Insights - 28 April 2023
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LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL VIVID FOOD
The program for Vivid Sydney’s new-pillar - Vivid Food - has been announced and it's set to amplify Sydney’s world-class food and culinary experiences over 23 days and nights from 26 May to 17 June 2023.
International chefs and homegrown superstars will combine with iconic dining establishments and pop-up foodie experiences to deliver a feast for the senses.
Minister for Tourism John Graham said: “This is a celebration of NSW food culture. If visitors are not coming to NSW for our food, they should be. Our fresh ingredients, skilled chefs and multicultural society make our state a foodies' dream. It’s time to get the word out and Vivid Food will do exactly that.”
The Vivid Food experience will include one of the world’s best chefs Daniel Humm and his Eleven Madison Park team taking a two-week residency at Matt Moran’s Aria, where guests will be able to experience his visionary approach to plant-based dining.
The world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes will take centre stage at Vivid Fire Kitchen, including Lennox Hastie, Dave Pynt and Jess Pryles firing up Barangaroo’s Cutaway. The Vivid Chef Series will see some of the world’s most exciting chefs collaborate with Sydney’s best restaurants including Kiln, Fred’s and Yellow for exclusive and never-before-tasted menus.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Food will enable festivalgoers to experience exclusive and never-before-tasted dishes from some of the world’s best culinary talent with entry points for everyone, from wholesome street food to high-end dining experiences.”
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW.
Watch a preview of Vivid Food here.
DESTINATION NSW HEADS TO ATE23
Destination NSW and 80 NSW businesses are heading to Australia's largest tourism trade event, the Australian Tourism Exchange 2023 (ATE23).
After two years of condensed hybrid events, ATE23 is returning to its traditional four-day format, which will take place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 30 April to 4 May 2023.
The event will bring together Australian visitor economy businesses, tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world to conduct scheduled business appointments and participate in key networking events.
Around 2300 delegates from Australia and more than 30 international markets will take part in the event. There will be 84 NSW sellers present - 36 from Sydney and 48 from regional NSW.
The NSW businesses taking part are featured in the latest Sydney & NSW Product Update newsletter. Read the newsletter here. Subscribe here to receive more product updates.
ATE23 will also provide international buyers with the opportunity to experience Australia’s tourism offerings first-hand through familiarisations. Destination NSW will facilitate familiarisations in regions including the Hunter Valley, Sydney, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Northern Rivers and Coffs Harbour.
DESTINATION NSW AND EARTHCHECK JOIN FORCES TO OFFER SUSTAINABILITY SKILLS MICRO-CREDENTIALS
Destination NSW is taking a lead in promoting sustainable practices by partnering with world-leading organisation EarthCheck as part of its 2023 NSW First program.
The collaboration will see micro-credentials delivered for visitor economy businesses across the state, funded by Destination NSW.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said he was proud of the efforts being made towards promoting sustainable practices within the NSW visitor economy.
“This first-time collaboration with EarthCheck will no doubt have a positive impact on local communities across NSW for years to come,” Mr Graham said.
“We have a unique opportunity to showcase the state’s natural beauty and cultural offerings to Australia and the world, but we must do so in a way that is responsible and sustainable so that future generations can enjoy the same experiences.
EarthCheck CEO and Founder Stewart Moore said: “The visitor economy has an important role to play in our pathway to decarbonise, and the micro-credentials is a first step to enable all businesses, no matter how big or small, to walk the talk when it comes to sustainable action."
The Sustainability Skills Micro-credentials will offer three courses and include examples of best practice from international and NSW case studies. Each course will feature between 10 to 11 modules and include:
Sustainability 101
Sustainability Management
Sustainability and your Experience Delivery.
Expressions of Interest are now open and close on 19 May 2023. Places are limited and will be made available for eligible NSW visitor economy businesses free of charge. Participants will have until 31 October 2023 to complete the three courses.
Register here.
DESTINATION NSW RELEASES QUICK TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE EXPERIENCES GUIDE
In addition to obtaining Sustainability Skills Micro-credentials, businesses can also access a new Quick Tips for Creating Sustainable Experiences guide.
The guide is part of the NSW First program and was produced in collaboration with EarthCheck. It includes small steps every business can take to start their sustainability journey, examples of how businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and information on the types of sustainable experiences that resonate with travellers.
View Quick Tips for Creating Sustainable Experiences here.
REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR EV & LGBTQIA+ WEBINARS
Destination NSW will deliver three webinars during May to showcase opportunities for visitor economy businesses to target specific visitor groups.
A two-part webinar series hosted in collaboration with Husbands that Travel will share insights into the needs and considerations of LGBTQIA+ visitors and provide tips on tailoring experience delivery and promotion to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment.
An additional webinar will showcase the opportunity to create EV-friendly road trip experiences in regional NSW by offering and promoting EV chargers. It will include information on the NSW Destination Charging Grants Program from the Office of Environment and Climate Change.
Register for the webinars here:
Selling Stays & Experiences to LGBTQI+ Visitors -16 and 18 May 2023, 10- 11am
Creating EV-Friendly Road Trip Experiences - 24 May 2023, 10-11am.
The webinars are part of the NSW First Program, delivered by Destination NSW to assist NSW visitor economy businesses to develop, promote and sell great visitor experiences.
ATEC FEDERAL BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS
The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has prepared a pre-Federal Budget submission containing recommedations to ensure the continued recovery of the visitor economy. ATEC is calling for an increased budget for Tourism Australia, the freezing of any additional taxes and charges on international visitors, visa policy reforms including reducing working holiday maker visa fees, funding to support export capability training for tourism businesses across regional Australia and Increased funding for the Export Market Development Grants scheme. ATEC is also supportive of calls to hold the price of Australia’s Passenger Movement Charge. The 2023 Federal Budget will be released on 9 May.
SYDNEY TO HOST QUAD LEADERS' SUMMIT
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Sydney on 24 May. It will be the first time Australia has hosted the Quad, a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan and the United States that is committed to promoting stability, resilience and prosperity. Mr Albanese said: “Quad partners are deeply invested in the success of the Indo-Pacific. Leveraging our collective strengths helps Australia advance its interests and more effectively respond to the region’s needs. “The Quad is committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is respectful of sovereignty and ensures security and growth for all."
BONZA CONNECTS COFFS HARBOUR
Bonza has launched a new route between Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast, operating twice weekly. Coffs Harbour Airport General Manager Frank Mondello said: “This direct route is a first between the two regions and is a major milestone that will have far reaching economic benefits to the Mid North Coast of NSW. With more than 38,000 seats available annually between the two destinations, this new route will increase the passenger numbers arriving at Coffs Harbour Airport, who will be able to travel quickly and easily for business or pleasure and will offer a wonderful holiday alternative for travellers wanting to explore the beautiful Coffs Coast region."
REX CUTS REGIONAL FLIGHTS
Rex Airlines will reduce nine flight routes from 1 May 2023. Rex General Manager of Network Strategy Warrick Lodge said: “These adjustments are necessitated by the chronic shortage of airline professionals, particularly pilots and engineers, as well as the severe disruption in the supply chain of aircraft and engine parts. We understand the impact of these adjustments on the regional communities affected as Rex is the lifeline for these communities. We pledge that we will reinstate the services once the situation has stabilised.” The NSW routes affected include Sydney-Broken Hill, Broken Hill-Adelaide, Sydney-Wagga Wagga, Melbourne-Wagga Wagga.
SPIRITED AWARDS FINALISTS
The Asia Pacific's top 10 honorees for the Spirited Awards have been announced, with nine Sydney bars making the list. The Best International Bar Team list included PS40 and Baxter Inn; Best International Cocktail Bar featured MAYBE SAMMY and RE; Best International Hotel Bar included Dean & Nancy on 22 at A by Adina; Best International Restaurant Bar included Continental Deli Bar Bistro and Restaurant Hubert; and Best New International Cocktail Bar featured Bar Planet and Hickson House.
WESTERN SYDNEY ARTS AND CULTURE UP LATE
Western Sydney arts and cultural organisations are being encouraged to keep their doors open later, with grants of up to $200,000 via the NSW Government’s $1.5 million Western Sydney Culture Up Late program. Minister for the Arts John Graham said: “Culture Up Late boosts audience engagement and access to art and cultural experiences, while driving greater economic activity and increasing employment opportunities for performers, creatives and arts workers in our fast-growing communities of Western Sydney.”
A-LEAGUES WOMEN'S GRAND FINAL
The inaugural A-Leagues Players and Pollies match has been held in the countdown to the 2023 A-Leagues Women's Grand Final on 30 April. Premier Chris Minns captained the red team alongside Water Minister Rose Jackson, while Sport Minister Steve Kamper manned the blue team. Federal member for Reid Sally Sitou, state MP for Prospect Hugh McDermott and Taylor Martin MLC also played. The Grand Final is supported by Destination NSW.
HOLIDAY INFLATION EASES FOR AUSSIES
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) monthly CPI indicator shows holiday travel and accommodation costs rose 13.9 per cent in the year to March, falling from a high of 29.8 per cent for the year to December 2022. While demand and prices remain high for both domestic and international holiday travel and accommodation, the ABS said airfare prices have eased since peaking in December 2022. March also saw automotive fuel prices fall 2.2 per cent.
AUSTRALIAN INFLATION DECELERATES
New Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows Inflation in the year to March 2023 decelerated to 7 per cent from a 30-year high of 7.8 per cent in December. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.4 per cent in the March 2023 quarter, with travel prices increasing 4.7 per cent. ABS head of price statistics Michelle Marquardt said the quarterly rise was the lowest since December 2021, with the price increases for goods and services being smaller than they have been in recent quarters.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL: COST VS CONSCIENCE
New research from Booking.com shows 76 per cent of travellers want to travel more sustainably over the coming 12 months, however 49 per cent believe sustainable travel options are too expensive, with the global energy crisis and rising cost of living is impacting their spending plans. The research showed 43 per cent of travellers would be willing to pay more for travel options with a sustainable certification, dialing up their spend to feel reassured they are driving impact.
BUSINESS EVENTS BOOM FOR SYDNEY
BESydney has secured 44 new international and national meetings in the financial year to date, which will generate more than $222 million direct expenditure into the visitor economy. The organisation already has a strong forward pipeline of 275 future business events for Sydney, worth more than $600 million direct expenditure. Asian corporate and incentive market enquiries are rapidly increasing, led by India, with the first post-pandemic large-scale incentive group from China arriving in August 2023.
RECORD FLEET FOR SAIL PORT STEPHENS
A bumper fleet of 108 yachts greeted the starter during Race 1 of Sail Port Stephens. Regatta Director Paul O’Rourke said: "Over 1000 people will participate this week alone as competitors, supporters, industry representatives and media, providing a multimillion-dollar tourism injection. We’re expecting thousands more to follow it via our media reporting and social media channels, encouraging visitation outside regatta times.” The event is being held from 24-29 April and is proudly supported by Destination NSW.
BUDGET BOOST FOR NATIONAL PARKS
The Federal Government will invest an extra $262.3 million in the 2023-24 Budget to increase funding of Australian national parks. The investment will address critical infrastructure needs and boost conservation activities and cultural heritage management. It will create 110 new jobs including roles for Traditional Owners and positions to ensure safety and deliver major projects.
HUNTER SPORTS CENTRE EXPANSION
Work is underway on a $52 million Hunter Sports Centre expansion. It will include the new NSW Trampoline Centre of Excellence, an athlete testing facility, a sport and community centre, gym and car parking spaces. The Federal Government has committed $10.96 million to the project, while the NSW Government has added $13.5 million. The project is expected to be completed by late 2024.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
TEMPORARY SKILLED MIGRATION INCOME THRESHOLD RAISED: The Federal Government will increase the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold from $53,900 to $70,000 from 1 July 2023. Learn more
ROBERTSON POTATO FESTIVAL: This annual celebration of the potato is taking place over two days from 6-7 May 2023 at the Robertson Showground. Learn more
NEON INTERNATIONAL NIGHT-TIME ECONOMY FORUM: The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner is hosting a two-day forum from 2-3 May 2023. Learn more
REMINDER TO APPLY FOR AUSTRALIA MARKETPLACE 2023: Seller applications are open to attend Australia Marketplace South East Asia 2023 and Australia Marketplace India 2023. Australia Marketplace South East Asia 2023 will take place in Singapore from 19-21 July 2023 and Australia Marketplace India 2023 will take place in Bengaluru, India from 23-27 July.
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