, with performances from local and international acts.
Vivid Ideas will offer 38 events with 218 speakers, including Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge in Conversation at ICC Sydney and in Conversation with Jeannette Winterson at Sydney Town Hall.
The new Vivid Food will celebrate and profile NSW produce, culinary talent and venues through collaborations with NSW chefs, producers and national and international talent. Vivid Food has 282 events this year at 18 venues.
Vivid Sydney plays a key role in supporting the NSW visitor economy and promoting the creative industries, both nationally and internationally.
Now in its 13th edition, the festival is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW.
FESTIVAL HEATS UP WITH VIVID FIRE KITCHEN
The inaugural Vivid Food program will present a line-up of local culinary heroes along with internationally acclaimed pitmasters for Vivid Fire Kitchen at The Cutaway, Barangaroo.
Festival-goers can grab a free spot by the fire pit to watch pitmasters take to the coals, purchase exclusive dishes and discover tips and tricks from the best of the barbecue trade.
Vivid Fire Kitchen will also host an exciting line-up of street food, trailblazing restaurants and innovative dining concepts.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “These pitmasters and dining concepts are showcasing the best of Sydney's culinary scene in an accessible way.
“With all Vivid Fire Kitchen events taking place at The Cutaway in Barangaroo, festival-goers can round out their Vivid Sydney experience here before or after experiencing the 8.5km Vivid Light Walk, along with the incredible offering from our Vivid Music and Vivid Ideas program.”
Vivid Fire Kitchen will be open nightly from 6-11pm.
Watch a preview here.
WILD LIGHTS, LIGHTSCAPE AND DARK SPECTRUM
TO DAZZLE AT VIVID SYDNEY
In addition to the free Vivid Sydney Light Walk, several other ticketed events are lighting up the city from 26 May to 16 June.
At Taronga Zoo, a new Wild Lights trail will include more than 130 lanterns and lights. It will also debut a variety of new lanterns created by Aboriginal artist Nathan Peckham of Yurana Creative. Learn more
At Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, Lightscape will be an internationally acclaimed multi-sensory experience of light, colour and sound. Learn more
At Wynyard Station, Dark Spectrum will offer an electronic labyrinth in the railway tunnels. There are eight rooms, each associated with a different mood. Learn more
SYDNEY'S ECONOMIC GROWTH APPROACHES
PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS
The City of Sydney has released economic analysis of the first quarter of 2023 that shows the city is approaching pre-pandemic levels across several indicators.
Key takeouts include:
- Local spend has recovered to 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels (after adjusting for inflation)
- The city’s night-time economy (6pm-6am) has recovered to 97 per cent of the 2019 pre-pandemic level (after adjusting for inflation)
- Friday is the highest spend day with an average of $28 million each week (87 per cent of pre-pandemic levels)
- Monthly local spend in central Sydney in March 2023 was $704 million (up from $617 million in March 2022)
- Public transport use to central Sydney has grown strongly in the last year (rising to 84 per cent of pre-pandemic levels)
- This financial year to date (July 2022-February 2023), City of Sydney approved $3.1 billion of building development
- Sydney had 247,000 international visitor arrivals in February (up 16 per cent from February 2022)
- International student arrivals to Australia have increased to 74 per cent of 2019 levels. There are now 205,931 international students in NSW, with 95 per cent of these in Greater Sydney.
QANTAS ADDS INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO NSW
Qantas has announced it will boost its international network with extra flights, more aircraft and new routes as it restores capacity in line with strong travel demand and the broader recovery of the aviation industry.
The network changes will see the airline’s international capacity grow to around 100 per cent of pre-COVID levels by March 2024, up from 44 per cent 12 months ago and 84 per cent last week.
Qantas resumed San Francisco to Sydney flights this week and will launch its inaugural service from New York to Sydney via Auckland next month.
The additional services include flights on its New York to Sydney via Auckland route increasing from three to four per week; the Tokyo-Sydney route increasing from daily to double daily; Shanghai-Sydney daily flights commencing for the first time in more than three years; Singapore-Sydney flights increasing from 14 to 15 per week from 31 March 2024; and Christchurch-Sydney flights increasing from 11 to 14 per week.
Learn more here.
Qantas estimates its domestic capacity will be above pre-COVID-19 levels at 104 per cent by the end of FY23. International capacity is expected to grow to greater than 80 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels by the end of FY23.
Qantas said forward booking trends indicate strong travel demand continuing into FY24.
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
National Reconciliation Week will be held from 27 May to 3 June 2023. It is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation. Its theme is “Be a Voice for Generations”, which is a challenge to all Australians to continue the momentum of change, by using their voice to create a better future for generations to come. Events will be held across NSW to mark National Reconciliation Week. Destination NSW's activities will include Vivid Sydney opening with First Light on 26 May, a unique Welcome to Country celebration.
TINA MUSICAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO SINGER
The Australian production of TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, which is currently playing at Theatre Royal Sydney, has paid tribute to the icon, who passed away this week at age 83. A statement said: "Her legacy lives on in so many beautiful ways as we mourn a legendary woman. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with Tina’s family. TINA - The Tina Turner Musical is a true celebration of this exceptional woman, and in our mourning we continue to celebrate her life, her talent and her joy." Performances of the musical, which is proudly supported by Destination NSW, are continuing as planned.
TRAVEL APP USAGE RISES IN AUSTRALIA
Ipsos iris rankings have revealed the Easter and April school holidays saw 16.9 million Australians aged 14+ use a travel website or app. Uber was the number one travel site used in April, followed by Qantas Airways, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Virgin Australia, Airbnb, Jetstar, news. com.au (travel) and Expedia. The 25- to 39-year-old age group was the largest cohort online, while people aged 40 to 54 spent the most time online in April.
NSW HOTELS NAMED BEST IN SOUTH PACIFIC
Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island has been named Top Hotel in the South Pacific in the Tripadvisor 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards. Number four on the list was The Remington in Muswellbrook, while Little National Hotel Sydney was at number 10. Fewer than one per cent of Tripadvisor’s eight million listings are awarded Best of the Best ratings, signifying the highest level of excellence in hospitality.
GORDON RAMSAY PRAISES SYDNEY DINING
Sydney's Aria restaurant welcomed London’s three Michelin-star Restaurant Gordon Ramsay for an exclusive three-night residency earlier this month. The sold-out experience was curated by Mr Ramsay and Matt Moran. Mr Ramsay said: "Sydney … what a week! Thanks to Matt Moran for helping to bring Restaurant Gordon Ramsay to life here. Your food culture is incredible and I’ll be back soon."
NSW SOMMELIER'S WINE LIST AWARDS FINALISTS
NSW Wine has announced 42 finalists in the 2023 NSW Sommelier's Wine List Awards. Now in their fourth year, the awards are supported by Destination NSW and showcase the state's sommeliers, beverage managers and venues that offer customers a great NSW wine experience and a range of local wines that highlight the quality and diversity of wines being produced in NSW.
NSW TOURISM 2021-22 REPORT
The State Tourism Satellite Account 2021–22 has been released, highlighting the importance of tourism to each state and territory. Tourism Research Australia complied the report, which shows total tourism gross state product (both direct and indirect) was worth $20.1 billion to the NSW visitor economy during the period (up 2.8% on 2020-21).
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE GREEN ACCOLADE
The Sydney Opera House has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star Performance rating by the Green Building Council Australia (GBCA), representing world leadership in environmental and social sustainability. It is one of the first World Heritage-listed buildings globally to have earned this highest possible certification from the GBCA.
NSW VISIT FOR INDIA'S PRIME MINISTER
More than 20,000 people gathered this week at a Sydney Olympic Park to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: "I get to speak to some pretty big crowds as Prime Minister. But I have to say that the warmth and the energy here tonight is second to none." Mr Albanese also announced a new Centre for Australia-India Relations would be established in Parramatta, which will seek new opportunities for collaboration between the two countries. India was the fourth largest inbound market for NSW in 2022, with 127,500 visitors.
SYDNEY AIRPORT CEO TO STEP DOWN
Sydney Airport has announced its CEO Geoff Culbert will step down at the end of this year, after almost six years in the role. Mr Culbert said: “It’s been a privilege to have led Australia’s premier domestic and international airport since 2018, and to work with such a wonderful team through a unique and challenging period in the airport’s history. By the end of the year the airport will be close to fully recovered, and that will be the right time to hand over to a new CEO who will lead the airport through the next phase." A global search has commenced for Mr Culbert's replacement.
SYDNEY GATEWAY TAKES STEP FORWARD
The last of 86 girders on Sydney Gateway’s striking flyover bridge have been installed as construction progresses on the toll-free connection to Sydney Airport and beyond. NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said: "This project is a key part of cutting journey times from Western Sydney, with estimated time savings from Parramatta to Sydney Airport to be 20 minutes in peak hour after the Gateway opens."
NEW SYDNEY FLIGHT TRAINING CENTRE
Construction has commenced on a new flight training centre in Sydney, which will train up to 4500 Qantas and Jetstar pilots and cabin crew each year from early 2024. The multi-million-dollar facility will be home to up to eight full motion simulators. The purpose-built facility near Sydney Airport will also have flight training devices, aircraft cabin mock-ups with emergency procedures equipment, and classroom and training facilities.
CORPORATE PA SUMMIT SYDNEY 2023
Destination NSW was the proud major sponsor of the ThinkTank Corporate PA Summit Sydney 2023 this week. Associate Director Regional Conferencing Mitchell Gunn delivered a welcome address to more than 175 corporate event planners who attended the event. Destination NSW also exhibited at the conference, showcasing the world-class range of business event destinations, venues and experiences available across NSW.
NSW ON SHOW AT IMEX FRANKFURT
Tourism Australia’s specialist business unit Business Events Australia attended international business events exhibition IMEX Frankfurt from 22-25 May 2023. IMEX gave the Australian business events industry the opportunity to meet influential international buyers responsible for organising corporate meetings, incentive travel programs and association events. NSW attendees include BESydney and ICC Sydney.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES BOOSTS CAPACITY
Singapore Airlines will introduce a fifth daily flight to Sydney in November, putting the airline ahead of its pre-COVID capacity. Regional Vice President South West Pacific, Louis Arul said: “The appetite for travel has been robust over the current mid-year holiday period and signs are that demand will remain elevated as we head into the traditionally strong year-end peak.” Singapore was the fifth largest inbound market for NSW in 2022.
STATE MEMORIAL FOR BARRY HUMPHRIES
A State Memorial for Barry Humphries will be held at the Sydney Opera House on 15 December 2023, co-hosted by the Federal and NSW Governments in partnership with the arts community from across the country. Mr Humphries passed away on 22 April. He was best known for iconic characters including Dame Edna Everage, as well as being an author, actor and satirist. The Memorial will bring together dignitaries, family, friends and fans.
SAVING HIGH COUNTRY SPECIES
A project to connect Aboriginal communities with Country is also helping conserve three critically endangered species: the Tumut Grevillea shrub and the Southern and Northern Corroboree Frogs. The ‘Buugang Wambal’ project in Tumut and the Snowy Mountains is contributing to the understanding of how ecosystems can be improved when Aboriginal people are involved in looking after traditional lands. Two coordinators are leading a project group of up to 25 Walgalu and Wiradjuri adults and 10 children, with support from organisations including Aboriginal Affairs NSW, the Department of Regional NSW and the Rural Fire Service.
ACTIVE TRANSPORT FUNDING
A renewed Get NSW Active program will deliver funding to more than 80 walking and cycling projects across the state. Get NSW Active will provide $39.5 million in funding to 50 councils to deliver projects that will encourage walking and bike riding in their area. Upgrades include new footpaths, new cycleways and improved safety features. The new round of funding includes $13.6 million for regional projects, while more than half of the 44 projects funded for Greater Sydney will be delivered in Western or Southwestern Sydney, with an investment of more than $13 million. Visit the website for a full list of successful applicants
MOGO MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPERIENCE
Plans for a $4 million eco-friendly mountain bike experience in Mogo have been released. It will features beginner bike trails, a pump track and a skills track. The experience will be set within a family-oriented accommodation precinct surrounded by the natural environment offering easy access to forest trails.
NEW LEGISLATION FOR CREATIVE WORKERS
The Creative Australia Bill 2023 has been introduced, establishing two new bodies within Creative Australia, the Federal Government’s principal arts investment and advisory body. Music Australia will deliver support and investment, while Creative Workplaces will raise and set workplace standards.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
GOVERNMENT SECTOR FINANCE AMENDMENT (GRANTS) BILL 2023: The NSW Government has successfully delivered on its commitment to strengthen the administration of government grants with its first Bill being passed by Parliament. Learn more
SYDNEY TRAINS WALSH REVIEW INTERIM REPORT: The NSW Government will accept all 12 recommendations made by the report, which has revealed problems with the way Sydney Trains is currently operating. Learn more
$25,000 BONUS FOR NEXT GENERATION PLANNERS: NSW councils will receive $25,000 to pay young planners tuition fees under a new strategy to help the NSW Government address skills shortages and tackle the housing crisis right across the state. Learn more
SALTER BROTHERS ACQUIRES FIVE LUXURY HOTELS IN NSW: The global fund manager has bought Lilianfels Resort and Spa, The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Echoes Boutique Hotel, Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges and The Convent Hunter Valley. Learn more
SAFEWORK NSW INSPECTS SNOWFIELDS: Workplace safety inspectors inspected the slopes of NSW snowfields this week to ensure workers and visitors enjoy the ski season in a safe work and recreation environment. 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
DID YOU ENJOY THIS NEWSLETTER? Forward it to colleagues and friends so they can subscribe too. Was this issue forwarded to you? Click here to sign up
