Insights - 21 July 2023
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FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP SPECIAL EDITION:
FOOTBALL FANS FLOCK TO NSW
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ has kicked off in Sydney, with hundreds of thousands of football fans descending on the city and its stadiums.
Sydney is hosting 11 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches between 20 July and 20 August, with six games at Sydney Football Stadium in Moore Park and five games at Stadium Australia at Sydney Olympic Park, including the Final.
More than one million tickets have been sold across Australia, with the 11 Sydney matches selling 455,000 tickets so far.
The Matildas triumphed over Republic of Ireland last night in the first game of the tournament on Australian soil. The match was watched by 75,784 fans at Stadium Australia – a record crowd for women’s football in Australia.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “After hosting Sydney WorldPride 2023 and the record-breaking Vivid Sydney 2023, the city is ready for this next global event.
“We welcome all the interstate and international football fans to NSW and can’t wait to share Sydney’s love of sport and love of a celebration. “
For fans attending matches, the public transport trip is included in their match ticket. Around 1800 additional public transport services will run across the match dates including an extra 170 buses and 127 train services for each match at Olympic Park. An extra 20 shuttle buses and 20 light rail services will run for each of the games held at Moore Park.
For more information on public transport options to attend the Sydney matches visit transportnsw.info/fifa-wwc
Image: CommBank Matildas/Facebook
FANS KICK ON WITH EXTENDED TRADING HOURS
The NSW Government has announced special event extended trading hours for venues that screen Sunday night games during the tournament.
Hotels and registered clubs, across NSW will be able to remain open until midnight, instead of the usual 10pm closing time, if they provide a live broadcast for football fans.
Special event extended trading will apply to seven matches between 23 July and 20 August.
Minister for Tourism John Graham said: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup is a global event that is going to bring people together and we want to make it easier for pubs and clubs to help their communities do just that by allowing people to enjoy and celebrate the Sunday night fixtures.
“Major events like a World Cup are moments for local venues to get a boost in numbers and in turn boost their local and night-time economies. Extended Sunday trading will be a net win in towns and cities across NSW."
Learn more about the special event extended trading hours here.
SYDNEY AIRPORT WELCOMES PLAYERS AND FANS
Sydney Airport is welcoming thousands of fans and players during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with signage and activations at its terminals, including a mock football pitch.
Football Australia is forecasting 55,000 people will travel to Australia during the two-month tournament, injecting up to $169 million into the Australian economy through direct spend.
The bulk of international football fans will be arriving from the United States, England, Germany and the Republic of Ireland, according to international ticket sales for the 35 matches in Australia.
Qantas has also released an uplifting video celebrating its partnership with the Matildas. Watch it on Facebook here.
HOTEL BOOKINGS SPIKE IN WESTERN SYDNEY
The NSW hotel industry has reported a spike in bookings during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
Incoming Accommodation Australia NSW Manager Stacey McBride said the tournament had created an uptick in hotel bookings around Western Sydney this week ahead of the Matildas taking on Republic of Ireland match at Stadium Australia.
“We are seeing a high number of bookings for accommodation providers located in the vicinity of Olympic Park and hotel capacity right across Sydney is nearing 70 per cent, reflecting a noticeable surge in demand,” Ms McBride said.
“The soaring popularity of women’s sport, and the Matildas in particular, is undeniable and it’s fantastic to see.
“In addition to equalling the playing field in Australian sport, it means that first-class stadia in NSW and across Australia more often have the chance to host tens of thousands of fans from every corner of the globe to cheer on their teams – both in men’s and women’s sport.
“For accommodation providers this translates to higher occupancy rates, while the local hospitality industry also sees an increase in both local and international visitor spend.
“When it comes to supporting Australian women’s sport it’s definitely a win-win for everyone.”
GAME ON AT FIFA FAN FESTIVAL SITE
Destination NSW gave excited young Balmain & District Football Club players a preview of the FIFA Fan Festival™ site earlier this week.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham joined Matildas star Emily Gielnik, NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper, Football Australia CEO James Johnson, Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 representative Gerdine Lindhout for the preview.
Thousands of fans gathered at the FIFA Fan Festival™ at Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park on 20 July for the Matildas versus Republic of Ireland match and the site will be open on all FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ match days.
Destination NSW is hosting the FIFA Fan Festival™, which gives people the opportunity to watch the matches while also enjoying live music performances by Jessica Mauboy, JACOTÉNE and Jack River.
The public viewing area is free and features an Aussie barbeque prepared by leading Aboriginal native food chef Sharon Winsor is on offer, plus an exclusive dish – The Sydney Tuna Cheeseburger – the brainchild of pioneering chef Josh Niland.
For more information about the FIFA Fan Festival in Sydney, click here.
PENGUINS PREDICT MATILDAS WIN
Inspired by fellow penguin Tazuni™ being named the Official Mascot of the tournament, SEA LIFE’s budding football aficionado penguins took to the ice earlier this week to predict who would win the Matildas versus Republic of Ireland match on July 20.
In a collaboration with Destination NSW, penguin keepers held Australian and Irish flags in outstretched hands, then the psychic penguins made their pick with a kick of a football in the direction of the Aussie flag!
TOURNAMENT TO DRAW ONE BILLION VIEWERS
More than a billion viewers are expected to tune into the FIFA Women’s World Cup from around the world, providing an exceptional opportunity for Sydney to shine.
Fox Sports USA has established a Sydney Harbour Broadcast Centre in The Rocks, featuring the incredible studio backdrop of the city's iconic Sydney Opera House.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox toured the studio earlier this week and said the broadcasts would showcase how a visit to Sydney and NSW leaves visitors feeling new.
"These Fox Sports broadcasts will raise the awareness and profile of Sydney and NSW throughout the world, with the benefits to be felt for years to come," he said.
LIGHTING UP ROUTES TO THE CUP
It's not just the world’s best footballers having their moment in the spotlight during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Lights from Vivid Sydney 2023 installations have been repurposed to illuminate four routes between Sydney Football Stadium, Central Station and the Moore Park Light Rail until the World Cup final on August 20.
Those around the fig trees along Driver Avenue will be permanent, while the others will be operating on a trial basis.
The Safer Cities lighting installation aims to improve safety and accessibility for fans travelling to and from games.
Learn more about the Safer Cities lighting installation here.
TOURISM AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES CUP CAMPAIGN
Tourism Australia has launched a special instalment of its global Come and Say G’day campaign, which is being featured in key countries participating in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, Japan and South Korea.
Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour are among the destinations featured in the campaign alongside Tourism Australia Brand Ambassador Ruby the souvenir kangaroo, who returns as a sports commentator.
Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said: “With the world’s attention turning to Australia throughout the FIFA Women’s World Cup, it is a perfect moment to showcase Australia and invite international travellers to come and experience our amazing country."
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said: “This tournament comes at a crucial time, with Australia’s tourism industry steadily rebuilding from the impacts of the global pandemic, and we hope the Holiday Highlights campaign inspires football fans to visit Australia after the final whistle has blown.”
ACCOMMODATION AWARDS WINNERS
Congratulations to all the winners, highly commended recipients and finalists at the NSW Accommodation Awards for Excellence, which were held last night at The Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. Destination NSW proudly sponsored two awards: Regional Superior Hotel of the Year, which was won by QT Newcastle, with Elements of Byron being highly commended; and Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year, which was won by Spicers Sangoma Retreat, with Crystalbrook Byron being highly commended.
NEW APPOINTEES TO VENUES NSW BOARD
The NSW Government has confirmed two new appointees to the board of Venues NSW. Destination NSW board member Emma Hogan has joined as a board member, while the new Chairperson is former Premier of NSW Morris Iemma. NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “Morris Iemma is an outstanding candidate with a wealth of experience. Emma Hogan is an incredible leader and public servant. Her work leading Service NSW and the people of NSW throughout COVID-19 was exemplary.”
JUNE TRAFFIC SURGE FOR SYDNEY AIRPORT
A total of 3.06 million passengers passed through Sydney Airport in June 2023, representing an 89.9% recovery compared to pre-pandemic June 2019. Passenger traffic at Sydney Airport’s T1 international terminal is continuing to grow with 1.16 million travellers passing through in June. That’s almost half a million more passengers than last June and represents an 88.8% recovery rate on June 2019. Domestic passenger traffic increased 1.2% year-on-year to 1.90 million travellers in June. This represents an 90.6% recovery rate compared to June 2019.
CHINA EASTERN RESUMES DIRECT NANJING ROUTE
China Eastern resumed its direct Nanjing to Sydney this week, with three weekly departures. June 2023 data from Sydney Airport shows the number of Chinese visitors to NSW continues to surge, with the seven airlines flying between Sydney to mainland China increasing capacity and 51 services now flying weekly. For the third month in a row, Chinese nationals have ranked third in the top 10 nationalities travelling through Sydney Airport, with the June number representing a 69% recovery rate on pre-pandemic June 2019 passengers.
'INDIAN CROWN JEWEL' IN HARRIS PARK
Harris Park is set to become Sydney’s centre of Indian food, fashion and music thanks the Little India Harris Park Business Association (LIHPBA), which is creating “the jewel of India, outside of India” with support from the NSW Government. LIHPBA’s vision for Harris Park is one of 21 new projects supported by the Uptown program under the Office of the 24-Hour Economy, with $198,000 dedicated to this idea. The Uptown program encourages local businesses to collaborate and build a self-sustainable cultural district for everyone to enjoy.
MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL FUNDING
The NSW Government has announced the 81 community organisations sharing in more than $630,000 to host grassroots festivals and events over the next eight months as part of the Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Festival and Event Grant program. They include Dubbo’s ORISCON, the Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council and Mt Druitt’s St Mary’s Ethiopian Women’s Association, which hold festivals and events that engage with a broad range of communities. The Festival and Events Grants range from $5000 to $15,000.
BOOSTING ILLAWARRA NIGHTLIFE
Driving the growth of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region’s hospitality sector was the focus of a special event held this week at Wollongong’s Illawarra Hotel. Local musician Elana Stone was MC and moderated a panel consisting of Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham, Member for Wollongong Paul Scully, Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery AM, local music promoter Ben Tillman, hospitality industry lead Nikki Aitchison and NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues.
NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL SUCCESS
The Tweed leg of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has “smashed the goal” and doubled the anticipated annual number of visitors in just four months after opening according to Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry. She said 87 per cent of trail users have also used an associated Rail Trail experience and spent money with a local business. About 17,640 people have used the trail per month. The Casino to Bentley leg of the Rail Trail is under construction and expected to open in January, followed by the Bentley to Lismore section.
BRITISH & IRISH LIONS HEAD TO NSW
Rugby Australia and the British & Irish Lions have revealed the full fixture list for the 2025 Lions tour, with the team taking on the Waratahs at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 5 July and a final test match against the Wallabies at Accor Stadium on 2 AUgust. The British & Irish Lions combine the best players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, touring either Australia, New Zealand or South Africa every four years – meaning the Lions only visit Australia every 12 years. The Lions last toured Australia in 2013.
FUNDING FOR PARRAMATTA PROJECTS
A $10.6 million fast-track infrastructure project will include a pedestrian link through Parramatta CBD, from Parramatta Square to Powerhouse Parramatta, and the foreshore. The ‘City Garden’ will offer generous public seating and spaces for outdoor dining to support local businesses, set within a landscape of large shady trees and water sensitive urban design gardens. Funding has also been allocated for new intersections at George Street and Phillip Street, footpath widening and planting of shade trees.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
TOURISM AUSTRALIA UPDATES ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER REFERENCE GUIDE: The guide aims to provide easily accessible and informative resources for learning and writing about Australia’s Indigenous cultures and experiences. Download here.
NEW GUNDUNGURRA INDIGENOUS TOURS AT SCENIC WORLD: The experiences are being led by Gundungurra custodian and Scenic World’s Indigenous Engagement Officer David King and his team of First Nations guides. Learn more
ENTER THE 2023 NSW SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS: The NSW Sustainability Awards are open for entry. An online information session for potential entrants will be held on 1 August 2023. Register here
EV KERBSIDE CHARGING GRANTS TO REDUCE WORRIES: The NSW Government is making $3 million available for the installation of at least 500 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at kerbside locations. Learn more
BLUE PLAQUE COMMEMORATES QUONG TART: Unveiled in Ashfield, the plaque recognising the life of historical figure Quong Tart and celebrates his political advocacy and charity work in the 1800’s. Learn more
2023 NORTH COAST TOURISM SYMPOSIUM: The industry conference will be held in Kingscliff on 27 July 2023, followed by the North Coast Tourism Awards. Learn more
SOMEWHERE NEW COMPETITION LAUNCHES: Destination NSW has introduced a consumer competition as part of its Somewhere New newsletter growth program. It provides the opportunity for domestic audiences to win prize packages that directly align to each of the hero feelings of the Feel New brand. Learn more
NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR WOLLONGONG: The tournament will be held across Wollongong and wider-Sydney from 2-13 October 2023. The National Youth Championships are the flagship youth event in the Australian football calendar. 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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