Insights - 2 December 2022
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OPEN FOR LUNCH KICKS OFF SYDNEY'S BIGGEST
DECEMBER SINCE 2019
Greater Sydney's visitor economy is gearing up for its biggest December in three years, with OPEN FOR LUNCH kicking off the city's unprecedented events calendar.
Secured by Destination NSW, OPEN FOR LUNCH saw around 2500 Sydneysiders and visitors dine out along 850 metres of Sydney’s famed George Street and at CommBank Stadium today to celebrate the start of summer and enjoy some of the city's best food and hospitality.
In the CBD, OPEN FOR LUNCH featured Luke Mangan’s glass brasserie, Merivale’s Jordan Toft (mimi’s) and Mike Eggert (Totti’s), Ben Milgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz (Porteño), Esteban, NOLA smokehouse, Rockpool Dining Group and dessert queen Anna Polyviou.
Activations included The George Street Hoedown, Merivale’s Disco Picnic, a carnival-themed food spectacular at the YCK Fair and a Feast for the Senses.
Moving out west, OPEN FOR LUNCH guests enjoyed a paddock-to-plate experience by Matt Moran at CommBank Stadium. The day concluded with a Motown’s Greatest Hits special by Human Nature.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said OPEN FOR LUNCH was a fantastic way of getting people into the festive spirit while also supporting businesses and showcasing some of the state’s best hospitality.
"World-class events like OPEN FOR LUNCH support local hotels, bars, restaurants, tourism operators and small businesses while also bringing people together at this special time of year," Mr Perrottet said.
"This is about bringing our CBD back to life and ensuring visitors enjoy a summer to remember in our global city."
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said: "This will be the best summer yet for Sydney as the NSW Government delivers fantastic events like OPEN FOR LUNCH that provide fun and entertainment for families and visitors right across the state."
SYDNEY LIGHTS UP FOR CHRISTMAS
When dusk falls after OPEN FOR LUNCH, the largest Christmas tree in NSW will light up in Martin Place.
The tree is decorated with more than 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4-metre colour-changing star and 330 specially created baubles. Its 800 branches are dressed with 15,000 Australian flowers. The Christmas tree will captivate Sydneysiders and visitors until 1 January 2023.
It will be followed by the launch of Noël Sydney, a new Christmas celebration supported by Destination NSW. Spanning Macquarie Steet to the Royal Botanic Gardens, this free event will open at 6pm each night from 9-24 December 2022, with Christmas markets, light installations and nightly entertainment.
Buildings along Macquarie Street will also be bathed in light projections and scenes inspired by the much-loved Christmas story The Nutcracker.
OPENING CELEBRATIONS FOR SYDNEY MODERN PROJECT
More than 15,000 people have registered to visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales' new Sydney Modern building this weekend when it officially opens its doors.
The most significant cultural development to open in Sydney in nearly half a century, the Sydney Modern Project creates a new art museum campus comprising two buildings connected by a public art garden overlooking Sydney Harbour.
The celebrations will continue until 11 December 2022, with a curated program of talks, workshops, special performances and music, including a nightly drone show designed by Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie, and a free concert in the Domain on 10 December featuring Ellie Goulding, Meg Mac and Electric Fields.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said: "The NSW Government is proud to be leading the way in arts and culture investment to deliver this once-in-a-generation project, which will yield incredible benefit for people across NSW.
"The Art Gallery is an institution with a truly ambitious vision, supporting partnerships, educational programming, sector connections and leadership. This is 'art for all' to inspire joy, connection and enrichment."
As part of the celebrations, the Art Gallery will extend its opening hours until 10pm each night. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Art Gallery website.
The opening of Sydney Modern will be showcased this weekend during the JT Travels NSW recurring segment on Weekend Sunrise, which has been created in partnership with Destination NSW.
$2.5 MILLION FUNDING BOOST FOR NSW VISITOR EXPERIENCE PROJECTS
The NSW Government will invest $2.5 million in product and experience development projects across the state to ensure the continued recovery of the visitor economy.
Wildlife encounters, food and wine activities and wellness retreats are among 18 projects that will receive grants of between $80,000 and $150,000 via the Experience Development Fund.
Managed by Destination NSW, the fund targets the development of world-class visitor experiences in NSW.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the grants would turbocharge visitation to Greater Sydney and regional NSW.
“The NSW visitor economy is bursting back to life, and we know from visits to Destination NSW websites and top NSW search terms online that all points of the state’s compass are on the radar of travellers,” Mr Franklin said.
“This funding will help NSW tourism operators deliver the best possible visitor experiences.”
Pictured above: Poachers Pantry and Vineyard in Springrange has received a $150,000 grant to create a dedicated space to hold food smoking and wine masterclasses.
REGIONAL TOURISM ACTIVATION FUND BRINGS
30 PROJECTS TO LIFE
The Central West NSW visitor economy will be turbocharged by the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund, with Taronga Western Plains Zoo receiving a $20 million grant for new infrastructure.
The project will see the construction of a large-scale Serengeti Plains Exhibit, 20 eco-cabins and a cafe, restaurant and function centre with a pool and playground.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Director Steve Hinks said: “This project is an absolute game changer for Taronga Western Plains Zoo and tourism in Central Western NSW. It will firmly cement Dubbo as the number one family holiday destination in Australia."
Round Two of the Regional Tourism Activation Fund, managed by the Department of Regional NSW, will activate 30 projects across the state, with $150 million in grants aimed at developing high-impact tourism and events infrastructure to attract visitors to the regions.
The projects include a wheelchair accessible hot air balloon experience in the Hunter Valley. Operated by Balloon Aloft, the specifically designed balloon basket will have an access door, seat and harness to ensure patrons with various mobility considerations are safe and secure during the flight.
ATEC CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AND HONOURS VICE CHAIR
The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has celebrated its 50th anniversary and honoured its Vice Chair Jacqui Walshe for her contribution to the tourism export industry.
The two milestone events were marked at Meeting Place 2022, with more than 450 ATEC members have come together for the first time since 2019 for one of the export industry’s major trade events.
Participants including Destination NSW took part in more than 4500 face-to-face meetings, destination showcase events and conferencing.
The ATEC Awards of Excellence were presented during the conference, with the Captain Trevor Haworth Outstanding Contribution to the Tourism Export Industry awarded to Ms Walshe, who is Executive Chairman of Sydney's The Walshe Group.
“Jacqui has been an amazing contributor not only to ATEC but to the tourism industry. Her business acumen and accounting skills have successfully guided our organisation through what have been our most challenging times in our 50-year history,” ATEC Chair Denis Pierce said.
Pictured: ATEC Chair Denis Pierce, Vice Chair Jacqui Walshe, ATEC Board Member Richard Doyle and ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley.
DOMESTIC TOURISM SPENDING SURGES
Australians are spending more on domestic tourism than before the pandemic, with $10.1 billion flowing into the industry in October according to a new monthly tourism report released by Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF). The report shows visitor economy spending surged to $2.1 billion in NSW, with three destinations in the top 10: Sydney, North Coast and South Coast. The greatest spend in October was by Australians travelling within their own state, with intrastate domestic travel 14 per cent above pre-COVID-19 levels at $6.2 billion.
STRIVE 4 SUSTAINABILITY SCORECARD
Ecotourism Australia, in partnership with Tourism Australia, has launched the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program. The demand for geniune sustainable experiences is increasing, with more travellers searching for responsible travel options. The program is a pathway to sustainability, inviting all visitor economy businesses to measure where they are at in their tourism sustainability journey at a point in time. It assesses four pillars of sustainability: environmental, socio-economic and cultural impacts and sustainable management.
NSW TRIUMPHS AT 2022 HM AWARDS
A record 1000 hotel industry professionals attended the 2022 HM Awards at The Star Event Centre, with NSW taking out a swag of major awards including Australasian Hotel of the Year (Crown Towers Sydney); Serviced Apartment Property (Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour); Upper Upscale Hotel (Hilton Sydney); Australian Lodge (Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley); Business Hotel (Hyatt Regency Sydney); Hotel Interior Design (Kimpton Margot Sydney); Boutique Hotel (QT Sydney); and Meetings And Conferencing Property (Shangri-La Sydney).
BUSY CHRISTMAS FOR AIRPORT AND COACHES
Airport crowds are set to swell to their largest level in three years in the lead up to Christmas with Sydney Airport expecting 4103 flights from 20-24 December 2022, amounting to 134 per cent of last year’s traffic and 95 per cent of 2019 figures. There has also been high demand for coach services. “We are continuing to see increased sales across our network every week in the lead-up to school holidays and the peak summer season, sitting at about 30 per cent above our expected budget for this time of year,” a Greyhound Australia spokesperson said.
NSW PRO SURF SERIES RETURNS
The Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series will return to the NSW coastline in 2023 with four elite World Surf League Qualifying Series events in February and March of 2023. Great Lakes, Port Stephens, Avoca Beach and Maroubra are the secured locations for the series, which will offer athletes and attendees the opportunity to enjoy some of the most iconic destinations in NSW. Surfing NSW has joined forces with Destination NSW, Vissla, World Surf League and the local councils, Mid Coast Council, Port Stephens Council, Randwick Council and Central Coast Council to bring the series to life.
LIVE SITE FOR SOCCEROOS VS ARGENTINA
The NSW Government is getting behind the Socceroos and activating Sydney so football fans can cheer on the Socceroos when they step onto the pitch for their Round 16 match in the 2022 World Cup on Sunday. A large screen will be set up at Tumbalong Park from 5:30am in Darling Harbour in an alcohol-free, free public event. Darling Harbour retailers have been encouraged to open their doors early to welcome fans. The Sydney Opera House sails will also be lit up green and gold on Saturday night. Transport will be free Sydney-wide on Sunday from 4am to 12pm.
HAVE YOUR SAY: MACLEAY MASTER PLAN
A draft master plan has been developed for Arakoon National Park and Smoky Cape in Hat Head National Park, with the aim of boosting the regional visitor economy and contributing to community wellbeing. The master plan also proposes to create a coastal walk between the Trial Bay and Smoky Cape precincts. The draft master plan is on public exhibition until 10 January 2023.
TOP SPOTS FOR SYDNEY'S NYE FIREWORKS
Tickets are still available for some of the best vantage points to see the New Year's Eve fireworks at national parks around Sydney Harbour. The NSW Government has released about 9000 tickets for the festivities, with some spots still available. For the first time since 2018, all six Sydney national parks harbour-side sites will be open, offering events to suit all plans and budgets.
NEW AUSSIE FERRIES FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
A new fleet of Australian-designed ferries are set to hit the water in Western Sydney, with the NSW Government investing in new vessels to service commuters and visitors along the Parramatta River to Sydney CBD route. The seven new ferries will predominantly run the F3 Parramatta River route, replacing seven RiverCat vessels after 30 years of service. To encourage bids from local ship builders of all sizes, tenderers will be able to submit proposals for each and/or multiple vessels.
14 BID WINS IN TWO MONTHS FOR BESYDNEY
BESydney has secured 14 bid wins in two months, with a combined direct expenditure of $40 million. The events will bring thousands of international delegates to Sydney, adding to the business event pipeline through to 2029, which includes 85 global and national events generating an estimated $483 million in direct expenditure. The wins round out a successful year for BESydney, with more than 259 events secured, generating an estimated $181 million in direct expenditure for NSW.
CONSULTATION ON TOURISM PRICE SETTING
The Federal Government will commence consultation to understand if online booking platforms are restricting the ability of tourism and accommodation providers to set their own prices and to identify if any action is required on this.
NEW VISION FOR REGIONAL NSW
The NSW Government has unveiled a new strategy to ensure regional NSW remains the best place to visit, live, work, play and raise a family. Our Vision for Regional Communities is backed by a three-year action plan.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
CARAVAN PARKS GRANT PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION: Applications for the Caravan Parks Grant Program close on 22 December 2022. A webinar will be held on 7 December 2022 to answer questions about eligibility requirements and how to apply. Learn more
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR GET NSW ACTIVE 2023: The third and final tranche of the 2022 Get NSW Active program will see $77 million in funding delivered for 161 projects across 45 councils. Applications for Get NSW Active 2023 have opened with councils encouraged to apply. Learn more
ENMORE ROAD TO CONTINUE ROCKING LONGER AND LATER: The successful trial of NSW’s first special entertainment precinct on Enmore Road in Sydney’s inner west, has been extended to July next year by the NSW Government. Learn more
REGIONAL BUSES IN BATHURST AND DUBBO TO TRIAL CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS: Using smart phones or watches to pay for bus trips across regional NSW is a step closer with a trial for contactless payments being rolled out in Bathurst and Dubbo. Learn more
NEW FIRE DANGER RATING SYSTEM FOR BUSHFIRE SEASON: A new and nationally consistent bushfire danger rating system has launched across Australia. Learn more
COMMUNITIES URGED TO BE PREPARED FOR SUMMER EMERGENCIES: As the summer season begins, emergency services organisations have joined forces to urge communities to be safe and prepared. Learn more
TICKETS ON SALE TO SENIORS COMEDY SHOW: 2023 Seniors Festival Comedy Show, featuring Arj Barker, Sam McCool, Clint Paddison and Vince Sorrenti, will be performed at Sydney’s Town Hall and, for the first time, at Port Macquarie’s Glasshouse, as part of the NSW Government's annual NSW Seniors Festival. Learn more.
NSW PUTS NEW TWIST ON THE ARTFUL DODGER: The NSW Government has secured another blockbuster with Disney+ Original series The Artful Dodger the latest large-scale production to be filmed in the state. Learn more
MAJOR MILESTONE FOR SYDNEY’S NEW HARBOUR TUNNEL: Sydney’s historic third harbour crossing has reached another major milestone with the $4.24 billion contract to deliver stage two of the project. 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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