Insights - 13 May 2022
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NEW PROGRAM ACCELERATES DIGITAL SKILLS IN
NSW VISITOR ECONOMY
Destination NSW has partnered with digital consultancy Tourism Tribe to offer a free Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program to help businesses in the NSW visitor economy transform their online marketing.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the program would provide customised digital health checks to ensure businesses optimise their websites, improve their online listings and grow their Facebook and Instagram channels.
“The Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program is part of the NSW First Program, delivered by Destination NSW to assist businesses across the state to develop, promote and sell great visitor experiences,” Mr Ayres said.
In addition to a customised digital health check report, successful applicants will also receive two one-hour consultation sessions with a digital advisor and access to a course library to help improve their knowledge and digital skills.
Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours owner Mr Clark Webb said the NSW First program played a vital role in helping his business define its product and how to get it into the market.
“The support that we received from Destination NSW helped get our business to where it is today. We have really valued the opportunity to take part in the NSW First program,” Mr Webb said.
“Most small business owners run both the operational and the digital side of their business. Improving the digital skills of tourism operators will ensure better outcomes for the entire visitor economy. I always feel we can learn more in this area as it’s so vast.”
The Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program will be open to 150 tourism businesses in NSW. To review eligibility criteria and apply, click here.
2027 AND 2029 RUGBY WORLD CUPS COMING TO SYDNEY
NSW fans are cheering following the announcement by the World Rugby Council that Australia will host the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was illuminated in green and gold last night to celebrate Australia’s bid.
The NSW Government will be putting forward Stadium Australia, the Sydney Football Stadium and Newcastle Stadium as match venues for the events.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “The NSW Government has targeted these events since 2018 as part of our 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative. They will deliver significant economic, social and cultural benefits to NSW, with hundreds of thousands of fans, teams and officials providing a huge boost to our visitor economy.
“NSW is renowned for hosting the best international sporting events. We have world-class stadium infrastructure, a sport-loving population and a reputation as one of the great sporting event cities of the world."
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Tourism and Sport and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “We will continue to work alongside Rugby Australia to secure a significant package of tournament matches for Sydney and regional NSW, including the Final."
The NSW Government will also fund a Final Business Case that considers the addition of an operable roof over Accor Stadium.
Destination NSW is committed to delivering world-class events like the Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 in line with our Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, which aims to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific. Learn more
JOIN THE LARGEST ECO-ADVENTURE
TOURISM PROJECT IN NSW
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is calling for expressions of interest submissions from experienced commercial operators to create world-class eco-adventure experiences at The Lost City Adventure Experience, located within the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
The NSW Government has committed $50 million to creating The Lost City Adventure Experience, which will feature Australia’s longest zip line, rock climbing, a spectacular elevated canyon walk, 4WD and mountain bike tracks and family-friendly camping areas.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said: “The EOI also covers the construction and operation of eco-friendly, serviced accommodation and guided walking experiences in partnership with NPWS to cater for bushwalkers and nature lovers tackling the planned multi-day Wollemi Great Walk."
The Gardens of Stone region was officially reserved as a State Conservation Area last week. The 30,000 hectare area near Lithgow features ancient rock pagodas, highland swamps, Aboriginal cultural sites and sandstone cliffs. Eighty rare and threatened animal species and 16 threatened ecological communities would also be better protected after the gazettal.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said stage one of the world-class Lost City Adventure Experience was expected to open in 2023, supporting regional jobs and drawing an estimated 200,000-plus extra visitors to the region each year.
Consultation on the Gardens of Stone SCA draft plan of management and draft master plan is open until 5 July 2022. Have your say by visiting www.environment.nsw.gov.au/consult.
Stage 1 Expression of Interest submissions close on 6 June 2022. More information can be found on the NSW eTendering website at tenders.nsw.gov.au.
AQUABUMPS EXPLORES THE MID-NORTH COAST
This week, world-renowned photographer and Aquabumps founder Eugene Tan spotlighted the NSW Mid-North Coast in his collaboration with Destination NSW.
The NSW Aquabumps series is the latest stunning phase of the NSW Government's ‘Feel New’ campaign, showcasing spectacular destinations across the state, from Byron Bay to Broken Hill, with the images shared globally and locally across social platforms.
Eugene Tan has been travelling around NSW, capturing the seven feelings of the ‘Feel New’ brand: joy, connection, freedom, awe, rejuvenation, belonging and adventure. He was captivated by the long stretches of white sandy beaches, beautiful lakes and some of NSW’s grandest and tallest trees, which are located on the Mid-North Coast.
"This area is surrounded by Wallis Lake to the north and Smith Lake to the south, calm waters are a kayaker’s dream and a fishos delight," he said.
"You can always find a spot out of the wind – the ocean is alive with dolphins and is home to some of the most majestic wedged tailed eagles. We loved our time exploring the coast – and being immersed in the diverse nature of this part of NSW – what a way to feel new after a week of taking it slow, surrounded by palm trees and sunshine."
Read Eugene Tan's blog post about his trip to the Mid North Coast here.
Insights is following Aquabumps' journey around NSW - stay tuned for more stunning images in next week's newsletter.
AIME GENERATES $120 MILLION IN BUSINESS
New industry research has revealed that buyers at the recent Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) placed or expect to place $120 million in business as a result of their attendance at the event (a 20 per cent increase on 2020, pre-COVID-19). Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: "AIME 2022 delivered fantastic results for our NSW stakeholders, with millions of dollars in new business leads generated. It was a fantastic opportunity to re-introduce event planners to regional NSW after a difficult period for the industry. Destination NSW exhibited with eight regional destination partners to showcase the great venues and experiences on offer across the state." Click here to see what our partners had to say about AIME.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR NSW TOURISM AWARDS
Businesses operating in the NSW visitor economy have been encouraged to enter the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards, which are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council in partnership with Destination NSW. The NSW Tourism Awards recognise winners in 27 business categories, two individual excellence categories and the Judges’ Tourism Star Awards to honour outstanding resilience and innovation. Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said: “With the NSW Government due to host the 2022 Australian Tourism Awards, entering these awards is a fantastic opportunity to be considered for national honours in your home state and put your business in the spotlight with domestic and international visitors.”
TOURISM GRANTS FOR INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES
Round two of the Tourism Grants for Indigenous Business Program is now open. This is a further opportunity for eligible businesses and community organisations to access assistance for the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitor experiences. Applications can be submitted via the GrantConnect website by 14 June 2022. Invitations to attend online information sessions for assistance with the application process can be requested by emailing tourism@niaa.gov.au.
AUSTRALIAN CULTURAL ICON JOINS VIVID SYDNEY
Australian creative genius Baz Luhrmann will provide unmissable insights into his celebrated career and screen the Sydney premiere of his new movie ELVIS as part
of the Vivid Ideas series, which is taking place during Vivid Sydney 2022. Destination NSW is thrilled to deliver the intimate and unique audience with Baz, who will discuss the power of storytelling and enthrall audiences with behind-the-scenes tales from the filming of ELVIS. The event will take place at the State Theatre on 5 June 2022.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE GRANTS DRIVE REGIONAL TOURISM
Up to 3500 electric vehicle (EV) chargers will be rolled out across regional NSW, with the NSW Government offering $20 million in grants to establish Australia’s largest destination charging network. Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the co-funded grants, ranging from $2000 to $40,000 per site for EV chargers across regional NSW, would boost regional tourism and were part of a $171 million investment in EV charging over the next four years.
FLOOD RECOVERY GRANTS FAST-TRACKED
Sole traders will have their applications streamlined for the Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant, providing up to $50,000 to help them recover. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said: “While sole traders have always been eligible for the grant, in-line with previous grant programs they have needed additional documentation to other small businesses. The changes mean that applications can be initially approved based on statutory declarations.”
CELEBRATING AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK SUCCESS
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) concludes today at Carriageworks in Sydney after a hugely successful week of shows. The 2022 schedule included 84 designers across 64 live events, featuring some of the Asia Pacific region’s most notable new names. Destination NSW is a proud supporter of Australia’s only international fashion trade event, which attracts more than 18,000 attendees and participants.
SOUND WEST MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
SOUND WEST is joining with Sony Music Australia to discover and develop new artists at the inaugural music and technology festival. One emerging artist will receive a six-month A&R mentorship program and submissions can be made online from 16 May. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, SOUND WEST will bring together the powerhouses of the Australian music with tech innovation in Parramatta from 23-28 August 2022.
KYAS HEPWORTH APPOINTED HEAD OF SCREEN NSW
Respected screen and arts executive Kyas Hepworth has been appointed as Head of Screen NSW. Ms Hepworth, a Bundjalung woman from Tweed Heads, joins Screen NSW from NITV where she was Head of Commissioning and Programming. As Head of Screen NSW, she will lead the state’s film and production strategy, and advance NSW’s position as the leading national and international screen and post-production destination.
VIRGIN & UNITED AIRLINES CODESHARE AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted interim authorisation for a proposed codeshare pricing arrangement between Virgin Australia and United Airlines, allowing the airlines to put their code on each other's passenger flight services, extending their networks across both sides of the Pacific. The ACCC is seeking feedback on the application, which also covers proposed arrangements with other partner carriers.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE BEGINS THIS WEEKEND: Destination NSW has partnered with Tourism Australia to bring the nation's premier travel trade event to NSW. More than 1100 local sellers and international buyers will fill Sydney’s International Convention Centre for Australian Tourism Exchange 2022 (ATE22) from 15-18 May. More than 90 NSW businesses are attending the event, our largest-ever delegation at an ATE. We can't wait to share highlights from ATE22 with you in next week's Insights. Learn more
FANS INVITED TO CELEBRATE WITH SYDNEY KINGS: Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced a victory celebration for the NBL Grand Final champions the Sydney Kings. It will be held in Circular Quay at 12pm on 14 May 2022. Read more
ABORIGINAL ANCESTORS REBURIED IN WELLINGTON: The remains of four Aboriginal ancestors have finally been laid to rest in a traditional ceremony after being returned to the Wellington Aboriginal community. Read more
SINGLETON TO HOST FIRELIGHT FESTIVAL FROM 14-22 MAY: The 2022 Firelight program will be Singleton’s biggest and brightest yet thanks to a Department of Regional NSW event acceleration grant, which has enabled Singleton Council to transform the event into a week-long after-dark extravaganza, including the famed Firewalk spectacular. Read more
NEW RESERVES PROTECT THREATENED SPECIES: Koalas, long-nosed potoroos and powerful owls are among more than 20 threatened species to benefit from three additions to the NSW national parks estate, with more than 2000 hectares acquired in Monaro, near Yamba, and north of Taree. Read more
HAVE YOUR SAY ON NEW NAROOMA WHARF: The community has been invited to give its feedback on a new $4 million wharf, with plans for the project on public display. Comments should be sent by 16 June 2022 via email to naroomawharfproject@transport.nsw.gov.au
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE INFORMATION OVERHAUL: The new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Information System will allow government and industry to work proactively with communities to enable Aboriginal people to effectively monitor and manage their cultural data thanks to funding from the Digital Restart Fund. Read 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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