REGISTER NOW: NSW VISITOR ECONOMY FORUM - BUILDING MOMENTUM TO 2030On Thursday 5 October, join Destination NSW at ICC Sydney for the NSW Visitor Economy Forum – Building Momentum to 2030 to hear about the market trends and programs that will drive the visitor economy over the coming 12 months. Following the success of the inaugural forum last year, Destination NSW is again inviting visitor economy stakeholders to take part in engaging conversations about the opportunities to grow the visitor economy. Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “It is an exciting
time as we transition from the 'recovery' to 'momentum' phase of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030. “Destination NSW’s Visitor Economy Forum is a must-attend event for anyone who is involved in attracting and hosting visitors to NSW. It is an open invitation to come together, share intel and ideas, learn, and determine how each of us can contribute to our shared goal of making NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific by 2030.” As the NSW Government’s lead agency, champion and voice for the state's visitor economy, Destination NSW will reflect on recent achievements and share details of 2024 activities from brand and marketing programs, visitor experience design and delivery, and highlights of the state’s dynamic events
calendar.
The Visitor Economy Forum will offer discussion and networking opportunities to gain further insight into the current state of play and help build or strengthen important business relationships. Among the first keynote speakers announced are Tourism Australia’s Strategy Manager Rob Harding-Smith who will provide the latest data and insights around putting the visitor first, looking at future demand and how we can showcase our strengths to capitalise on the opportunity. Destination NSW General Manager of Consumer Marketing Kathryn Illy will present on the Feel New brand, sharing insights about the first wave of campaign activity, regional applications of the brand and a forward look at what’s next in the brand building
program. In the afternoon, focus sessions will be available for delegates to select with concurrent discussions on key topics including accessible and inclusive travel, Aboriginal culture and the visitor experience, embedding sustainability and telling the story, embracing the wellness travel opportunity, public relations and earned media, agritourism, connecting through culinary experiences and creative industries and the 24-hour economy. Registrations are now open – places are limited.
NSW LIFTS COVID-19 CRUISING PROTOCOLSThe NSW Government has ended COVID-19-related regulations for cruise passengers as the industry prepares for a busy summer. The announcement follows the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) rescinding the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) Cruise Guidelines. The Cruise Protocols were introduced in April 2022 to support the safe resumption of cruising. They stated that all passengers aged 12 years and over were required to be fully vaccinated to board a cruise ship departing or arriving at a
port. They also enforced mask wearing, including when embarking and disembarking, along with mandating negative COVID-19 test results prior to departure. Australian governments have agreed there is no longer a need for formal protocols with increasing community immunity to COVID-19 and lessons learned from the cruising industry since voyages resumed. Minister for Tourism John Graham said: "The 2023 winter cruise season in Sydney is on track to be one of the strongest on record and it is fantastic even more people can now participate. “These protocols were important after COVID-19 but were not intended to continue in perpetuity and I thank the sector for how they have handled the additional requirements placed upon
them. “The decision to bring the sector in line with other forms of travel is a sensible way to give visitors an unforgettable and safe experience across NSW’s beautiful coastline.” Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said: “This brings Australia into line with other countries internationally and gives clarity to cruise passengers ahead of the coming summer cruise season. “The cruise industry’s top priority will continue to be the health and safety of guests, crew and the communities we visit. Cruise lines will continue to abide by their own robust health and safety measures and hygiene standards, and the industry will work closely with
health authorities into the future.”
CRUISE INDUSTRY GATHERS IN WOLLONGONGThe Australian Cruise Association (ACA) Conference and AGM was held in Wollongong this week. ACA CEO Jill Abel said the decision to repeal COVID-19 health protocols was a timely and positive lead-in to discussions at the conference. “With such a positive outlook for cruise both at home and overseas, our conference provides the industry with the perfect opportunity to come together and ensure we are well positioned to take advantage of future opportunities," she said. Pre-conference excursions included a tour of the
bustling port of Port Kembla, a trip to Illawarra Regional Airport to experience aviation history, a walking tour of the Blue Mile and an Indigenous Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour led by local Dharawal woman Jodi Edwards.
As a member of ACA, Destination NSW attended the conference and this year, proudly showcased NSW food and wine through its sponsorship of the conference gala dinner. Destination NSW General Manager Policy, Product and Engagement Stephen Mahoney said: "It was great to see the Australian Cruise Association Conference return to NSW in 2023. "The conference was last held in NSW in 2016, when Sydney hosted the association's 20th anniversary event, and this year Wollongong was an equally spectacular host city."
Destination NSW facilitated familiarisation visits for key shore excursion decision makers. Activities included a Sydney Harbour walking tour with Trip Slow, an Art Gallery of New South Wales visit, a Glenbernie Orchard cider tasting, a Pinot Masterclass at Centennial Vineyards, a trip to Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for zipline activities and a treetop walk, a beachfront ride with South Coast Bike Hire and an opportunity to view the Illawarra from the skies via a Touchdown Helicopters flight.
PORT KEMBLA: A 'STRONG OPTION' FOR
NEW CRUISE TERMINALOne of the major topics on the agenda at the Australian Cruise Association Conference was the location for a third cruise terminal in NSW. Cruise ship industry executives and government officials are backing Port Kembla to be the site of the state's newest permanent cruise ship terminal. NSW Port Authority CEO Philip Holliday said there was an urgent need for another terminal, with Port Kembla being a 'strong option'. He said that the new facility would not serve as a replacement for Sydney’s two cruise terminals at Overseas Passenger Terminal and White Bay but would help grow the cruise market. Royal Caribbean Cruises Managing Director Gavin Smith
told the Australian Cruise Association Conference he also backed Wollongong as a major cruise ship port. "Wollongong is well situated for future growth; from a tourism perspective the council has been proactive and there has been real community and business engagement previously," he said. Australian Cruise Association (ACA) chair Phil Holliday said: "I know there's chatter about it being a 'working port' — but that's what ships need. It offers a solution and there's a real opportunity here."
CLIA PREPARES FOR CRUISE360Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is preparing for its Cruise360 Australasia conference next week. More than 20 speakers and panellists will take to the stage at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre on 7 September 2023. The sell-out conference will bring together an audience of almost 600 delegates from across Australia and New Zealand. CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference was shaping up to be
one of the industry’s best. “Our theme is Riding the Wave, and everything we offer at Cruise360 has been designed to help delegates reach the crest and fully capitalise on cruising’s renewed prosperity,” Mr Katz said. “We’ve gathered an impressive cast of respected travel agency leaders, cruise line innovators, sales experts and expedition leaders who will inspire our delegates and equip them with the best possible insight to drive their success.”
THE VALUE OF TOURISM TO SYDNEY SURROUNDS SOUTHEvery minute of every day, tourism delivers $6270 of domestic visitor spend into Sydney Surrounds South. That is more than $9 million per day, a value that grew by 56.1 per cent in 2022. Destination NSW's 'Value of Tourism to Sydney Surrounds South 2022' report shows the number of domestic visitors to the Destination Network was 11.323 million who spent $3.296 billion. The top region for domestic visitors in Sydney Surrounds South was Wollongong (4.104 million), followed by Shoalhaven (3.096 million). The most popular activities for domestic overnight visitors were eating out/dining at a restaurant and/or cafe (58 per cent); going to the beach (42 per cent), visiting friends and relatives (34 per cent) visiting pubs, clubs, discos (26 per cent); sightseeing (23 per cent). In 2022, the Sydney Surrounds South Destination Network secured events that delivered $181 million worth of domestic visitor expenditure into the state. They included Robertson Potato Festival, Wings Over Illawarra, Tulip Time and the Bowral Classic. Part of a 'Value of Tourism' Series.
NSW INCREASES SHARE OF INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS New data from Destination NSW shows NSW received a 37.5 per cent share of international visitors to Australia in the month of June 2023, 4.3 percentage points more than June 2022. Victoria's share decreased by 2.5 percentage points and Queensland's market share decreased by 0.2 of a percentage point. NSW received 203,410 short-term visitor arrivals, 87 per cent of June 2019 arrivals. New Zealand was the number one country of origin for overseas arrivals to NSW followed by the United States and China. The top three markets in terms of recovery since the year ending June 2019 were India (96 per cent), Thailand (89 per cent), and the Philippines (85
per cent).
CORPORATE TRAVEL DEMAND BUILDSAustralian hotel performance shows strengthening in business travel according to CoStar and STR analysis presented at NoVacancy Hotel + Accommodation Industry Expo. Australia’s occupancy in the first seven months of the year was 68.2 per cent, up 9.8 per cent from last year. The average daily room rate of $234.46 was 7.4 per cent higher than last year and 22.4 per cent better than 2019. STR’s Matthew Burke said: “While room prices are considerably higher than 2019, we’ve seen minimal-to-no rate growth year over year. That isn’t a loss, but more of a shift, as we’ve seen gains in capital cities and on days most associated with corporate demand.”
ICC SYDNEY DOUBLES ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONInternational Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) contributed more than one million visitors and $600 million in delegate spend to the NSW economy during FY22/23 according to its Annual Performance Review. Throughout the year ICC Sydney hosted 18 international conventions, 106 national conventions, 54 exhibitions and 84 live entertainment events. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: “ICC Sydney’s global reputation for service excellence, innovation, sustainability and social impact is at the core of its success. The events that the venue team hosts have great benefits to our broader economy and society as they are
on their way to delivering $1 billion in economic contribution within the next five years.”
DESTINATION NSW BOARD VISITS SAPPHIRE COASTThe Destination NSW Board this week travelled to the far south coast for a meeting of directors and a stakeholder networking event. The Board typically meets every two months, with two meetings conducted in different locations across NSW providing the opportunity to engage with stakeholders, discuss local issues, and experience the region's attractions. The visit program included tours of some of the region's signature visitor experiences and discussions with business operators. The networking event, attended by the Destination Southern NSW team and visitor economy stakeholders, was held at the beautifully refurbished Hotel Australasia in Eden and
included a Welcome to Country by Twofold Aboriginal Corporation CEO Marcus Arvidson.
GROWTH FOR NSW VISITOR CENTRESNSW has 105 Accredited Visitor Information Centres (AVICs) across the state that play an important role in growing the NSW visitor economy. Destination NSW engages with The Tourism Group to manage the accreditation process for AVICs, with data for FY22/23 showing there were 2,766,736 walk-in visits to AVICs (up 19 per cent on previous year) and 8,675,422 unique visits to AVIC websites (up 49 per cent). Revenue generated from tourism
product sales was up 136 per cent to $4,905,864. For more information on opportunities to engage with the AVIC network, email Destination NSW Associate Director, Distribution Development David Strickland here.
DESTINATION NSW GIVES SUSTAINABILITY UPDATEDestination NSW Product Manager Nature, Sustainability and Wellness Sandy Wilkins and Senior Product Coordinator Nature, Sustainability and Wellness Serina Udipikar gave an update this week on our sustainability-focused product development activities and partner programs during the City of Sydney annual Sustainable Development Partnership (SDP) workshop. Now in its fifth year, the SDP is a collaboration between hotels, backpacker hostels, serviced apartments, cultural institutions, entertainment venues and industry influencers to make Sydney a more sustainable destination. The annual planning session is
an opportunity for members to scope out their projects for the next 12 months.
TOMAREE COASTAL WALK OFFICIALLY OPENSThe new 27km Tomaree Coasal Walk has opened. It is the latest NSW Great Walk developed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and offers a multi-day walking adventure in the heart of Port Stephens. Located on the traditional lands of the Worimi people, the Tomaree Coastal Walk traverses an ancient volcanic landscape rich in culture and nature, starting at Tomaree Head at Shoal Bay and finishing at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place at Anna
Bay. The $6.7 million project was funded by the NSW Government.
SKYSCANNER RELEASES SYDNEY TRAVEL GUIDESkyscanner x Exceptional ALIEN have partnered on a project called ‘Exceptional City Guides’ — a series of travel guides for some of the world's top cities, highlighting under-the-radar recommendations curated by fascinating locals. Sydney is featured among the first six guides released in the series. The guide focuses on music venue and exhibition space recommendations by Beau Neilson, one of the most prominent figures in Australia’s art world. Her top tip is Phoenix Central Park in Chippendale.
NEW CULTURAL PRECINCT FOR SYDNEY CBDA new experiential space called Machine Hall Precinct will open next month in a historic substation and former tobacco warehouse in Sydney CBD. Developed in partnership with Built and the City of Sydney, the property is set across the ground and subterranean levels of the former Sub Station No. 164 and historic Shelley’s Warehouse buildings on Clarence Street. The transformation preserves the rich heritage fabric of the buildings, including 14-metre-high ceilings, grand ornate windows and original machinery. It will offer multi-use spaces for events, exhibitions and community projects, plus private members club.
SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF EVENT MANAGEMENTDestination NSW congratulates Broken Hill City Council’s Rachel Merton on receiving her Diploma of Event Management from Meetings and Events Australia (MEA). Ms Merton was the recipient of a Destination NSW-funded MEA scholarship designed specifically to enable distance-learning study for people living in regional NSW who are already working in events roles in those locations. Destination NSW is proud to support the future of the state’s event industry by providing scholarships to aspiring event managers in partnership with MEA, with 63 event professionals benefiting from the program since its inception in 2018.
NEW LOOK ARIA AWARDS IN NOVEMBERThe Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has announced the ARIA Awards will return on 15 November 2023 with a refreshed look and feel. The awards will also premiere live on Stan for the first time in Australian history. The live stream will be followed by a free-to-air broadcast across the Nine Network.
SIERRA ESCAPE UNVEILS TINY HOUSE IN MUDGEE Sierra Escape has introduced its newest sustainable luxury accommodation, Elouera, crafted from a repurposed shipping container. Located on a hilltop 20 minutes from Mudgee, it offers guests panoramic views of the region. Sierra Escape was inducted into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2022.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS MEDIUM BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT EXTENDED TO CENTRAL WEST AND SOUTHERN NSW: Flood-impacted businesses can apply for up to $200,000 in support through a jointly-funded Federal and NSW Government grant program, delivered by Service NSW. Learn more QANTAS GROUP REMOVES EXPIRY DATE ON COVID-19 CREDITS: The expiry date has been removed on COVID-19 travel credits that were due to run out at the end of this year. Qantas customers with COVID-19 credits can request a cash refund and Jetstar customers can use their COVID-19 vouchers for flights, indefinitely. Learn more TACITA DEAN EXHIBITION FOR SYDNEY: The 2023-24 Sydney International Art Series will include a major exhibition by acclaimed artist Tacita Dean at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. The solo exhibition opens on 8 December 2023 and will be the largest presentation
of the artist’s work in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn more SOHO HOUSE HEADS TO SXSW SYDNEY: Luxury global hotel chain and private members’ club Soho House is taking over The Old Clare Hotel in Sydney’s Chippendale from 15-22 October 2023. Learn more NEW ELECTRONIC FIRE DANGER RATING SIGNS TO KEEP NSW SAFER: Fire danger rating
signs on roadsides across NSW are getting a digital facelift, with the Rural Fire Service set to provide real-time fire risk information. Learn more REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE'S WALK FOR WELLNESS 2023: Held during October to coincide with National Health Month, Walk for Wellness was initially conceived during the pandemic in support of the travel agent community during challenging times. Register here
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