Insights Newsletter January – June 2022

16 July 2022
Issue Articles
24 June 2022 2022-23 NSW Budget turbocharges visitor economy
NSW Budget backs ecotourism
First look: Circular Quay transformation
Budget secures world-class events calendar
More than 2 million passengers to fly in July school holidays
Aboriginal flag to fly on Harbour Bridge
Boost for women in small business
One week left for Dine & Discover vouchers
K-POP comes to Qudos Bank Arena
Rex expands regional services
Link Airways adds Tamworth route
Data reveals return to Sydney CBD
EV charger boost for NSW
CATO membership at all-time high
Craft & bushfood at Indigenous Art Fair
Gourmet Coast Trail campaign launches
Mid North Coast maze wins top award
Vouchers boost Reflections holidays
Celebrate NSW truffle season
YHA back in the black
Tourism jobs recovery
Thought leaders on global ageing heading to Sydney
Future NSW NRL stars the focus of new centres of excellence
White Bay transformation
WESTINVEST community project grants extended
New shareholders and directors for Big Banana Fun Park
NSW Sustainability Awards entries now open
Overseas travel spend eclipses pre-pandemic levels
17 June 2022 New campaign celebrates caravan & camping holidays
International arrivals continue to soar
Domestic travel boom over long weekend
BESydney announces nine Global Ambassadors
CBD to Parramatta pathway
Hotel execs gather for industry briefing
Unrivalled Aboriginal experiences
Fast rail on track to transform NSW
Hay needs your rainbow vote
Wynne Prize to tour NSW for the first time
Sydney secures Sail Grand Prix
Vivid Sydney supports literacy charity
VIP tour of National Indigenous Art Fair
EV charging grants information session
NSW confirmed as home of cycling
UCI legacy partnership grants announced
Record funding for multicultural NSW
Lego exhibition a hit at Australian Museum
Sydney stacks up on digital performance
Making wishes come true at Vivid Sydney
Bangarra Dance Theatre brings Sandsong to Sydney Opera House
Upgrades to Opal system
Events training program
Blue Mountains ice skating rink
2022 Grey Nomads Awards open
Boost to conservation through biodiversity credits
New wharf for North Sydney
New Jervis Bay cruise launches
Budget boost keeps Lord Howe Island pest free
Record investment to future-proof NSW marine estate
10 June 2022 Vivid Sydney attracts record visitors & boosts restaurant bookings
Festival sparks best CBD hotel occupancy figures since 2019
Central Station delivers the goods at Vivid Sydney
New Product Workshop boosts bookings for 23 businesses
The best wine lists in NSW
Allianz Stadium reopening celebration
100 days to 2022 UCI World Championship
New street parties coming to Sydney
Best start to ski season in 20 years
Continuing the truth telling journey
Central Coast named as eco destination
First look: New Albury Entertainment Centre
Dates announced for Bowral Classic
Stunning new walk opens in the Snowies
Domestic airline industry recovery
Sydney Film Festival bonanza
George St extends its transformation
Central Coast announced as location for artificial reef
Free training to deliver in-demand winter skills
QT Newcastle officially opens
Golden re-entry to NSW national parks for extinct bandicoots
Western Parkland City Authority to be located in new office building in Penrith
NSW launches first virtual student hub
Important koala population discovered in Kosciuszko National Park
3 June 2022 Destination NSW commemorates National Reconciliation Week
Some National Reconciliation Week highlights
Biggest ever opening weekend for Vivid Sydney
Watch: How Australian Tourism Exchange turbocharged the NSW visitor economy
Join the Central Coast 5 Lands Walk
National Indigenous Art Fair
Vivid Sydney Later initiative launches
$18 million to energise the great outdoors
Grants support arts flood recovery
Mary Poppins flies into Sydney
Sapphire Coast to shine at inaugural Wanderer Festival
NSW vouchers toolkit released to help businesses
Tastes Like Home meets Michael Rantissi
Philip Hele named 2022 Living Tourism Legend
Sunrise visits Shellharbour & Robertson
NSW Tourism Awards nominations closing soon
Small Business Strategy to chart future course
Heritage building to inspire creative talent
Regional NSW in fast lane to lead autonomous vehicle technology
$10 million to boost women-led startups
Sydney Gateway project takes off
Multi-million dollar arts and culture boost
100 days to go until Night at the Barracks
27 May 2022 Lights on for Vivid Sydney 2022!
Experience First Light tonight
Ken Done’s love letter to Sydney
Fun for all the family at Vivid Sydney
All the free fun at Vivid Sydney
Youngest-ever artist joins festival
NSW voucher boost during Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney local business program
Destination NSW creates gifs
Venues light up for longer at Vivid Sydney
Gretchen Carlson shares Vivid ideas
Bombay Sapphire partners with festival
Lights & action on the water
Vivid Sydney Supper Club launches
The Gospel according to Marcia
City of Sydney partners with Vivid X/Celerate
Crown Sydney lights up Barangaroo
Fashion’s Flash: Back to the Future
The business of Baz
Audible’s live event series
Vivid Music in Eveleigh
Vivid Ideas up late
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House
Take a cruise to see the lights
20 May 2022 NSW steals the show at Australian Tourism Exchange 2022
Top NSW Tourism Towns announced
Destination NSW heads to LGNSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference
New strategies to revitalise Sydney CBD
Aquabumps photographs Broken Hill
Do Ho Suh exhibition secured for Sydney
Reflections Holiday Parks funding
Former gaol becomes boutique hotel
Central Station transformation
Funding to help renew city precincts
Medium-sized business flood grant opens
Mudgee BBQ & Smoked Meats Festival is back
Blak Douglas wins Archibald Prize 2022
ARIA Awards return in November
Whale migration makes a splash
Barca event to support flood relief
JT travels to Penrith & Walsh Bay
First hotel announced for Aerotropolis
Sydney Surf Pro event returns
Private landholders offered funding to protect NSW koala habitat
13 May 2022 New program accelerates digital skills in NSW visitor economy
2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups coming to Sydney
Join the largest eco-adventure tourism project in NSW
Aquabumps explores the Mid-North Coast
AIME generates $120 million in business
Nominations open for NSW Tourism Awards
Tourism grants for Indigenous businesses
Australian cultural icon joins Vivid Sydney
Electric vehicle grants drive regional tourism
Flood recovery grants fast-tracked
Celebrating Australian Fashion Week success
SOUND WEST mentorship program announced
Kyas Hepworth appointed head of Screen NSW
Virgin & United Airlines codeshare agreement announced
Australian Tourism Exchange begins this weekend
Fans invited to celebrate with Sydney Kings
Aboriginal Ancestors reburied in Wellington
Singleton to host Firelight Festival from 14-22 May
New reserves protect threatened species
Have your say on new Narooma wharf
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Information overhaul
6 May 2022 Stunning new sculpture trail opens in the Snowy Valleys
Aquabumps Feels New on Lord Howe Island
Qantas announces non-stop flights to Sydney from New York & London
Virgin Australia expands its fleet
NSW shines at Seatrade Cruise Global 2022
Funding applications open for Crown Reserves
Western Sydney to keep lights on for Culture Up Late
Northern Rivers flood business support
2022 Narooma Oyster Festival
Electric vehicle charging network extends to Broken Hill
JT Travels heads to Lightning Ridge & Dubbo
Australian Fashion Week launches
Harbour heritage gem set for urban renewal
Bookings soar for Mother’s Day
FIFA delegation tours Stadium Australia
Sydney icon becomes new home of Arias
National Touch League kicks off
Funding to help sports recover from floods
Applications open for Fine Food Australia subsidy
Digital ticket lottery for Mary Poppins opens
Ceremony marks return of Bulagaranda (Mt Yarrowyck) to Aboriginal owners
Cruising guidelines announced for WA
29 April 2022 NSW shines in Aquabumps collaboration
Counting down to the lighting of the sails at Vivid Sydney
Mundi Mundi celebrates festival success
$10,000 Small Business Northern Flood Grant now open
New tools to better serve visitors with access needs
New rules for international arrivals
More funding for Sydney street parties
A path forward for walking and cycling in NSW
Art Gallery of New South Wales expansion to open in December
Projects vying for WestInvest funding
Ironman Australia celebrates 35 years
Wallabies vs England tickets on sale
Funding to transform Taronga Zoo Sky Safari
Singleton to host Firelight Festival
Great Southern Nights highlights
Champion regional NSW as a Destination Network Board Member
Green light for new koala haven
NSW top of the table for innovation
Lord Howe Island’s biodiversity recovering thanks to rodent control
22 April 2022 Easter travel boosts NSW visitor economy
First cruise ship arrives in Sydney Harbour after two-year hiatus
Music festival magic returns to NSW
Funding to open Newcastle Airport to the world
Makeover for Oberon Visitor Information Centre
Return to full ANZAC Day services
Festivals one-stop shop guide goes live
2022 LGNSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference
Vivid Sydney celebrates diversity with LGBTQIA+ line-up
Three Opals vs Japan games to be played in NSW next month
Duel in the Pool returns to Sydney in August
Memorable people & events recognised with Blue Plaques
$15 million funding boost for Albury Entertainment Centre
Lake Macquarie to host air race event
Apply your expertise to conservation
Champion regional NSW as a Destination Network Board Member
More support for hospitality businesses
New dates announced for North Coast Festival of Flavour
900,000 attend 2022 Sydney Royal Easter Show
Critically endangered frogs hop back into the wild
Update on COVID-19 settings
14 April 2022 First international cruise ships return to NSW waters
Big future for Eden cruise industry
It’s not too late to register for Stay NSW & Parents NSW
Great Southern Nights reignites live music in NSW
New business events video highlights Central Coast
Qantas touches down in Broken Hill with Destination NSW
Your chance to vote for the 2022 NSW Top Tourism Towns
$10 million investment in Powerhouse Parramatta
Parkes Elvis Festival returns
Blockbuster April for Broken Hill
New Sydney Football Stadium close to completion
Tamworth Country Music Festival celebrates 50 years
Construction begins at Tench Reserve
WestInvest Community Project Grants open
Have your say on Penrith Stadium redevelopment
Cultural focus for regional youth Holiday Break Program
Fare-free 12 days of Easter
Nominations open for NSW International Student Awards
NSW releases Australia’s largest investment in koalas
Orange Winter Jazz Festival
Sculptures by the Bush
Moree on a Plate
Shoalhaven to host Celebration of Food
8 April 2022 Champion regional NSW as a Destination Network Board member
Bicentenary celebrations for Sydney Royal Easter Show
Centenary celebrations for Country Women’s Association
NSW lands India & South Korea routes on runway to recovery
FC Barcelona is coming to Sydney
Shaping the six cities NSW mega region
$25 million to connect communities in regional NSW
Expo Dubai spurs international student recovery
Bluesfest is back this Easter long weekend
$2.5 million to get live music back on stage
Australian Fashion Week program launch
Wallabies take on England at the SCG
Music tribute festival heads to Snowy Mountains
Accelerate Sydney Business Events Fund Round 2 opens
Business Connect support available for flood victims
Macquarie Pier brings Newcastle’s history to life
Explore NSW during Great Southern Nights
Applications open for film festival funding
Mungo Man and Lady to finally rest in peace
World-class herbarium to bloom in Western Sydney
Crystalbrook launches Climate Control Calories
Sydney’s CBD office occupancy data surges
1 April 2022 Visitor economy braces for its biggest Easter on record
Visitor cconomy highlights from Federal Budget
Thrive 2030 visitor economy strategy launched
Tourism investment stays strong
Support for Aboriginal businesses
Government announces additional flood recovery support
Arts & cultural support for communities
Watch: Regional NSW heads to AIME
Scenic World lights up the night
NSW Parliament passes new event legislation
Aerotropolis Precinct Plan revealed
Take 3 for the Sea visitor litter program
NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards open
Watch: World cycling event for Wollongong
Rollerama opens at Darling Harbour
Working Holiday Makers support flood recovery
Age increase for Italian & Danish Working Holiday Makers
Explore NSW during Great Southern Nights
Sunrise heads to Cowra and Griffith
Australian Tourism Exchange to welcome international buyers
Destination NSW shortlisted for Mumbrella awards
$1.6 billion in WestInvest grants open for community projects
Taste of the Beaches tickets now on sale
Light rail unearths Parramatta’s history
25 March 2022 Regional NSW triumphs at 2021 Australian Tourism Awards
NSW to host 2022 Australian Tourism Awards
Regional NSW showcased at Asia Pacific’s leading meetings & events trade expo
Major funding boost drives tourism rebound in regional NSW
Seven evocative new ways to Feel NSW
Port Stephens preps for race week
Sydney Harbour Bridge celebrates 90 years
$1 million funding boost for Sydney WorldPride Festival
Exciting program for next Blak Markets Festival
More support for travel agents
Visit the South Coast Ale Trail
Allianz secures naming rights at Sydney Football Stadium
Watch: Moving new Qantas “I Still Call Australia Home” ad
Athletes head to Sydney Olympic Park
Destination NSW creates Vivid gifs
Explore NSW during Great Southern Nights
Phantom of the Opera opens on the Harbour
Applications open for three regional touring opportunities
Endangered “Goldilocks” bird released for the first time in NSW
Record investment in NSW shark mitigation measures
Small Business Support Program extended
City of Sydney Reboot webinar series is back
FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup tickets on sale
Harnessing regional university capability
18 March 2022 Vivid Sydney unveils its biggest, brightest, most brilliant program yet
Great Southern Nights gets the show back on the road
Industry celebrates cruise ship ban lifting
Venues announced for Sydney Super Cup
Parkes Elvis Festival seeks volunteers
Two NSW finalists in Banksia Sustainable Tourism Awards
$16 million entertainment boost for NSW CBDs
Qantas A380 First Class takes off again
Sydney Harbour Bridge lights up
NSW Seniors Festival kicks off next week
Popular Blue Mountains site reopens
Accor Stadium’s new Great Southern Screen unveiled
Applications open for 2022 Pat Dixon Scholarship
Vale Uncle Max
NZ border reopening
New Visual Arts Commissioning Program
Celebrate Stakes Day with the Australian Turf Club
Good luck to all the NSW finalists in the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards
Corroboree Frogs return home
11 March 2022 Sydney shines as global Pride capital
Flood recovery assistance for NSW
Winners announced at Restaurant & Catering 2022 NSW Celebrating Industry Night
Funding boost for Deni Ute Muster
NSW mural wins national award
Professional development training program launches
Sydney counts down to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Sydney’s newest superyacht launches
JK-47 prepares for Great Southern Nights
23rd Biennale of Sydney launches
Pro Surf heads to Central Coast
Big weekend for Surfest 2022
Dolly Parton festival announced for Narromine
COVID lease protections extended for small business tenants
Explore Hilltops art & cultural trail
Follow Destination NSW on LinkedIn
4 March 2022 Message from the Destination NSW CEO
Sydney Harbour Bridge celebrates its 90th anniversary
Destination NSW wins Australian Influencer Marketing Award
Crowdy Bay puts NSW on the map for international visitors
Aviation fund lands Vietnam route
Sydney scores new football event
Rain won’t stop the Mardi Gras Parade
Sydney cultural venues join forces for ad
Huge video game venue coming to Sydney
Linger longer at special events in 2022
Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct officially opens
ICC Sydney continues reconciliation commitment
New Macleay Valley nature trail signage
Why Pirra is playing Great Southern Nights
Waste levy waived for flood-affected areas
Grey Nomad Awards & Australian Street Art Awards live-streamed tonight
2022 MEA Mentor Program launches
‘Your City’s Waiting For You’ campaign set to bring back life to the CBD
Reintroduced mammals thrive in National Park
Dates announced for 2022 Australian Regional Tourism Convention
Government enhances temporary visa settings
Follow Destination NSW on LinkedIn
25 February 2022 Bookings buzz as international border reopens
Full steam ahead for business events in NSW
Have you registered your business for the Stay NSW program?
Wotif announces 2022 Aussie Town of the Year winners
Scenic World launches world-first premium tourism experience
Counting down to Great Southern Nights
Historic merger meeting for AA & TAA
9 to 5 The Musical premieres at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre
Vivid Sydney launches local business funding program
WestInvest funding to transform local communities
Fresh multicultural events funding announced
Nominations open for NSW Top Tourism Town Awards
Destination NSW helps IMM delegates Feel New
Princess to put the Royal in Easter Show
Experience Badu Gili live
Region X launches Bliss Out weekends
The Inconvenience Store opens in Batlow
18 February 2022 Countdown begins for Vivid Sydney 2022
Visitor economy welcomes easing of COVID-19 restrictions
NSW parents give vouchers a big thumbs up
Tourism Australia launches new campaign
Applications open for Small Business Support Program
Singleton Arts & Cultural Centre to open next month
Gundagai & the Central Coast feature on Weekend Sunrise
Arts and culture hits the road to regional NSW in 2022
FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup heads to Sydney
International student & backpacker boom
Semi Permanent festival returns to Sydney
Australia’s top state for street art
Billagoe listed on State Heritage Register
NSW national leader in university collaboration
Qantas to continue flying Darwin kangaroo route
Strengthening economic and tourism ties with India
First look at Central Station transformation
Have your say on Faster Payment Terms Policy
Business Events Council appoints new Independent Chair
Business NSW President and Deputy re-elected
Matisse: Life & Spirit exhibition closing soon
Register for NSW Small Business Month workshops & events
11 February 2022 Flight bookings surge following border reopening announcement
Business registrations open for Stay NSW vouchers
Feel New hits high note on Sydney Harbour Bridge
Rex Airlines expansion creates 2500 jobs boost for NSW
New Sydney-Broken Hill route creates stronger regional connections
Sydney Metro seeks input on new Hunter Street Station
Summit explores bringing Sydney CBD back to life
Al fresco dining regulations extended to support venues
2022 Australian Surf Rowers League Open heads to Cronulla
Sydney gives hometown advantage to Aussie Davis Cup team
New residence for reptiles at Taronga
Vale ‘Mr Liverpool’ Harry Hunt
First Blak Markets for 2022 at La Perouse
Escape to nature with PARK’nPAY
Blue Mountains announces new festival
$15 million for Crown Land upgrades
Support for school camp providers
Sydney hosts Summer Streets festivals
Safety rebate doubles to help small businesses
Three Sydney parks set for transformation
4 February 2022 Full line-up announced for Great Southern Nights
Aviation Attraction Fund enables runway to return to NSW
NSW Tourism Awards winners announced
$1 billion support package for small businesses
Businesses encouraged to sign up for Stay NSW voucher program
NSW welcomes the Year of the Tiger
Attracting more workers to NSW
$85 million to bolster performing arts & live music
NSW is Australia’s best beach state
Australian Fashion Week: The Experience announces program
Funding makes Newcastle Art Gallery expansion a reality
Funding boost for Maitland Gaol redevelopment
Snowy Mountains to host Ultra Trail running event
Free RSA courses to ease staff shortages
Regional Job Creation Fund Round Two opens
Phantom of the Opera cast announced
Consumers urged to avoid Viagogo
NRL All Stars teams announced
Airbnb & Australian Regional Tourism renew partnership
Record interest in Small Business Month
Rare frog species jumps for joy in new home
28 January 2022 All invited to the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards
Thousands enjoy Australia Day activities on Sydney Harbour
COVID-19 restrictions extended
Claim your alfresco dining rebate
Amy Brown to lead new Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Sydney lights up for T20 World Cup
Stadium Australia to host Socceroos qualifier
Funding for Mardi Gras Parade parties
Consultation closing for Marine Parks Management Plan
Regional Seniors Travel Card extended
International AACTA winners announced
New world-class art museum at Bundanon
Sydney gets ready for Year of the Tiger
Murray Cod stocks surpass one million
Accor announces new Pacific CEO
Building Better Regions funding round closing
21 January 2022 NSW Government provides lifeline for major events & festivals
New visa incentives to bring student & backpacker workers to NSW
Celebrate Australia Day on Sydney Harbour
Rent relief extended for small businesses
Central Coast makes its beaches more accessible
Sydney revs up for motorsport championship
New CEO appointed for Supercars
Help take Manly Cove into the future
Funding for regional touring performing arts
New NSW members join Discover Aboriginal Experiences
Don’t miss out on free social media training
14 January 2022 New Year message from the Destination NSW CEO
ELEVATE Sydney takes 2022 to new heights
Dramatic ice show debuts on Sydney Harbour
Standing ovation for Girl from the North Country
Great Lakes Pro kicks off NSW Pro Surf Series
Sydney’s winning serve at ATP Cup
Shoalhaven City Council launches event support program
Arts funding boosts tourism in regional Australia
Tamworth Country Music Festival line-up announced
Register positive COVID test results with Service NSW
Sydney Opera House celebrates Chinese New Year
New pin recognises Indigenous RFS volunteers
Join the North Coast Festival of Flavour