Insights - 30 September 2022
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NSW NO.1 FOR DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS
New data from Tourism Research Australia confirms NSW is the number one destination in Australia for both domestic and international visitors.
The International Visitor Survey shows international visitors to NSW increased to 559,800 for the year ending June 2022, up 673 per cent compared to the year ending June 2021. They stayed 30.5 million nights and spent $2.9 billion in the NSW visitor economy.
The UK was the main international source market for travellers to NSW, followed by the United States and New Zealand.
In the year ending June 2022, the number of UK visitors who came to NSW was 15 times higher than the previous year. NSW received 69,200 visitors from the UK who stayed 2.5 million nights and spent $229.8 million.
Visiting friends and relatives was the reason why 57 per cent of UK visitors came to NSW while 45 per cent came for a holiday.
The second biggest source market for travellers to NSW was the United States (67,300 visitors) and New Zealand (65,100 visitors).
India is now the fourth biggest international market to NSW, with 55,600 visitors. India was also the stand-out when it came to visitor expenditure compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, up 10 per cent to $474 million.
The education and visiting friends and relatives markets was the major contributor to this growth, due to a longer average length of stay and higher spend per night.
The National Visitor Survey also revealed NSW received 24.9 million domestic overnight visitors in the year ending June 2022, who stayed 85.4 million nights and spent $17.6 billion.
Data comparing June Quarter 2022 with June Quarter 2019 shows domestic overnight expenditure in NSW has surged 17 per cent. Unique experiences in the state are also booming. There were, for example, 84 per cent (113,000) extra trips to the Snowy Mountains in the June Quarter 2022 compared to 2019.
The release of the latest NSW visitor economy data coincided with World Tourism Day, which is commemorated each year on 27 September and aims to foster awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to making NSW the number one visitor destination in Australia. Click here to watch a Destination NSW video celebrating World Tourism Day.
DOMESTIC VISITOR SPENDING INCREASES IN NSW
The latest fact sheet from Destination NSW - 'Monthly Domestic Overnight Visitation to NSW June 2022' - shows continued strong signs of recovery in visitor economy spending.
Domestic visitor expenditure in NSW was up 29 per cent year on year to $1.8 billion, three per cent higher than the same month in 2019.
Domestic overnight visitors to Greater Sydney in June 2022 increased 52 per cent compared to the number of visitors in June 2021, while regional NSW had six per cent more visitors.
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.
BUSINESS EVENTS VIDEO PUTS ORANGE
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Orange is showcased as a vibrant, dynamic destination for business events in a new video created by Destination NSW.
Orange is located just three-and-a-half hours’ drive west of Sydney and only two-and-a-half hours from Canberra, with daily flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Tourism Manager at Orange City Council Glenn Mickle said: “Orange is a magical place that offers an unbeatable combination of city, rural and agricultural highlights. It’s the quintessential Australian experience.
“People can come here for business, but they get to have fun at the same time. Whether it’s the food, the wine, the adventure, the relaxation … for conferencing, large or small, we have everything you need.”
Destination NSW’s Meet in Regional NSW website helps visitor economy businesses capitalise on the growing interest in holding business events in regional NSW. This portal enables regional stakeholders to create a free business listing and to access the more than 17,000 potential leads it generates for business event venues and suppliers each year.
Visitor economy businesses can create their free listing on the Meet in Regional NSW website here.
Visit the Orange Conferencing page on the Meet in Regional NSW website to watch the video case study here.
The video was officially launched in Orange last night by Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin.
Mr Franklin said business events played an important role in growing the visitor economy of regional NSW.
“The business events sector contributes more than $300 million to the visitor economy of regional NSW each year,” Mr Franklin said.
“The NSW Government is proud to support the growth of the business events sector in dynamic regional centres such as Orange, which enhance the state’s profile as a vibrant knowledge economy.
“Business event venues in the Orange region offer high quality meeting facilities alongside some of the world’s best wines, restaurants and outdoor experiences.”
Guests at the video launch included local stakeholders, Destination NSW board members and the Destination NSW leadership team, who had travelled to Orange for a Destination NSW board meeting.
WOLLONGONG JOINS WORLD CYCLING ELITE
Wollongong has confirmed its position as a global cycling capital following the UCI World Road Championships. More than 1000 riders descended on the city over eight spectacular days for one of the biggest events on the international cycling calendar.
Wollongong is the first city in the southern hemisphere to be awarded the status of UCI Bike City thanks to its overarching commitment to cycling – from safety, education, infrastructure and tourism product to hosting the 2022 UCI Road World Championships.
Hundreds of millions of viewers tuned in to watch the UCI Road World Championships, putting the eyes of the world on the Feel New visitor brand and the South Coast as a destination.
The event was secured by Destination NSW as part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing the UCI Road World Championships to life, including Wollongong 2022, Office of Sport, NSW Police Force, Transport for NSW, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and Wollongong Council.
Photo credit: Office of Sport/Paul McMillan.
RIDERS TO FOLLOW HISTORIC UCI COURSE
New line markings to commemorate the 2022 UCI Road World Championship will serve as a permanent reminder of the historic event across the Illawarra.
Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes confirmed a coloured-line will be painted on 79 kilometres of roads stretching from Helensburgh in the north to Cringila in the south, taking in Wollongong and Mount Keira in between.
The announcement follows Wollongong Council receiving approval for three grants as part of the latest round of the NSW Government’s $110 million Get NSW Active program.
The local projects include:
- A new $1.55 million shared path along the Grand Pacific Walk at Austinmer, linking to other nearby attractions including Little Austinmer Beach, Bells Point and Pinecourt Park and provide better wayfinding to Austinmer Train Station.
- A new $350,000 separated cycleway that will fill a key missing link in the cycling network between Gwynneville, Keiraville, West Wollongong and other key destinations including Wollongong CBD, Wollongong Railway Station (via Denison Street) and the coastal cycleway.
- A new $167,000 footpath along the eastern side of Gaynor Avenue between the existing paths at Mount Ousley Road and Helen Street to provide a safe and easy link to shops.
NSW TOURISM AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Congratulations to the finalists in the NSW Tourism Awards for 2022. The awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council in partnership with the NSW Government and Destination NSW. The NSW Tourism Award winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 17 November 2022 at Luna Park Sydney.
BEST NSW WINE LISTS REVEALED
Bennelong Restaurant at Sydney Opera House has won Best Wine List NSW and Australia’s Best City Restaurant Wine List at Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards 2023. Best Listing of NSW Wines went to Charred Kitchen & Bar in Orange. The winners were announced at 12-Micron restaurant in Barangaroo, Sydney.
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Tim Minchin, Vance Joy and Ngaiire & Sydney Symphony Orchestra will join an impressive line-up of performances, events and experiences celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House. Supported by the NSW Government’s Blockbusters Funding initiative, the year-long season of special events will kick off next month and reach its finale at the Sydney Opera House’s 50th birthday in October 2023.
JUST FOR LAUGHS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
Just For Laughs Sydney has announced its line up will include a special 'In Conversation' event featuring comedy icon Eric Idle on 1 December 2022. The return of the festival is being supported by Destination NSW. NSW Minister for the Arts and Tourism Ben Franklin said: "Bringing an event like this to Sydney is as much about putting smiles on faces as it is about supporting our city’s visitor and night-time economy."
CURTIS STONE VIDEO SERIES LAUNCHES
Sydney’s spectacular natural beauty, world-class restaurants, vibrant arts and culture and friendly locals are being celebrated by chef Curtis Stone and his wife Lindsay Price-Stone in a candid new series featured on the Sydney YouTube channel. Produced in partnership with Destination NSW, Carry On with Curtis and Lindsay – Sydney takes viewers on a journey with the couple on their first adventures in and around Sydney in two years, following them as they rediscover Sydney’s lively CBD and surrounding neighbourhoods.
LAST CHANCE FOR STAY NSW VOUCHERS
The NSW Government's Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers expire on 9 October 2022. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said: “The people of NSW have warmly embraced both the Stay and Parent voucher programs, with almost $282 million injected into the State’s economy since their inception." There is still time for businesses to boost their income and accept Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers. Eligible businesses are encouraged to register for the program by 5 October 2022.
WEBINAR: VIVID SYDNEY BUSINESS PROGRAM
Join Destination NSW on 20 October 2022 for a Vivid Sydney 2023 webinar. The session will explore getting involved in the Vivid Local Business Program 2023 and how to promote and sell stays and experiences in the lead up to the event, which will take place from 26 May to 17 June 2023. The webinar will be followed by a Q&A session.
ABORIGINAL HISTORY SYDNEY HARBOUR WALK
Eleven interpretive markers highlighting historically significant Aboriginal people and places have been installed along the Sydney Harbour foreshore. The signs are the first component of a curated walk from Pirrama (Pyrmont) to Wallamool (Woolloomooloo) called Yananurala, a name from the Gadigal language that translates to walk Country.
EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR NRL GRAND FINAL
The NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final will take place on 2 October 2022 at Accor Stadium. The Penrith Panthers will face off against Parramatta Eels in the men’s decider, while Newcastle Knights will play Parramatta Eels in the NRLW Grand Final. This year's event is projected to bring up to 31,000 visitors to Sydney for the match and inject an estimated $18 million into the NSW visitor economy. The NSW Government has extended trading hours for venues across the state for the NRL Grand Final.
FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CUP FINAL FEVER
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 concludes on 1 October 2022 after 10 days of competition at Sydney Super Dome. It has brought together the world's top female players from 12 nations for 38 action-packed games. The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 is FIBA’s flagship women’s competition and one of the most prestigious competitions in international basketball. The event is being supported by Destination NSW as part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative.
DENI UTE MUSTER RETURNS
One of Australia’s most iconic regional festivals, the Deni Ute Muster, will see tens of thousands of car enthusiasts and music lovers descend on Deniliquin in the NSW Riverina this October long weekend. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the line-up for this year’s ‘Deni’ includes some of the nation’s most popular artists, including Jessica Mauboy, John Williamson and Troy Cassar-Daly, along with international country music superstar Brad Paisley.
IRONMAN TRIUMPH IN WESTERN SYDNEY
More than 1500 athletes descended on the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith on 25 September 2022 for the Qatar Airways IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney. Supported by Destination NSW, the event provided a significant boost to Western Sydney businesses, highlighting the best of Western Sydney hospitality, visitor experiences and sporting facilities, while also giving the local community an opportunity to watch elite athletes in action.
ASTRONAUTICAL CONGRESS FOR SYDNEY
Sydney will host the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2025 after being selected by the General Assembly vote of the International Astronautical Federation in Paris. The five-day event is expected to attract 4500 delegates and generate an estimated $21 million in direct expenditure. The successful Australian bid was a collaboration between the Space Industry Association of Australia, the Australian Space Agency, Investment NSW and BESydney.
HAVE YOUR SAY: BUSINESS EVENTS SURVEY
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) is leading a review to explore the opportunity to create a larger, more impactful and sustainable organisation to better represent the interests of the business events industry. To ensure the member benefits developed for the proposed organisation are in line with business event industry needs, operators have been asked to complete a five-minute survey, which will be open until 14 October 2022.
MUSEUMS OF HISTORY BILL PASSES
The NSW Government’s Museums of History Bill has passed the NSW Parliament. It creates two new agencies, Museums of History NSW and State Records NSW. Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the Bill would ensure the state’s most important and historic collections, records and archives were better preserved, presented and accessible to the public.
NEW JETSTAR CEO ANNOUNCED
The Qantas Group has appointed Stephanie Tully as the new Chief Executive Officer of Jetstar. Ms Tully joined the national carrier in 2004 and has worked across operational, commercial, marketing and customer loyalty functions in progressively more senior roles. She has been a Group Executive and Chief Customer Officer since 2019.
VALE OUTBACK TRAVEL LEGEND BILL KING
Industry legend Bill King passed away this week at age 92. Mr King put outback travel on the map for both domestic and international visitors with Bill King’s Northern Safaris, which became AAT Kings in 1980. His tours took travellers off the beaten track and included indigenous tourism. “The respect King had for the land, its people and his sense of adventure are a great legacy and one that AAT Kings continues to honour,” AAT Kings said.
AN EXPERT'S GUIDE TO SAILING
Destination NSW has added a new video to its ‘Expert’s Guides’ series. The series looks at different activities across the state and each video is hosted by an expert in their field. An Expert's Guide to Sailing is hosted by Olympic sailor Olivia Price and features a range of operators and products in Sydney. "There’s nothing more special than sailing out of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and looking at the Sydney skyline," Ms Price said.
CARNIVAL SPLENDOR RETURNS TO SYDNEY
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor returned to Sydney today escorted by sister brand ship P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure. Eighteen ships from Carnival Australia's eight brands will make 667 turnarounds and port calls to 33 destinations during peak summer cruise season in 2022-23. The number of ship turnarounds and calls eclipses the 625 that were announced prior to the 2019-20 season.
DISNEY DOWN UNDER LAUNCH EVENT
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox and General Manager Policy, Product and Engagement Stephen Mahoney this week attended a launch event at Sydney Opera House to celebrate Disney Cruise Line coming to Sydney in 2023. Disney Magic at Sea will sail a summer season from Sydney next year. The first cruise will depart 28 October 2023, with characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars on board. Photo credit: Cruise Weekly
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
ALFRESCO RESTART REBATE CLAIMS OPEN FOR BUSINESS: NSW small and medium hospitality operators can now claim the $5000 Alfresco Restart rebate, enabling them to create or expand their outdoor dining offerings. Learn more
FUNDING FOR ABORIGINAL COMMMUNITIES AND ORGANISATIONS: The NSW Government is calling on eligible Aboriginal community organisations and groups to apply for funding through the new solutions-focused $30 million Aboriginal Community and Place Grants program. Learn more
T20 WORLD CUP REGIONAL ROADSHOW: Cricket fans in regional NSW will kick off the countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with the help of a ‘biggest hit’ virtual reality experience. Learn more
WORK COMMENCES ON EMPLOYMENT WHITE PAPER: The Federal Government has released the terms of reference for the Employment White Paper that will guide the future of Australia’s skills and labour market. Individuals and organisations are invited to make a submission on any aspect of the terms of reference. Learn more
WEEKEND SUNRISE VISITS SYDNEY: Sydney attractions will be showcased this weekend during the JT Travels NSW recurring segment on Weekend Sunrise, created in partnership with Destination NSW. Learn more
WHERE IS THE MOST POPULAR PUB IN NSW? Patrons have the chance to vote for their favourite local for the first time at the 2022 AHA NSW Awards for Excellence. Vote here
INFORMATION SESSION FOR NATIONAL BANKSIA SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS: Entering the Banksia Awards is a great way to raise your business' profile. Get started by downloading an Entry Kit in your category of choice and attend the Entry Information Session on 12 October 2022. Learn more
HABITAT BOOST FOR NORTHERN RIVERS KOALAS: Private landholders are being supported to restore 200 hectares of koala habitat through a new initiative that is planting 250,000 tree seedlings, backed by the NSW Koala Strategy. Learn more
IHG HOTELS & RESORTS ENCOURAGES GUESTS TO 'STAY FOR GOOD': IHG will donate an expected 100,000 meals to OzHarvest following its 'Stay for Good' initiative. Participating properties, including InterContinental Sydney and voco Kirkton Park, have donated $1 from every stay, restaurant and bar bill during September. 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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