SIR RICHARD BRANSON PUTS NSW CRUISING IN
GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT Virgin Voyages made its NSW debut this week, with the Resilient Lady cruising into Sydney Harbour where it was met by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson in a classic wooden speedboat. The mogul also scaled the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a BridgeClimb experience while Resilient Lady was docked at the Overseas Passenger Terminal and shared a video of the visit via Instagram, where he has almost 5 million followers, and Facebook, reaching 4.5 million followers. Branson said: “Sydney is one of my favourite cities in the world, and we wanted to ensure our arrival was as spectacular as the Sydney Harbour itself. “To stand at the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and watch Resilient Lady come into Circular Quay was one of the most exciting moments since we founded the Virgin brand.” Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Cruise is such a vital contributor to the visitor economy of NSW in terms of on-shore passenger spend, supply chain jobs and provisioning
services. We are delighted that Virgin Voyages is offering its 'sailors' unforgettable experiences when they go ashore in the Harbour City and look forward to many more port calls into the future." NSW has driven the recovery of the cruise industry in Australia, generating $2.75 billion, or 48.8 per cent of the national total, for the visitor economy in the 2022-23 financial year. There will be 331 cruise calls into NSW ports this summer, up almost 16 per cent from last summer. There will also be a record number of maiden calls, with Resilient Lady among 12 first-time ships arriving in Sydney Harbour.
Resilient Lady was presented with the keys to the city to mark its arrival in Sydney, a tradition for all vessels on their maiden call to a port. Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox and members of the Product Development team attended the ceremony aboard the ship. Resilient Lady will visit Sydney another eight times during the 2023/24 summer cruising season. The ship will increase its visits to Sydney in 2024-25 to 12 overnight stays, together with additional stops in Newcastle and Eden.
CITY OF SYDNEY VISITOR RENAISSANCE New data released by City of Sydney shows international visitor arrivals have reached 87 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with over 230,000 visitors arriving in August. The strongest returning markets to date are New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, which have recovered to 95 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. International visitors are not only returning to the city in high numbers, they are also staying longer. Visitors to Sydney in 2023 stayed 13.2 nights on average in Australia, three nights longer than in 2019. Record numbers of international students have also arrived in inner Sydney. There are now 192,218 students from overseas enrolled in the inner Sydney, with 91,466 international students starting new education programs from January to June 2023, 11 per cent more than in 2019. International student growth has been particularly strong from China and India, with the number of new students enrolling to study in NSW from these countries doubling from 2022 to now be significantly above the 2019 level. Subsequently, India has overtaken Nepal to become the second largest origin of new international students in NSW.
STEADY GROWTH IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT & SPENDPublic transport to Sydney CBD has steadily increased across all days of the week, rising by 8.7 per cent from July to October to reach 94 per cent of the pre-pandemic level. Similarly, local spend has settled to form a consistent pattern across the week, increasing towards the end of the week, peaking on Saturday (139 per cent of pre-pandemic level). June saw high activity on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays likely due to Vivid Sydney, with data showing public transport use after 6pm was on average 40 per cent higher than usual.
CULTURE UP LATE TURBOCHARGES WESTERN SYDNEYGrowing the creative sector in Western Sydney was the focus of a Culture Up Late Sydney Forum held this week at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. The Culture Up Late Western Sydney Program aims to drive visitation to Western Sydney CBD areas through creative collaboration between government, business and the cultural sector. It seeks to not only support creative experiences, but also deepen opportunities for cultural organisations to both add to, and benefit from, the night-time economy. Create NSW and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy
Commissioner hosted the event, which explored topics including precinct safety, audience development and program sustainability. Representatives from organisations funded by the program to share their journeys and the lessons learned along the way to enable others to benefit from those insights. The forum also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss barriers to visitation in different areas, including distance, transportation, access, night-time safety and funding, along with opportunities for new and expanded arts, culture and creative activities in the region. Annette Pitman, Chief Executive for Create NSW said: “With our goal of driving visitation after 5pm, Culture Up Late is a way of activating the vibrancy
of our communities through culture.” Michael Rodrigues, NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner from Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade said: “There is so much creative energy and cultural capital in our south and north-western suburbs.”
SYDNEY AIRPORT READY FOR BIGGEST
HOLIDAY PERIOD IN FOUR YEARSSydney Airport is expecting 2.6 million passengers during the three-week Christmas holiday peak, almost 500,000 more than last year and representing a 95 per cent recovery compared to the same period in 2019. The international recovery is especially strong, with 1.1 million passengers expected to pass through the T1 international terminal during the holidays, almost 300,000 more than last year or a 34 per cent increase on last year. A total of 1.5 million domestic passengers are forecast to pass through the T2 and T3 domestic terminals, a 16 per cent increase on 2022. Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “Airline capacity is now back to
full strength, or beyond, to many key international destinations including the United States, China, South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam. “This is the first Christmas holiday since 2019 that the border with mainland China is open, and demand is strong, with seat capacity back to pre-Covid levels as we head into 2024.”
TOURISM SATELLITE ACCOUNT SHOWS
2022-23 VISITOR REBOUNDThe Australian Bureau of Statistics has released its Tourism Satellite Account for FY2022/23, which shows tourism gross domestic product (GDP) rose 60 per cent to $57.1 billion in chain volume terms in 2022-23 but remains below the 2018-19 peak of $63.4 billion. The contribution of the visitor economy to GDP rose to 2.5 per cent in 2022-23 but remains below the 2018-19 level of 3.1 per cent. Domestic visitor consumption rose by $34.9 billion to $124.9 billion in 2022-23 while international visitor consumption rose by $17.7 billion to $23.6 billion in chain volume terms. Visitor economy jobs rose to 626,400 in 2022-23 but remains below the 2018-19 peak of 700,900 filled
jobs. The accommodation industry's Gross Value Add (GVA) increased to $7.7 billion in 2022-23, which is 25.5 per cent higher than the 2018-19 level of $6.2 billion. The cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services industry's GVA increased to $7 billion, which is 17.6 per cent higher than the 2018-19 level of $5.9 billion. The travel agency and information centre services industry's GVA increased to $6.1 billion, which is 7.8 per cent higher than the 2018-19 level of $5.7 billion. The air, water and other transport industry's GVA increased to $7.1 billion but remains 9.2 per cent below the 2018-19 level of $7.9 billion.
MJ THE MUSICAL IS COMING TO SYDNEY Tony Award-winning production MJ The Musical has announced an exclusive season at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre commencing February 2025. Centred on Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, it includes more than 25 of his hits. MJ’s original Broadway producer Lia Vollack said: "I couldn’t be more thrilled with the way audiences on Broadway and across the US have embraced MJ with such enthusiasm and joy and I am beyond delighted that Sydney will be the next city on this incredible show’s journey." The Australian premiere is presented by
Michael Cassel Group and supported by Destination NSW.
EXPEDIA TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2024Expedia has released its Unpack '24 annual report, which provides a comprehensive look at travel trends, collated using extensive first-party data from Expedia, Wotif and Stayz. Wotif data reveals 2024’s top trending domestic flight routes, based on the biggest increase in demand over the last year. Flights to Sydney and Albury made the list, both up 95 per cent. Stayz data shows NSW was front of mind with travellers seeking a holiday home stay, rather than a hotel room or apartment. Among the top Australian destinations for 2023 were Merimbula, Jervis Bay and Bega on the NSW South Coast and Byron Bay or Ballina on the North Coast.
TRAVEL BUG DEFIES SLOWING GROWTH The Australian economy grew by 0.2 per cent during the September quarter and 2.1 per cent in annual terms according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This was the eighth straight quarter of economic growth, though the speed of growth has slowed. Growth was driven by government expenditure and capital investment. Despite the squeeze on household budgets and the high price of petrol, the post-pandemic travel bug continued to bite. There were 13 per cent more cars delivered to households this quarter and Australians spent 3.9 per cent more on transport services such as flights. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said: "We continue
to see a welcome boost from the arrival of tourists and international students, with services exports growing 36.1 per cent through the year."
HOUSEHOLD SPENDING SLOWSNew data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows household spending was 2.7 per cent higher in October 2023 than a year ago, Growth in household spending had slowed in recent months, as households tightened their spending amid cost-of-living pressures. ABS head of business statistics Robert Ewing said: "The 2.7 per cent increase in the year to October follows a downward pattern after spending rose 5.2 per cent in the year to August, and 4.3 per cent in the year to September. Less spending on discretionary services such as eating out, accommodation, and recreation and cultural services all contributed to the slowdown." In NSW household
spending rose 1.5 per cent during October, down from three per cent in September.
NVS RESULTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2023Tourism Research Australia has released its National Visitor Survey results for September 2023, which show visitor expenditure in Australia was $8.8 billion, down 11 per cent compared to September 2022. Visitors spent 31.7 million nights away, down 10 per cent; there were 8.8 million overnight trips, down nine per cent on September 2022. Early data shows domestic overnight trips for October 2023 were weaker compared to October 2019 and 2022. Data for the first three weeks of November 2023 also shows weaker results compared to November 2019 and 2022.
IVS RESULTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2023Tourism Research Australia's International Visitor Survey results show international visitor expenditure in Australia exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels by 11 per cent in September 2023. Trips and nights to Australia were 84 per cent and 91 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels respectively. International visitors took 549,000 trips to Australia, had 18.3 million nights away and spent $2.2 billion during their visit. Australia’s top three international markets were New Zealand (100 per cent of pre-pandemic levels), China (60 per cent) and the United States (75 per cent).
INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC EXCEEDS FORECASTSAustralian aviation network traffic has hit 98 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels according to the Aviation Australia Network Overview report for November 2023. International recovery was led by China, the United States and other Asia markets, which recorded 29 per cent, 18 per cent and 14 per cent increase in flights respectively compared to the previous month. The report said the rate of domestic traffic growth was slowing,
"constrained by ongoing workforce and supply chain challenges and unpredictable demand outlook due to cost-of-living pressures".
MAJORS MILESTONE FOR SYDNEY MARATHONThe Sydney Marathon has advanced to the second stage of its candidacy process for the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM). The event was assessed by an international delegation from AbbottWMM in September and judged to have met the criteria. To become a Major, the Sydney Marathon will be required to meet strict criteria when it stages its next marathon on 15 September 2024. If successful, it will become the first race added to the series since the induction of the Tokyo Marathon in 2013. Its candidacy is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
THE TWEED WINS LGNSW CONFERENCE Tweed Shire Council has been announced as the host of the 2025 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Destination and Visitor Economy Conference. The largest local government visitor economy forum in the nation will see hundreds of delegates will converge on the Tweed to hear from experts and stakeholders, leading researchers, practitioners, and industry experts on the latest trends in tourism. The 2024 LGNSW conference will be co-hosted by City of Wagga Wagga, Junee Shire Council and Coolamon Shire Council from 28-30 May 2024.
THE TWEED’S INCLUSIVE COMMITMENTThe Tweed Tourism Company has unveiled new travel content to reflect the region's warm welcome for all visitors, including LGBTQ+ travellers and those with accessibility requirements. The inclusive travel content incorporates Tweed visitor experiences featuring family and couple talent with accessibility needs and married couple Cara and Sophie. Accessible holiday options are also more easily found via the Visit the Tweed
website, with a dedicated guide to some of the accessible experiences around the region that cater to various travel needs.
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER FOR WESTERN SYDNEYThe Socceroos will face Lebanon at Sydney's CommBank Stadium as their journey towards FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues, with the Second Round Qualifier scheduled for 21 March 2024. Football Australia CEO James Johnson said: “It’s fantastic to once again have the Subway Socceroos playing on Australian soil and at a world-class football venue in CommBank Stadium, which sits at the heart of a region with one of the highest grassroots participation rates in NSW.” The match is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
TACITA DEAN OPENS AT MCA AUSTRALIAThe Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia) has opened its major summer exhibition, Tacita Dean, featuring the work of the renowned British European artist. Presented as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2023/2024, the Sydney-exclusive exhibition brings together significant works created by Dean over the past decade and is the most important survey of the artist’s work to be presented in the Southern Hemisphere. The exhibition is supported proudly by Destination NSW and will run until 3 March 2024.
NEXT STEPS FOR DARLING HARBOURA new 2050 Vision for Darling Harbour is being drafted by the NSW Government. The Vision is being developed in partnership with the community with over 1100 participants engaging in an online survey, pop up stalls and focus groups. Emerging themes highlight opportunities to connect to the water, a need for more trees as well as greener and open space. Aboriginal community engagement is currently underway and will form an important part of the Vision. The Vision will deliver a planning framework to shape it into a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable waterfront precinct. A draft is expected to be exhibited for feedback mid-next year.
NOVEMBER FOOTFALL: NEW SYDNEY WATERFRONTThe latest New Sydney Waterfront Company performance figures show total precinct footfall was down 12 per cent in November compared with October, which was boosted by SXSW Sydney. Visitation was up 24 per cent year-on-year, but down 11 per cent versus in November 2019. Year-to-date total visitation was 2.7 per cent ahead of the same time period in 2019. Friday was the busiest day of the week during November, representing 18 per cent of visitation. The New Sydney Waterfront Company focuses on the precinct encompassing Sydney's Western Harbour from the Harbour Bridge to the Anzac Bridge.
POWERHOUSE MUSEUM TO SHOW NEW SIDEThe NSW Government has released concept designs for the $250 million update to the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo. The museum will be reorientated to connect with the CBD, provide a new outdoor public square, more indoor exhibition space and show off the heritage facades of the original power station built in 1899. The Powerhouse Museum Ultimo will close its doors on 5 February 2024 for building and conservation works that are expected to take up to three years.
NSW OPEN GOLF REGIONAL SERIESAustralia's best golfers will test their skills on some of the state's finest courses, with venues confirmed for the 2024 NSW Open Golf Regional Qualifying Series, supported proudly by Destination NSW. They are: South West Rocks Country Club, 2-4 August; Coffs Harbour Golf Club, 5-7 August; Teven Valley Golf Course, 8-10 August; Wollongong Golf Club, 16-18 September; Club Catalina, 20-22 September; Queanbeyan Golf Club, 23-25 September.
GOOGLE TIPS FOR HOLIDAY OPENING HOURSVisitor economy businesses have been advised to update their Google listings to reflect altered operating hours during the festive season. Rather than simply using the standard line “public holidays may affect operating hours”, it is suggested to schedule 'Special Hours' that display your opening hours on public holidays to make it easier for customers to seek goods and services when businesses are open.
SILVERSEA CELEBRATES AUSSIE SALES BOOM Silversea Cruises' business in Australia has grown by more than 70 per cent in 2023. Senior Vice President & Managing Director Adam Radwanski told Cruise Weekly that Australia was now the cruise line’s second-highest selling destination. Radwanski also said Silversea’s pre/post luxury program in Australia had been very well received, with the cruise line looking at expanding it in the coming months and years.
QANTAS UNVEILS CHRISTMAS LIVERYQantas has unveiled two Christmas-themed aircraft - QantasLink’s Q400 “Dasher-8” and 737 “Roo-dolph”. The Dasher-8 is decorated with a red sleigh and kangaroos, while on Roo-dolph, Christmas carols will be played throughout the boarding process. The planes will fly across the domestic and regional network during December.
WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT MOVEMBER SUPPORT Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) found a novel way to promote and support Movember by painting a 30m moustache on the airport’s runway. Movember, which is the Men’s Health Awareness Month, generates funds to support charities tackling men’s mental health issues, suicide, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS BRADFIELD CITY CENTRE'S CENTRAL PARK DESIGN CONFIRMED: Located in the heart of Bradfield City next to the new metro station, Central Park will be the welcoming point for visitors from across Sydney and around the world. Learn more PROPOSAL TO RELOCATE ROSEHILL RACECOURSE: The NSW Government has commenced discussions with the Australian Turf Club on a proposal to relocate Rosehill Racecourse and build tens of thousands of new homes, surrounded by greenspace and a new Sydney Metro West station. Learn more 2024 SUPERYACHT AUSTRALIA SOIRÉE: Superyacht Australia will hold the Superyacht Australia Soirée at Jones Bay Marina in Pyrmont, Sydney on March 9, 2024. The event aims to promote Australia as an internationally celebrated yachting destination and introduce newcomers to world of chartering
superyachts. Learn more
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