Insights - 12 September 2022
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ROOM OCCUPANCY RATES & REVENUE RISE IN NSW
Destination NSW has released its NSW Tourist Accommodation Snapshot for April to June 2022. The data has revealed rising occupancy rates throughout NSW.
NSW, Sydney and regional NSW saw rates above the same quarter in 2021 (up 11 per cent, 15 per cent and 1 per cent respectively). This was not surprising given the June 2021 quarter was a difficult period for the accommodation sector, with lockdowns and restrictions that started in Sydney from mid-June and the circuit breaker lockdown in Victoria (from late May to mid-June).
Accommodation supply in NSW in the June quarter was higher than March 2022 quarter – there were 22 more establishments and 727 rooms.
Regional NSW held the lion’s share of the state's properties (77 per cent) and a slightly larger majority of rooms (51 per cent).
North Coast NSW continued to lead regional NSW, accounting for 23.3 per cent of establishments and 22.5 per cent of rooms. It also led in terms of room revenue takings in regional NSW, with 22.7 per cent share.
Most regional NSW areas recorded increases in occupancy rate in the June 2022 quarter compared to June 2021 quarter. The average daily rate and revenue per available room increased across all tourism regions in the June 2022 quarter. When compared to March 2022 quarter, the Blue Mountains, Capital Country, Central NSW, the Hunter, New England North West and Riverina all recorded increases in occupancy rates.
Destination NSW fact sheets provide valuable insights for visitor economy businesses. They offer useful snapshots designed to give a quick comparison on how the NSW visitor profile is evolving. The fact sheets focus on NSW-specific data to ensure the industry is equipped with information to strengthen marketing and business decisions.
AIRBnB ANALYSIS SHOWS INCREASE IN
NON-URBAN BOOKINGS
A new Airbnb report - Further afield: Spreading the benefits of the travel revolution - has revealed Australia recorded an increase of 60 per cent in non-urban nights booked on Airbnb in the June quarter of 2022 compared with the June quarter of 2019.
The typical earnings for non-urban hosts on Airbnb were also higher in the June quarter of 2022 than during the same period in 2019. Non-urban nights booked for long-term stays (28 days-plus) in Australia more than doubled when comparing the June quarter of 2022 with the pre-pandemic June quarter of 2019.
Airbnb Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand Susan Wheeldon said: "More than two years since the start of the pandemic, we continue to see fundamental shifts in travel that are creating tangible opportunities for communities that lay off the beaten track. It’s incredibly exciting to see travellers so enthusiastic about exploring new destinations, as well as the positive economic impact that’s having on locals.
"We’re committed to continuing to work together with governments and other stakeholders to keep inspiring travellers to step off the beaten path and help ensure more communities can share in the benefits of tourism."
ICC BRINGS GADIGAL DREAMING EXPERIENCE
TO DARLING HARBOUR
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has joined with award-winning First Nations digital storytelling enterprise Bilbie XR Labs and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) to launch an innovative First Nations audio visual experience for visitors to the Darling Harbour precinct.
Proudly supported by the NSW Government through the CBDs Revitalisation Program, Gadigal Dreaming – The Sacred Country of the Gadigal People transports visitors to a time prior to European arrival through interactive, animated scenes that depict the traditional cultural practices of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.
Gadigal Dreaming will be shown daily at sunset on the outdoor screens throughout Darling Harbour, Tumbalong, and then every hour on the hour until 11pm until 31 October 2022.
The program consists of eight scenes covering gathering, fishing, corroboree, crafting, tracks, hunting, camp life and cosmology legends. Through QR codes, it also provides viewers with an augmented reality experience through their own devices.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said: “The NSW Government’s $50 million CBDs Revitalisation Program is reigniting social connection, place based storytelling and economic activity in urban centres across Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, through a range of arts, music, food and beverage and cultural events.
“Gadigal Dreaming is an innovative and compelling project that will draw people in to explore through First Nations stories while assisting to accelerate economic recovery in the Darling Harbour precinct– key elements in the NSW Government’s CBD’s Revitalisation Program.”
NEW FUNDING FOR BUSINESS EVENTS IN NSW
The NSW Government is offering to fund up to $60,000 per business event held in 2023 in Greater Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong, with applications now open for the third round of the Accelerate Fund.
Accelerate is designed to stimulate the return of business events across Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong and offers organisers up to $60,000 in matched funding for business events held between 1 January and 30 November 2023.
Applications are open to organisers of business-to-business conferences, conventions, symposiums, congresses, seminars, training courses and trade exhibitions to offset venue costs (venue hire, in-house catering and AV costs) to the organiser.
Applicants can be based anywhere in the country, as long as their business event takes place over at least one full day in an eligible venue in Greater Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong.
NSW Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said: “The Accelerate program has invested millions into our important business events sector, delivering economic stimulus to communities and industries which is accelerating our economic recovery. We know business events contribute significantly to the wider tourism industry and this important investment will have a wide-reaching impact for years to come both socially and economically.”
BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said: “This funding is much-needed investment to help revive businesses and bring tourism back to our cities. Business events bring locals and visitors alike to our CBDs and support industry suppliers in accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, tourism and business events sectors."
Applications close on 30 September 2022. Destination NSW is working with BESydney to deliver the $6 million Accelerate Sydney Business Events Fund.
VALE HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Premier Dominic Perrottet has extend his deepest sympathies on behalf of the people of NSW to the Royal family following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"As the first reigning monarch to visit our nation, Queen Elizabeth set foot for the first time on Australian soil in 1954 at Farm Cove in Sydney Harbour where an unprecedented crowd of more than one million people greeted her," Mr Perrottet said.
"The public’s overwhelming jubilation and enthusiasm at seeing the young monarch was the beginning of the state’s long-held joy in her frequent visits.
"Her Late Majesty will forever be connected to pivotal moments in our State’s history. She officially opened the Parliament of New South Wales in 1954, Sydney Opera House in 1973, Parramatta Stadium in 1986, and Darling Harbour in 1988."
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said: "Her Late Majesty has been a tremendous friend to NSW. The affection with which she is held is reflected in the thousands that lined the streets for her visits to places like Bathurst, Dubbo, Lismore, Broken Hill and Wagga Wagga.
"I extend my deepest sympathies to all members of the Royal family who have not only lost a great leader but a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. We thank them for sharing her life with so many of us."
The sails of the Sydney Opera House were illuminated on Friday night in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her image will continue to be displayed on the sails of the Sydney Opera House each night for the full national mourning period.
A special historic event was held on Sunday in Sydney to proclaim King Charles III to the people of NSW. Public transport was free across the state to assist people to attend.
The event was held at the front of NSW Parliament House on Macquarie Street and included an Australian Defence Force Guard, the NSW Police Force band performing the Royal and Australian National anthems, a NSW Police Mounted Unit and a 21-Gun Salute from Government House Sydney.
Australia will hold a National Day of Mourning to observe Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, with 22 September 2022 declared a public holiday.
MOODY’S GIVES NSW TRIPLE-A TICK
The NSW economy has received a vote of confidence from credit ratings agency Moody’s, which reaffirmed the state’s triple-A credit rating. NSW is the only state in Australia with a Moody's triple-A credit rating. Fitch also assigned NSW a triple-A rating while S&P Global gave it a double-A plus rating. NSW has also recorded the strongest quarterly economic growth among all states, with State Final Demand (SFD) rising by 1.9 per cent in the June quarter, according to the ABS National Account.
HMAS ADELAIDE SITE REOPENS TO DIVERS
Divers can once again visit the HMAS Adelaide dive site after the NSW Government invested $114,545 to make the site safe following impacts from large ocean swells. Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said: “This globally-significant artificial reef attracts thousands of divers each year, injecting spending into the region to support local shops, cafes, dive operators and other businesses. While many of the world’s top dive sites are hours offshore, HMAS Adelaide is a five-minute boat ride from Terrigal.”
BUDGET ESTIMATES HEARINGS
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin and Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox have attended Budget Estimates 2022/23 hearings at Parliament House. The hearings are an annual process through which Upper House committees question ministers and senior public servants about the expenditure, performance and effectiveness of government agencies and portfolios. The hearings were an opportunity to highlight the NSW Government's progress on the state's roadmap to recovery as it elevates its status as the premier visitor economy in the Asia Pacific.
NEW FESTIVAL FOR HAYMARKET
A new festival called Pleasures Playhouse will reignite Haymarket nightlife from 22 September 2022. Proudly funded by the NSW Government through the CBDs Revitalisation Program, the six-week arts and entertainment festival will be held at the former Harbour City Cinema. 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said: “Pleasures Playhouse is an example of great business collaboration. This event will bring together some of the best arts, music and food and beverage offer from across the precinct and draw audiences back to a space that has been dormant for 15 years.”
SIX CITIES DISCUSSION PAPER RELEASED
Better connecting communities, new targets for affordable housing and creating more jobs are front and centre in the NSW Government’s plan for the Six Cities. The Six Cities Discussion Paper takes forward the plan to build Australia’s only truly global city region: Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle City, Central Coast City, Illawarra-Shoalhaven City, Western Parkland City, Central River City and Eastern Harbour City. Work to develop and finalise the Six Cities Region Plan will be undertaken in 2023.
ACCC APPROVES VIRGIN CODESHARING
The ACCC has granted authorisation for Virgin Australia to enter into codeshare pricing arrangements with its international airline partners for five years. Virgin Australia’s partners include United Airlines, Qatar Airways and other airlines that operate long-haul international routes. ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said: “More choice and greater convenience is likely to be the result for consumers, particularly those planning international trips that include connecting flights operated by Virgin Australia.”
WORLD CUP COMES TO COFFS HARBOUR
Coffs Harbour will play host to some of the world’s elite beach athletes during the Summer of Surf World Cup series, which will be held from 27-30 October 2022 thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund. An expected 10,000 visitors will flock to Coffs Harbour to watch the ocean swim, beach events and fun run, among other summer sports.
JOBS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITY
The Federal Government has announced $3.3 million in funding to establish a Visitor Economy Disability Pilot to help people living with disability secure sustained jobs in tourism. The pilot will be trialled over a 12-month period in regional locations to help support businesses to look for and place people living with disability into available jobs.
BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR NSW TRANSPORT
Travel in NSW will be quicker, more convenient and safer as part of the Future Transport Strategy unveiled by the NSW Government. The strategy includes a vision to create connected 30-minute cities and convenient 15-minute neighbourhoods, starting with the piloting of Future Transport Hubs in Parramatta, Chatswood, Wollongong and Coffs Harbour that will provide commuters with a one-stop-shop for a range of essential services.
FIRE DANGER RATINGS TOOLKIT
The NSW Rural Fire Service has developed a range of resources to help members and communities understand the new national Fire Danger Rating System, which came into effect on 1 September 2022. The Fire Danger Ratings Toolkit aims to improve public safety and reduce the impact of bush fires. The assets included in the kit are part of the public awareness campaign to ensure that all residents and visitors to NSW are informed about the changes to the Fire Danger Rating System
FIRST PUNTHILL PROPERTY FOR REGIONAL NSW
Veriu Group has begun construction on its first Punthill property in regional NSW. Punthill Maitland will be the first hotel brand slated to open in the town in more than a decade. Veriu Group plans to roll out the Punthill apartment hotel accommodation model in regional NSW, with a number of other openings scheduled. Located in the heart of Maitland’s commercial hub, the 76-key apartment hotel will feature conference facilities, a gymnasium and café.
NYE IN SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK
Sydney Harbour National Park will offer some of the city’s best vantage points to witness the world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks, with amazing views of the iconic harbour and city skyline, set within stunning natural environments. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will host eight events at spectacular sites, from unique island parties to relaxed family-friendly foreshore events. It will be the first time in four years that all major NPWS viewing areas will be activated.
REX NAMED AIRLINE OF THE YEAR
Rex has been named Airline of the Year at the inaugural Australian Aviation Awards. Chief Operating Officer Neville Howell said: "We are very fortunate at Rex to have fantastic baggage handlers that don’t lose bags, great flight crew and flight attendants, fantastic airport staff and the most magnificent people in admin - they have all helped us through this difficult period. So to them, this is for them, they’ve done this for us and we feel indebted to them for everything they have done for this airline."
NEW CBD METRO ENTRANCES
The proposed designs of two new entrances to the future Sydney Metro Hunter Street Station have been revealed, as planning progresses for this landmark station in the heart of the Sydney CBD. The two entrances have been developed in consultation with the City of Sydney. Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the new station would revitalise a critical area of Sydney’s CBD, delivering jobs and an economic and tourism precinct around the new metro station.
WOLLOMBI VALLEY SCULPTURE FESTIVAL
One of the oldest sculpture exhibitions in regional NSW, Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival, has overcome recent flooding in the historic village to host its biggest-ever event. The 20th anniversary exhibition will be held from 10-25 September 2022. The 155 finalist works will be displayed in six indoor galleries and two vineyards around Wollombi and the neighbouring hamlet of Laguna.
TOURISM MINISTER VISITS CENTRAL WEST
Tourism Minister Ben Franklin recently visited two Central West visitor economy businesses. Printhie Wines received funding through the Destination NSW Renew and Refresh program, used for room insulation for the cellar door; while The Foundations in Portland received NSW Government funding to revitalise The Annexe, which will assist in the hosting of functions, markets and festivals.
BUSINESS EVENTS FACT SHEET RELEASED
Tourism Australia has released the 2022 Business Events Consumer Demand Project (CDP) as part of its broader recovery strategy to bolster Australia’s business events industry and fast track recovery as the country emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The new research outlines the factors influencing decision makers when choosing a destination for events, including how Australia is perceived and the impact COVID-19 has had on the decision-making process.
HOSPITALITY SPENDING SURGES IN NSW
July data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed NSW had the highest increase in hotel, cafe and restaurant spending in Australia, up 70.5 per cent through the year. South Australia followed in second place, up 42.8 per cent. Jacqui Vitas, head of macroeconomic statistics at the ABS, said there were also particularly strong increases in spending on clothing, footwear and transport, coming off the back of the COVID-19 Delta lockdown impacts last year.
WOLLONGONG TO HOST CRUISE CONFERENCE
The Australian Cruise Association will hold its 25th Annual Conference in Wollongong from 30 August to 1 September 2023. Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said: “We look forward to welcoming industry leaders to Wollongong and being able to showcase the unique landscape and environment our city has to offer. The cruise industry had tremendously positive impact in putting us on the international tourism map.”
INDIGENOUS TOURISM FORUM
Tourism Australia has held its first in-person Indigenous Forum since 2020, with state tourism organisation representatives including Destination NSW Product Manager, Aboriginal Experiences Sarah Allen, giving updates on priorities for the year ahead in the indigenous tourism sector. The forum was hosted at Bangarra Dance Theatre and included a Welcome to Country by Aunty Margret Campbell, founder of Dreamtime SouthernX.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
NSW VOLUNTEERS HAVE THEIR SAY: The NSW Government has called for volunteers to take part in the Ministerial Volunteer Taskforce and identify emerging trends, issues and opportunities across the sector to support and grow volunteering. Learn more
NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE SERVICE SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: An exciting program of nature-based activities will be offered at NSW national parks during the school holidays. Children can wade through wetlands in Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve, become a Junior Ranger for a day, canoe in Bournda National Park and more. Learn more
AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTS SHORTLISTED FOR POWERHOUSE ULTIMO DESIGN COMPETITION: Five Australian architectural design teams have been shortlisted to participate in the Design Competition to renew Powerhouse Ultimo as part of the NSW Government’s investment of up to $500 million for the renewed museum. Learn more
SECOND JOBS FAIR SET FOR TAKEOFF: Sydney Airport will host a second jobs fair to help meet the ongoing demand for staff, with more than 4000 vacancies available heading into the September school holidays and end-of-year Christmas period. Learn more
CAPELLA HOTELS & RESORTS TO OPEN FIRST AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY: Capella Sydney is transforming the heritage-listed Department of Education into a luxury hotel, opening in March 2023. Learn more
THREATENED SPECIES BOUNCING BACK IN NSW REWILDING SITES: Ten locally extinct species are thriving again after being reintroduced to three feral-free areas in NSW national parks. 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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