Insights - 24 June 2022
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2022-23 NSW BUDGET TURBOCHARGES
VISITOR ECONOMY
Initiatives announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget will ensure continued support for the visitor economy on its road to recovery and cement NSW as the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.
More than $422 million in funding will turbocharge Destination NSW strategies to support local operators and businesses, promote NSW destinations and experiences to domestic and international markets and secure partnerships with airlines and trade partners.
Key initiatives include delivering the Aviation Attraction Fund to secure routes and support airlines to return to the state’s airports; developing the NSW Government’s ‘Feel New’ marketing campaign to provide a compelling and unified visitor message for the state to entice visitors; managing product and industry development programs, such as New Product Workshops, and assisting NSW visitor economy businesses to attend annual trade events; and securing a state-wide calendar of world-class events, including Vivid Sydney, Sydney WorldPride 2023 and the 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “The past few years have been very challenging for the visitor economy, and we are focused on investment and collaboration across government and industry to rebuild and return to pre-COVID visitation levels by 2024.
“The visitor economy is the lifeblood of many communities from Byron Bay to Broken Hill and is pivotal to the future economic prosperity of Western Sydney with the development of the Western Parklands City, Western Sydney Aerotropolis and new Western Sydney International Airport.”
The 2022-23 NSW Budget is also investing $1.3 billion to expand the Regional Growth Fund to continue creating opportunities in regional NSW, with $230 million allocated to support tourism development projects and enabling infrastructure, leveraging recent significant growth in regional tourism and supporting job creation.
The funding includes $391.3 million for the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct, to support the development of the regional visitor economy and transition the region to a year-round destination. The NSW Budget has also allocated $65 million for the Department of Regional NSW’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund.
Local Government NSW (LGNSW) welcomed $49 million over four years for the maintenance and upgrading of Crown Lands and said it was good news for regional tourism and economic activity in rural and regional communities.
Executive Director of Business Western Sydney David Borger said the NSW State Budget delivered on key commitments to Western Sydney and continued to drive forward the infrastructure needed to support job creation and investment.
“Western Sydney is where the growth is in our great city. The business community applauds the NSW Government’s decision to get the ball rolling on the planning approval process for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2,” Mr Borger said.
Committee for Sydney Deputy CEO Ehssan Veiszadeh said: "We welcome the Government’s move to expand Western Sydney Airport Metro from Bradfield to Glenfield. This is an important first step towards better connecting Western Sydney to itself."
Western Sydney transport infrastructure has been allocated $2.8 billion for key initiatives, including the Parramatta Light Rail; $246.1 million has been set aside for the new Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta and expansion of the Museum Discovery Centre in Castle Hill; $9.5 million in 2022-23 ($78.3 million over 10 years) to improve pathways and park facilities at Western Sydney Parklands; and $5 million in 2022-23 to Venues NSW to develop a final business case for an operable roof at Stadium Australia.
Additionally, more than $1.4 billion will be spent on arts and creative infrastructure across NSW. This will fund a range of initiatives, including free general admission to cultural institutions, extending cost of living programs, support for artists at all stages of their careers and developing new cultural infrastructure projects.
The NSW Budget also provides wide-reaching measures that will have a positive impact on the visitor economy, including a $112.7 billion four-year infrastructure program, $39.8 billion for public transport and roads, $3.3 billion for sustainability and the clean economy and $500 million commitment to deliver on the NSW Government’s Fast Rail vision.
A new Future Economy Fund has been allocated $703.4 million to drive innovative, high-growth business in priority sectors and drive productivity in emerging high-value industries, such as digital technology, medical technology and the clean economy. The fund will allow the NSW Government to secure companies to relocate to NSW or support local businesses to grow.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said the fund would consolidate prior funding routes to deliver the next wave of economic growth and productivity for NSW businesses and workers.
“Starting right from research and development and commercialisation through to business growth, upskilling and export opportunities, the Future Economy Fund will mean NSW is the home of world-leading industries,” Mr Ayres said.
Pictured above: An artist's impression of the new Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta.
NSW BUDGET BACKS ECOTOURISM
Several new ecotourism products featured in the NSW Government Budget - including a $56.4 million investment in Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk - will help the NSW visitor economy continue to recover.
The four-day Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk is expected to attract an extra 200,000 visitors to the region. National park management and visitation generates $18 billion in economic activity annually and supports over 74,000 jobs, with 75 per cent of economic benefit occurring in regional areas.
Minister for Environment James Griffin said: “The rainforest at Dorrigo National Park is even more spectacular than the Daintree, and I’m proud to say that with this magnificent new 46 kilometre walk, we’ll be happily tempting domestic and international visitors away from Queensland.
“Along with Snowies Alpine Walk, the Wollemi Great Walk, and the Great Southern Walk, our signature multi-day walks are providing new experiences in NSW while expanding access to our national parks."
The starting point of the Dorrigo Great Walk will be the new Arc Rainforest Centre, featuring a hanging boardwalk overlooking the World Heritage rainforest. The walk will include four low impact walkers’ hut precincts, new camping areas, three suspension bridges and 46 kilometres of walking trails. It will also become a place for visitors to learn and connect with the culture of the traditional custodians, the Gumbaynggirr people.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the new Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk would help put NSW on the global map for tourism and national parks.
“We’re building a network of multi-day walks to bring people from all over the world to NSW, boosting local tourism businesses, jobs and regional economies,” Mr Ayres said.
FIRST LOOK: CIRCULAR QUAY TRANSFORMATION
Circular Quay will be transformed with new public green space, new ferry wharves and a potential New York-style highline on part of the Cahill Expressway, backed by a $216 million investment in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the vision for Australia’s most celebrated waterfront would create up to 1000 jobs during construction and one of the world’s most iconic walks and viewing platforms.
“The scar of the Cahill Expressway splits our amazing city from its best asset and while we cannot get rid of it right now, I’m delighted we can enhance it in the meantime and create one of the world’s truly great walks,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This investment is a critical step in reinvigorating Circular Quay, which will ultimately see millions of tourism dollars flowing back into local businesses as we build our way forward to a brighter economic future for NSW.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said: “This renewal will create a more dynamic space for visitors and locals to enjoy new places to eat, drink and shop. We’re considering options to upgrade the wharves and revamp the train station to reaffirm Circular Quay as a key transport hub for Sydney.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said: “We’re also designing one of the world’s most breathtaking walks and viewing platforms linking the Royal Botanic Gardens to Observatory Park and Stargazer Lawns as part of our vision to create a city within a park.”
ResortBrokers Director of New Developments and Hotels Tim Crooks said the proposed upgrades would see the area established as a destination unto itself.
“Creating new experiences for visitors, including offering improved views of Sydney’s iconic skyline, will add immense value to Circular Quay as a tourist hotspot,” Mr Crooks said.
Pier One Sydney Harbour General Manager Kim Mahaffy said: “The vision for a revitalised Circular Quay and Highline is one that supports connectivity and further highlights Sydney’s world-class harbour as a visitor destination – a positive experience enhancement for both locals and visitors.”
Shangri-La Sydney General Manager Philippe Kronberg said: “The renewal of this area will invigorate one of Australia’s most loved and visited precincts by both domestic and international tourists and further solidify Sydney’s position as a global destination.”
BUDGET SECURES WORLD-CLASS EVENTS CALENDAR
Destination NSW will continue to deliver a calendar of world-class events via 2022-23 NSW Budget funding, including Vivid Sydney 2023, Sydney WorldPride 2023 and the 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative.
Investing in world-class events is a key pillar of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy, which aims for NSW to be the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific by 2030.
Click here to watch a sample of the events secured for 2022-23 by Destination NSW
Excitement is building for Sydney WorldPride 2023, following nearly 1000 Sydneysiders creating a human Progress Flag on the steps of the Sydney Opera House today to mark the 44th anniversary of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The display sends a message of welcome to the world as Sydney gears up to host the first WorldPride event in the Southern Hemisphere.
Destination NSW supported the bid for Sydney to host WorldPride and was the first major partner signed to the event, which will run from 17 February to 5 March 2022. With 500,000 people expected to attend Sydney WorldPride, it will be the biggest summer event of 2023.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “The NSW Government continues to invest in world-class entertainment, hospitality and events, our goal is to be the events capital of the Asia-Pacific and supporting Sydney World Pride 2023 helps achieve this.
“NSW is ready to host this event and we are encouraging visitors to make the trip to enjoy the best that Sydney has to offer.”
Tickets to WorldPride go on sale to the general public on 15 July via SydneyWorldPride.com. Sign up now at sydneyworldpride.com to access pre-sale tickets from 11 July 2022.
MORE THAN 2 MILLION PASSENGERS TO FLY
IN JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
The 2022-23 NSW State Budget includes $60 million to enable Destination NSW to continue delivering the Aviation Attraction Fund, which plays a vital role in securing routes and support airlines to return to the state’s airports.
A new report released by Sydney Airport shows that while total passenger traffic continues to rise, it was down 31.2 per cent (2,415,000 passengers) in May 2022 on the corresponding period in 2019.
Data shows 582,442 international passengers passed through Sydney Airport during May, down 55 per cent on the corresponding period in 2019. Domestic passenger traffic totalled 1,832,651 in May, down 17.3 per cent on the corresponding period in 2019.
However, passenger traffic at Sydney Airport in May recovered to 69 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels, and Sydney Airport is set for a busy July school holiday period, with forecasts showing 2.1 million passengers will be welcomed from 27 June to 17 July 2022.
The July school holiday forecast indicates that more than 1.5 million domestic passengers will pass through the terminals over three weeks from 27 June, compared to 1.39 million from 4-24 April 2022. Internationally, more than 560,000 passengers are forecast for the July school holidays, compared to 376,000 international passengers during the equivalent three-week period in April.
ABORIGINAL FLAG TO FLY ON HARBOUR BRIDGE
The Aboriginal flag is a step closer to flying permanently on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge following a commitment in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. The funding will allow for the permanent installation of a third flagpole to fly the Aboriginal Flag by the end of this year. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said flying the Aboriginal Flag alongside the Australian and NSW State Flag was an important gesture, which is part of a $401 million investment in the NSW Budget to prioritise Closing the Gap initiatives.
BOOST FOR WOMEN IN SMALL BUSINESS
Women in small business will have access to free TAFE courses and professional advice thanks to $15 million over the next four years in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. Treasurer Matt Kean said more than 95 per cent of businesses in NSW were small businesses, however only a third of these businesses are run by women. "Many people dream of owning their own business, however we know that cultural and structural barriers like access to professional networks and capital can hold women back,” Mr Kean said.
ONE WEEK LEFT FOR DINE & DISCOVER VOUCHERS
Households have been reminded to spend any remaining Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers before the 30 June 2022 deadline. Almost half a billion dollars has been invested across 16,600 businesses during the program, with more than 5.4 million customers receiving three $25 Dine NSW and three $25 Discover NSW Vouchers. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said: “The vouchers have been an overwhelming success, by getting more customers through doors of businesses and boosting household budgets.”
K-POP COMES TO QUDOS BANK ARENA
Destination NSW is bringing the global phenomenon of K-pop to Qudos Bank Arena from 13-14 August with the inaugural HALLYUPOPFEST SYDNEY festival, celebrating the best of Korean music and lifestyle. The event will feature Korean pop stars performing and meeting attendees, with thousands of people expected to immerse themselves in Korean music and lifestyle. The once-in-a-lifetime experience will draw thousands of fans to Western Sydney, providing a significant boost to the visitor economy. Tickets go on sale from 28 June 2022.
REX EXPANDS
REGIONAL SERVICES
Rex has unveiled a increase in its services to major NSW regional centres on its network. The routes are: Sydney to Albury (up 25 per cent), Sydney to Broken Hill (50 per cent), Sydney to Coffs Harbour (67 per cent), Sydney to Dubbo (25 per cent), Sydney to Orange (33 per cent), Sydney to Griffith (33 per cent), Sydney to Merimbula/Moruya (15 per cent), Sydney to Port Macquarie (33 per cent). The services will commence on 4 July 2022.
LINK AIRWAYS ADDS TAMWORTH ROUTE
Link Airways will connect Tamworth and Sydney with direct flight services commencing 27 June 2022. With a flight time of just over 60 minutes and frequency of flying twice daily, this service will provide business travellers from Tamworth and Sydney the opportunity to spend a full business day at their destination and return home that same afternoon while also facilitating the potential for weekend stays.
DATA REVEALS RETURN TO SYDNEY CBD
New data released by outdoor media company QMS shows visitor numbers across Sydney’s CBD were at 90 per cent of average 2019 levels in April and May. QMS general manager, City of Sydney, Jemma Enright, said: “Our data shows that 90 per cent of the 2019 Sydney CBD audience has returned, resuming their normal behaviours and activities, including a strong return to workplaces. Events such as Vivid Sydney and the Sydney Film Festival mean audience numbers will keep rising. For example, on the opening weekend of Vivid Sydney, audiences increased by 18 per cent over the weekend with a further 45 per cent increase between 7pm and midnight."
EV CHARGER BOOST
FOR NSW
Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers will benefit from a further $38 million in charging infrastructure announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. The additional funding increases the State’s EV investment to $633 million under the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy. Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said: “This funding will help communities stay connected and help holidaymakers hit the road to enjoy weekend trips as NSW motorists gear up for the next era of driving.” NRMA CEO Rohan Lund said: "The NRMA has been at the forefront in rolling out EV infrastructure in NSW and we're pleased to see the NSW government continuing to support this important technology."
CATO MEMBERSHIP AT
ALL-TIME HIGH
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) membership numbers have exceeded 200 for the first time. Managing Director Brett Jardine said: “We are now at a point where strong interest and enthusiasm is returning for international travel and members are busier than ever dealing with pent-up demand." CATO has also welcomed one new and five re-elected members to its board: Sean Martin (G Adventures), Lisa Pagotto (Crooked Compass); Aaron Zoanetti (Pointon Partner Lawyers), Brad McDonnell (Entire Travel Group), David Walker (Sno’n’Ski Holidays) and Liz Anderson (Sundowners Overland).
CRAFT & BUSHFOOD AT INDIGENOUS ART FAIR
Get ready for two immersive days of art, design, food and culture at the National Indigenous Art Fair. In addition to purchasing art, attendees can work alongside local Aboriginal weavers on a communal weaving project. Chef Matthew Atkins will conduct cooking demonstrations at his food truck at the event, offering up a delicious bushfood feast, while the IndigiGrow nursery will be selling a variety of native bushfood plants and herbs. Destination NSW is a proud supporter of the art fair, which is taking place at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks, Sydney, from 2-3 July 2022.
GOURMET COAST TRAIL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES
The Gourmet Coast Trail has released its Secret Diary of a Foodie digital marketing campaign, which has been made possible through the NSW and Federal Governments’ joint Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. The campaign aims to drive awareness of the NSW South Coast as a significant foodie destination. The Gourmet Coast Trail website helps visitors find exceptional food and drink businesses on the Far South Coast, which stretches across the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley local government areas.
MID NORTH COAST MAZE WINS TOP AWARD
Bago Maze and Winery has won the 2022 AILA NSW Landscape Architecture Award for Tourism for its native Lilly Pilly hedge maze, which one of the world’s largest hedge mazes. AILA NSW Awards jury chair Andrew Turnbull said: “The award nominations highlight the investment in NSW regional townships to celebrate their culture, heritage and natural beauty for the benefit of their residents and domestic tourism. This is an inter- generational investment, which will see regions through their future."
VOUCHERS BOOST REFLECTIONS HOLIDAYS
Almost 21,000 Parents NSW and Stay NSW vouchers have been used at Reflections Holiday Parks. Reflections Holiday Parks CEO Nick Baker said: “The accommodation vouchers have been an enormous support for families to take a break and reconnect with loved ones after an undeniably hard year with COVID-19 and floods. It is estimated that every dollar spent at our parks equates to about $1.53 in tourist spending in the local economy as our guests travel to explore nearby towns." It's not too late to register for the vouchers program, click here.
CELEBRATE NSW TRUFFLE SEASON
It’s truffle season in NSW and there are some amazing experiences on offer around the state. Events include a Winter Truffle Dinner at Poachers Pantry every Saturday from 25 June to 30 July 2022; an Annual Truffle Gala Dinner at Contentious Character on 30 July 2022; and Viva La Truffle, a degustation lunch in Robertson on 5 August 2022. Wine Knot Tours is also offering a Truffles & Wine luxury tour, while nine farms offer truffle hunting experiences. Visit the NSW Truffle Trail for information on local producers.
YHA BACK IN THE BLACK
Hostel operator YHA Australia had its first profitable months of trading in April and May after a difficult two-year period. YHA chief executive Paul McGrath expects occupancy rates of about 50 per cent this year across its network of 49 properties, followed by a return to pre-pandemic occupancy rates of 65 per cent and higher in 2023 and 2024. YHA has a portfolio of 24 owner-operated hotels valued at $206 million, alongside 25 operated by associates under a franchise-style agreement.
TOURISM JOBS RECOVERY
New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows a steady recovery in tourism jobs. Tourism jobs peaked in Australia at 749,400 in December 2019, and in the March 2022 quarter jobs were at their highest level (645,000) since the pandemic started. Visitor economy-related industries industries with the largest quarterly increases were accommodation (8500 jobs, up 9.1 per cent); air, water and other transport (3300 jobs, up 13.5 per cent); and cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (1500 jobs, up 0.7 per cent).
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
THOUGHT LEADERS ON GLOBAL AGEING HEADING TO SYDNEY: Sydney has been announced as the host city for the 24th International Association of Gerontology and Geriatric (IAGG) World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics in 2029 following assistance from the business events bidding specialists at BESydney. The event is expected to attract around 4500 delegates to Sydney over five days and BESydney estimates it will inject $21.6 million into the visitor economy. Learn more
FUTURE NSW NRL STARS THE FOCUS OF NEW CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE: The NSW Government will spend $113 million over the next four years to deliver three new state of the art Rugby League Centres of Excellence, which will include integrated world-class high-performance training, administration and community facilities. Learn more
WHITE BAY TRANSFORMATION: The future of the White Bay Power Station has been secured, with $49 million committed to complete its remediation in the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget. Treasurer Matt Kean said the 105-year-old building would form the centerpiece of one of Sydney’s most anticipated urban renewal projects. Learn more
WESTINVEST COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS EXTENDED: The $2 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants program has been extended by four weeks, to provide organisations with additional time to submit their applications. Learn more
NEW SHAREHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS FOR BIG BANANA FUN PARK: The master plan designed to guide the transformation of Coffs Harbour's iconic Big Banana over the next 10-15 years has been accelerated by the issue of 3.4 million additional shares, raising more than $4.1million. Two additional board directors have also been appointed: Cameron Arnold and Katrina Adams. Learn more
NSW SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS ENTRIES NOW OPEN: After the success of the inaugural 2021 NSW Sustainability Awards, the Banksia Foundation is working with the NSW Government to showcase the best of sustainability and innovation in NSW. Learn more
OVERSEAS TRAVEL SPEND ECLIPSES PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS: NAB data show its customers spent $46 million on international flights, accommodation, car rentals, cruises, trains, tours and travel agents in May 2022, the largest monthly amount in three years. 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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