NSW VISITOR SPENDING SURGES ABOVE
PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS New Tourism Research Australia data shows domestic overnight visitor expenditure in NSW was $2.9 billion for the month October 2022, up 40 per cent on 2019. Total spending on accommodation, food and drinks recorded the highest increases by expenditure category when compared to October 2019. Throughout October 2022, NSW received 886,000 interstate visitors, with expenditure at $989 million, up 14 per cent on October 2019. Sydney received 985,000 domestic
overnight visitors, who spent $1.1 billion, which was up 37 per cent on the same month in 2019. Regional NSW attracted 2.3 million overnight visitors, with expenditure at $1.8 billion, up 41 per cent on the same month in 2019. October 2022 saw strong improvement for domestic travel in Australia overall following the impact of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. Overnight spend and nights were up 42 per cent (to $11 billion) and one per cent (to 36.6 million) respectively on pre-pandemic levels.
NSW VISITOR ECONOMY LEADS THE NATIONTourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey and National Visitor Survey results for the year ending September 2022 show NSW led the nation for international visitor numbers, absolute growth and market share. NSW was also
the top choice for domestic travellers. International visitation to NSW continues to rebound exponentially, with 946,200 visitors generating $3.6 billion in visitor expenditure in the reporting period. In the year ending September 2022, international visitors to NSW increased to 946,200 - up 871,300 visitors or 1164 per cent compared to year ending September 2021. NSW received 85.8 million domestic overnight and daytrip visitors in the year ending September 2022 (up 19.5 per cent on the year ending September 2021), who spent $31.4 billion (up 40.6 per cent). This was the leading result in Australia, accounting for 29.7 per cent of all visitors and 27.9 per cent of all expenditure. NSW also received the largest daytrip visitor and expenditure share (28.6 per cent and 28.3 per cent respectively), while Sydney reaffirmed its status as Australia’s most vibrant capital city, with the highest share of visitors (26.3 per cent), nights (23.1 per cent) and expenditure (24.3 per cent). Regional NSW also leads regional Australia in both domestic visitors and nights. There were 24.2 million overnight visitors to regional NSW in the year ending September 2022 (up 17.4 per cent on the year ending September 2021), who stayed 80.8 million nights (up 10.6 per cent) and spent $16.6 billion (up 28.9 per cent).
NSW LONG-TERM ARRIVALS EXCEED PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELSNew Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows long-term visitor arrivals to NSW in November 2022 have exceeded pre-pandemic levels. For visitors arriving in NSW for a long-term trip (one year or more): - There were 17,040 arrivals, an increase of 14,830 compared with the corresponding month of the previous year.
- The number of trips for November 2022 was 17.8
per cent higher than pre-COVID levels in November 2019.
The results are welcome news for the NSW visitor economy, with ABS data showing there were 604,200 tourism jobs in the September quarter of 2022. This was 18,600 (3.2 per cent) more jobs compared to June quarter 2022 and 223,500 (58.7 per cent) more jobs than September quarter 2021. Tourism jobs peaked at 758,000 in December quarter 2019 and are at their highest level (604,200) since the pandemic started. Short-term visitor arrivals to Australia reached 500,000 in November 2022. NSW recorded 181,040 short-term visitor arrivals, an increase of 170,830 compared with the corresponding month of the previous year. The three leading source countries for NSW
were: - New Zealand (26,740 trips)
- United States (26,400)
- United Kingdom (19,470).
COUNTING DOWN TO THE WORLD ATHLETICS
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS The first Australian athletes to qualify for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships have visited the course in Bathurst, less than a month out from the event. Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole encouraged the public to be part of the world-class event and register for one of the participation races, by signing up a school or club to run the same course as the professionals or booking a spectator ticket on the iconic home straight at Mount Panorama. “Bathurst is known for adrenaline-fuelled sporting achievements, and the World Athletics Cross Country Championships will be right at home at Mount Panorama with more than 500 athletes competing
from 68 nations,” Mr Toole said. “It’s wonderful to have members of team Australia visit the course ahead of the February 18 event, and the entire community looks forward to cheering them on when they take to the starting line to compete for a World Championship title.” On top of the mass participation and elite events, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Bathurst 2023 will also include the first-ever World Masters Short Course Cross Country Championships. This will be the first time a World Masters Athletics event has been integrated with a World Athletics Cross Country Championships. Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the
event formed part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years strategy. “We’re thrilled the World Athletics Cross Country Championships will be held in regional NSW, showcasing Bathurst and the Central West to athletes, officials, media and supporters from around the globe,” Mr Franklin said. “The NSW Government is committed to cementing the State’s position as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific and providing a return to businesses engaged in the visitor economy by attracting as many visitors to the State as possible.” The Hon Scott Barrett MLC said: “Anyone who comes to the Central West for this exciting event will certainly be impressed by the world-class hospitality of the
region, the classic Australian country landscape and the warmth of the local people. “This isn’t just a win for Bathurst. I hope visitors and athletes alike will take the chance to explore the region, try food from our pubs, cafes and restaurants and take in everything that Bathurst has to offer.” World Athletics Cross Country Championships Bathurst 2023 General Manager Richard Welsh said: “It’s shaping up to be an outstanding field of the world’s best athletes with Olympians, past medal winners and 68 countries registered already for fans to cheer from the sidelines – but this event is also for everyone to come out and have a go.”
GUMBAYNGGIR COUNTRY RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL
ECO RECOGNITION Coffs Harbour has been nominated to receive a Global Green Destinations Story Award in the Culture and Tradition category. It is the only destination in Australia to receive a nomination, following the region being selected in November 2022 by global organisation Green Destinations’ as having one of the Top 100 Green Destination stories in the world. The Coffs Coast story entry, Two Path Strong, celebrates Aboriginal tourism on the Coffs Coast and the rich culture that has supported the establishment of the first bilingual school of an Aboriginal language in NSW, The Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School (GGFS). Coffs Coast is also home to an array of
award-winning tours, cafes and cultural experiences run by the Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC). The region features eight Ecotourism Australia-certified businesses and experiences, with several more being supported by City of Coffs Harbour to achieve Eco Certification over the coming months. “We are very excited that our story has been shared with the world and now to be the only Australian story in these global green awards is phenomenal,” said Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC) CEO Clark Webb, who is also the owner operator of Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours. “We are honored and proud that the story of our Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School and our award-winning cultural tourism businesses are nominated in the
Culture and Tradition category." City of Coffs Harbour Acting General Manager Chris Chapman said: “Our region is further cementing its status as an ecotourism centre with a significant cultural story that will be shared around the globe.” The awards will be judged by sustainable tourism experts from around the world with the winners announced at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel industry show and conference, on 7 March 2023.
WESTERN SYDNEY INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST North western Sydney will benefit from infrastructure projects including pools, parks, sports fields, cycling and walking tracks funded by the NSW Government’s WestInvest program. The 21 projects, worth more than $400 million, include four new and upgraded swimming centres in the Blacktown and Hawkesbury region, $4.7 million for a new Cycleway Bridge over Rickabys Creek in Windsor and $23.9 million to help deliver North Richmond Community Precinct, including an indoor sports stadium and performing arts studios.
NEW INTERCITY FLEET ON TRACK FOR TESTINGThe NSW Government is one step closer to introducing the high-tech new intercity Mariyung fleet into passenger service, with testing on the tracks underway. The fleet has been running between Central and Springwood to test mechanical and electrical systems. The fleet will provide a new level of comfort and convenience for those travelling between Sydney and the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast. Innovations aboard include more spacious fully accessible carriages and USB ports and power points.
WESTERN SYDNEY DIGITAL SKILLS PROGRAM Western Sydney businesses seeking to transform their online marketing have been invited to participate in the Western Sydney Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program. Destination NSW has partnered with Tourism Tribe to offer the free program to accommodation providers, tour companies and visitor attractions. The program is open to businesses located in Sydney's Central River City and Western Parkland City. Applications close 31 January 2023.
SYDNEY AIRPORT DECEMBER PERFORMANCE A total of 3,093,000 passengers passed through Sydney Airport in December 2022, down just 21.7 per cent compared to pre-COVID-19 December 2019. There were 1,157,000 international passengers passing through the airport in December 2022, more than three times the number in December last year. Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said: “This is the first time since February 2020 that we have seen more than three million passengers pass through Sydney Airport in a month."
NSW RESTAURANTS AND BARS BOUNCE BACKNew data shows NSW hospitality venues have recorded their highest revenues since before the pandemic. Figures from e-commerce software provider Lightspeed show month-on-month revenue from bars is up 13 per cent and restaurants up by 14 per cent for December 2022. Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said: “We have introduced a raft of programs and initiatives to support the hospitality industry including extending our temporary alfresco dining measures until the end of the year. Since our outdoor dining initiative started in 2020, more than 700 licensed restaurants, pubs, cafes and small bars have been accessing fast-tracked,
simplified approvals to extend their liquor licence boundaries."
DESTINATION CENTRAL WEST APPOINTS GM Sean Haylan has been appointed General Manager of Destination Central West, a newly created Destination Network covering 12 local government areas including Bathurst, Orange and Mudgee. Mr Haylan is currently General Manager of Destination Southern NSW. Chair of Destination Central West Russell Holden said: “We are very excited to have Sean coming onboard and welcome the breadth of knowledge and experience he will bring. His insights into Destination Network operations will provide the perfect platform for the new Destination Network to hit the ground running.” The recruitment process for Mr Haylan's replacement at Destination Southern NSW
will commence soon.
HERITAGE LISTING FOR SOUTH HEAD One of Sydney’s most historic places has been recognised by the NSW Government, with South Head added to the State Heritage Register. The listing includes the South Head precincts of Sydney Harbour National Park, Hornby Lighthouse, Camp Cove Beach and the rock shelf that surrounds them. The area has strong historical and archaeological links to the Birrabirragal people. Much of South Head has been a national park since 1977 and the site is a popular recreational area.
TWO MORE ARTIFICIAL REEFS FOR NSW The NSW Government has announced it will create artificial reefs in Coffs Harbour and Ballina. Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said: "These latest two offshore reefs will bring the total deployed by this government to 13, spanning waters from Tweed Heads to Merimbula. The man-made reefs create the perfect marine environment for a range of fish species. They also provide a significant boost to our recreational fishers, who contribute $3.4 billion to the NSW economy each year."
GRIFFITH TRIPLE FINALIST IN STREET ART AWARDSNine street and public art experiences in NSW have been named national finalists in the 2022 Australian Street Art Awards, with three nominations for Griffith's Banna Lane Festival: Best Street Art Festival or Event, Best Street Art Laneway and Best External Mural. The Australian Street Art Awards, established in 2018, recognise destinations that are using public art to attract visitors, boost their economy and engage their community. Winners will be announced on 10 February 2022.
SYDNEY FERRIES JOIN GOOGLE STREET VIEWGoogle Australia has partnered with Transport for NSW and Transdev to allow people around the globe to take a virtual trip on Sydney Ferries to Manly and Taronga Zoo via Google Street View. Google Australia Engineering Site Lead Daniel Nadasi said: “This imagery will allow people in Australia and all around the world to take a virtual tour of the iconic Sydney ferries, to help them plan their trip and get a glimpse of the journey on Sydney’s stunning harbour.”
REGIONAL TOURISM FUND GRANT RECIPIENTSThe list of recipients in Round 2 of the Regional Tourism Activation Fund has been announced. Administered by the Department of Regional NSW, the fund supports the development of high impact tourism infrastructure projects that increase visitation, expenditure and extend length of stay for visitors to regional NSW. Among the projects are the Merimbula Lake Boardwalk and Coonamble Artesian Bathing Experience.
SALES BOOM FOR FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP More than half a million tickets have been sold to fans from more than 120 countries for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™, which is taking place this July and August in Australia and New Zealand. The tournament moved past 500,000 ticket sales last week, with the most sought-after match being the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Eleven games will be held in Sydney, supported by Destination NSW.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR SXSW SYDNEY MUSIC AND FILM FESTIVALS: Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the inaugural SXSW Sydney Music Festival and SXSW Sydney Screen Festival will provide career-making opportunities for music and film creatives to receive global exposure at the world’s premier creative industries festival. Learn more GRAFFITI GRANTS BRINGING COLOUR AND LIFE TO NSW STREETSCAPES: The NSW Government is providing more than $1.9 million in grants to 23 councils across the state for projects to revitalise underused public spaces and prevent graffiti vandalism. Learn more EMPOWERING WOMEN IN REGIONAL AND RURAL NSW: The NSW Government has launched a new round of the Future Women Rural Scholarship Program, with 24 scholarships valued at
more than $6000 each available to women from regional, rural and remote parts of the state to develop their leadership skills. Learn more FINAL TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PREMIER’S GALA CONCERTS: Seniors still have a chance to obtain free tickets to the 2023 Premier’s Gala Concerts at at Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney during the NSW Seniors Festival. Learn more OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS TO JOIN SYDNEY’S NEWEST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: Arts, screen and cultural organisations have an opportunity to join Haymarket Creative, which has been enabled through a partnership between the NSW Government and the University of Technology Sydney and secures dedicated arts space in Haymarket. Read more
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