Insights Newsletter January – June 2021

2 July 2021
Issue Articles
29 June 2021 Major new COVID-19 support package to help tens of thousands of businesses across NSW
Message from Destination NSW CEO
Updated restrictions now in place for Greater Sydney & Regional NSW
Update for caravan parks and camping grounds
Councils supported to deliver virtual meetings
Applications for Regional Tourism Activation Fund open
Tourism industry will take another $6 billion hit over school holiday period
25 June 2021 A message from the Destination NSW CEO
COVID-19 restrictions extended for Greater Sydney
Jewish Museum upgrade to preserve Holocaust history
Nominations extended for NSW Tourism Awards
Leadership unites for the future of Australia’s business events
Supporting Australia’s COVID-19 recovery through skilled migration
Tickets on sale for 2021 NCHA Futurity
NSW First Program undergoes online refresh
Newcastle’s newest restaurant opens
22 June 2021 - NSW State Budget $373 million keeps NSW on track to be premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific
Sydney CBD to receive significant injection of support
Arts and culture in the State Budget spotlight
Regional NSW to receive vital support for recovery and growth
Investment NSW primed for State growth and Budget bolsters State’s global footprint
Massive budget boost for Western Sydney
18 June 2021 New $30 million fund to activate tourism in regional NSW
More than $1 billion committed to the Bradfield City Centre
New iconic walks to showcase State’s extraordinary National Parks
Business events turbocharged across NSW
Industry leaders recognised through Queen’s Birthday Honours
Destination NSW commences 2021 NSW Aboriginal Tourism Experience Development Workshop program
Cross-government collaboration driving visitor economy recovery
Splendour in the City to bring live music, comedy and more to Sydney
Powerhouse Ultimo transformation puts design at the forefront
NSW Government secures international sailing spectacular
Wollongong 2022 unveils brand for UCI Road World Championships
New film studio for Coffs Harbour part of potential regional job precinct
Blue Plaque program to celebrate hidden heritage in NSW
Bilpin bakes a winner with Apple Pie Trail
NSW and ACT to facilitate international student return
Australian of the Year awards nominations now open
More than $100m to remediate mine sites in regional NSW
Funding boost for vital Aboriginal programs
Final piece of foreshore history secured
$50m for planning Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2
Off and racing at regional racetracks
11 June 2021 AFL’s Big Freeze in Sydney this Queen’s Birthday
NSW to welcome back international students under pilot plan
Sydney Solstice brings a new dawn to Harbour City
Event management scholarships up for grabs
Alfesco dining a taste of things to come, and Dine and Discover extended
New outback reserve to protect diverse western wilderness
Hilma af Klint: The Secret Paintings opens in NSW
NSW Tourism Awards return in 2021
More cash for local road upgrades in the bush
Future of fashion on trend for Investment NSW
New taskforce to support councils with disaster recovery
Pandemic effect could tip sustainable travel intent
Free Diploma of Governance course for Crown Land manager volunteers
4 June 2021 Port Macquarie hosts 2021 Destination and Visitor Economy Conference
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week strides ahead, industry report launched
More cyclists to pedal into the Snowies for new Gran Fondo event
Destination NSW driving results for tourism operators
Historic agreement marks NSW First blueprint for Crown Land
Greater benefits for tour operators in NSW National Parks
Plans to revitalise Fort Denison
$24 million to fund solutions for NSW small businesses
Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley transformation
New flood-prone land planning to combat disasters
100 new public space projects planned for NSW
Dining goes street-side across Sydney
New Meet in Regional NSW operator portal
Business Events Sydney welcomes new Board Director
Giving Tweed Indigenous youth a pathway to create their own stories
North Coast Tourism Symposium & Awards Gala Dinner 2021
24-hour economy masterclass for councils
Gai-mariagal Festival underway in Northern Sydney
28 May 2021 Business NSW unveils Top Tourism Town Award winners
NSW Government support to preserve and celebrate heritage
2021 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards announced
Funding boost to heat up Darling Harbour and The Rocks this winter
Vivid Sydney 2021 program shines and local business program opens
Pile your plate with local seafood
Seawall taking shape at North Wollongong Beach
Sydney Solstice program heats up for winter
Last chance to apply for Regional Business Event Development Fund
Industry discussion with ATEC
Vital roles recognised for Reconciliation Week
25 May 2021 Vivid Sydney 2021 program to transform Harbour City
Vivid Light
Vivid Ideas
Vivid Music
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House
Vivid Sydney Partners
21 May 2021 New content assets showcase Western Sydney’s visitor experiences
Mary Poppins to bring a spoonful of sugar to Sydney next May
Tickets on sale for Wallabies vs France, while regional NSW receives NRL boost
Newcastle’s unique urban landscape placed on the State Heritage Register
Aboriginal art installation launched at Centennial Park
Australia launches bid to host Rugby World Cup 2027
Sydney puts sustainable fashion on the global catwalk
New project to get hospitality job seekers back into work in the Hunter
Dynamic future planned for Lismore
Aussie kids eager to explore their own backyard
Get ready Sydney, Tamworth is coming to town
Eat Street light rail on track
Celebrating the state’s valuable volunteers
Upper Hunter to receive raft of improvements
17 May 2021 Sydney Solstice puts soul back into the city this winter
Sydney Solstice program highlights by area
14 May 2021 Federal Budget delivers on job creation and economic growth
One million reasons to smile about FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
International students set to bolster NSW tourism and hospitality sectors
Last chance to vote for NSW’s Top Tourism Town
Business Events Sydney signs as host city partner for Get Local Showcase
New life in the sun for lady of the harbour
Virgin Australia Group updates short-haul international network
Qantas Supermoon Scenic Flight sell out
Point Group to open four hospitality venues in CBD’s Shell House
Registrations open for DSSS Visitor Economy Symposium 2021
7 May 2021 Sydney to burst into bloom with Fleurs de Villes at the Royal Botanic Garden this spring
Flying kangaroo to stay in premier state
Recent changes to COVID-19 restrictions
Applications for Tourism Industry Marketing Support Program closing soon
Australia’s longest road tunnel proposed for Great Western Highway
Sky’s the limit – drones key in flood recovery effort
Byron Bay Triathlon back for 25th year
Ramping up bike use on Sydney Harbour Bridge
2021 Narooma Oyster Festival a sold-out success
First ever top tourism towns revealed - voting now open
Creative take on NSW road trips in Australian Traveller
Intercontinental Parramatta to become Greater Western Sydney’s home of luxury travel
Jobs boom takes off in the Hunter with Newcastle Airport investment
New campaign to urge Australians to take epic holiday
Austrade announces Round Two application details
Pie Time 2021 – out of the oven and onto the plate
Health sector key to business events recovery
Have your say on small business support
An extra $25 million for Australia’s creative sector to rise
30 April 2021 Countdown is on for Vivid Sydney 2021
Netball World Cup 2027 returns to Sydney
QantasLink announces more flights into regional NSW
NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund boosting jobs in the bush
Dubbo unveils $3.5m riverside event precinct
Small and medium businesses take priority for flood repair work
The Hunter Valley’s iconic Wine & Food Festival returns in 2021
Free hospitality training at NSW clubs
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021 schedule released
Water to return to Lake Menindee after five years
Local musicians supported in global event
More than $15 million to revitalise NSW high streets
Doors to Newcastle’s first five-star hotel to open in June
Shellharbour Marina operator announced
Gold for Brix Gold
NSW shines in delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards
Tickets on sale for Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Perfect Plate Awards serve up the best in club dining
27 April 2021 $5.5 million boost for Sydney and NSW business events now available
Applications open for $1 million Tourism Industry Marketing Support Grants
23 April 2021 Mad Max prequel to be filmed in NSW
Australian premiere of Jagged Little Pill to open Sydney’s refurbished Theatre Royal
NZ encouraged to make every moment count in Sydney and New South Wales
Sydney CBD summit turbocharges recovery
Regional NSW to host Travelling Film Festival
Mid-week is the new weekend in NSW National Parks
Sydney Opera House new virtual site famil
The faces behind Shoalhaven’s rebuild to feature in new television series
Fans delight at successful pro surf event return to North Narrabeen
Aboriginal cultural tour and experience joins YCK
$5 million performing arts boost for regions
Calls for locations of next underwater oasis off NSW coast
Countdown to 2021 Harvest Food Trail
16 April 2021 Final piece of scenic harbour foreshore walk now open
Last call for applications - $24 million Live Music Support package closing Monday
Sydney arts and culture continues to stay up late
Airlines announce growth plans in line with domestic demand and Trans-Tasman opportunity
Government support for the $1.6 billion NSW wine industry
Destination NSW executive team update, GM Consumer Marketing appointed
Last chance to see Camping Holiday Supershow this weekend
Additional funding to support travel agents
More than $2.3 million for councils to manage their coastlines
Northern Beaches & Western Sydney showcased via Destination NSW campaign
Vale Colin Waller
North Coast Tourism Symposium and gala dinner
New cellar door in Bungendore
Small business rebate scheme kicks off
9 April 2021 Quarantine-free Trans-Tasman travel confirmed
Sydney racing leads mega month of events across the Harbour City in April
Justin Hemmes snaps up South Coast venue
Vale Carla Zampatti AC
Destination NSW’s The Long Road series drives returns for visitor economy
New framework taps into seniors’ creativity for well-being
Road network restoration underway following floods
NSW to modernise heritage protections
New food and wine festival to hit Sydney’s Northern Beaches
All aboard for makeover of Inner West train stations
$15.1m Federal support for 2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show
$4.8m to digitise planning in regional NSW
Bushfire recovery video launched for Sapphire Coast
Popular travelogue to showcase NSW in Japan
Nominations are now open for the Caravan Industry Association Awards
1 April 2021 Sydney scores with FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ final
Sydney ready to scale new heights in 2021
NSW open for business with new agency Investment NSW leading the way
Hamilton opening a defining moment for Sydney
Narooma Oyster Festival is back for 2021
Tourism plan to reshape Newcastle’s visitor economy
Qantas mystery flight passengers enjoy indulgent Orange tour
First Nations fashion and design joins Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021
Sydney Royal Easter Show 2021 now underway
Newcastle set for blockbuster week of world-class surfing
Australian Rowing Championships set to return to Sydney in 2022 and 2024
New koala species discovered in Bundanoon
Community Recovery Centres open on the NSW Mid North Coast
New Inner West Ale Trail launches
YCK Laneways Block Party to launch
New Sydney Football Stadium construction milestone reached
Stronger protections for North Coast koalas
26 March 2021 NSW pumps-up the volume with package to support accommodation, live music and events
Response and recovery for NSW communities affected by floods
New event Sydney Solstice to spark city celebration this winter
COVID-19 restrictions to ease but compliance must increase
World Time Attack Challenge is back, under lights
Calling all NSW wine stars
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi bash hottest ticket in town
New rebate scheme to support small businesses
Australian premiere of Cinderella a real-life fairytale for Sydney
More support for Australian travel agents announced
A future vision for Bays West
Night works – jobs for the 24-hour economy
NSW on show at Get Local Expo
Tradies without borders
A new zebra foal for Mogo Wildlife Park
57 best bars in Sydney right now
22 March 2021 - Message from Destination NSW Storms and floods hit NSW
Support for NSW communities affected by floods
19 March 2021 Lights on for Hamilton in the greatest city in the world
Dine & Discover NSW goes live statewide
$12 million marketing boost for tourism operators
Hollywood star heads to the Blue Mountains
Sydney Opera House to come alive with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera
Last call for NSW’s Top Tourism Town
La Traviata returns to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage
New city at Aerotropolis to be named ‘Bradfield’
Qantas launches new routes ahead of 2021 ski season
Western Sydney to host 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships
NSW tourism operators invited to benefit from Tripadvisor partnership
$4m funding injection for Sydney’s parklands
Regional tour for iconic locomotive 3801
More trees in Greater Sydney
12 March 2021 Regional NSW secures biggest music event for Outback NSW
New Destination NSW Chair appointed to lead visitor economy recovery and growth
Federal Government announces $1.2 billion tourism support package
Destination NSW’s new Media Centre delivers on all content and publishing needs
NSW Government takes exciting step forward in agritourism
2021 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival launched in world-class style
LGBTQI+ communities rise for historic Mardi Gras Parade
New investment arm to accelerate NSW economy and jobs
The Morning Show takes on Mighty Murray Drive
Vivid Sydney Festival Director appointed
Katoomba Falls Reserve opens night walk
2021 Australian Tourism Exchange applications closing soon
Heated splash park opens at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
South Jerrabomberra home to new jobs precinct
Dine & Discover webinar for businesses
NSW Government delivers Koala SEPP 2021
5 March 2021 Cause to celebrate as Sydney and NSW shine
Boosted confidence in the return of face-to-face events
Destination NSW and NRMA promote safe NSW road trips these April school holidays
NSW Government supports WorldPride 2023
Curtis Stone celebrates NSW food and wine with media
Tourism Australia lures Aussies back to cities
New marketing campaign for Batemans Bay
Latest data reveals Sydney is leading nation’s COVID recovery
Qantas gets going to Griffith
Broken Hill – It’s Out There, once again
Funding boost for councils to engage youth
New Small Business Reference Group
Grants to entice more people to move to Newcastle
Grow your business with help from the JobMaker Hiring Credit
Tourism businesses to grow with Google
Fashion Week’s Next Gen winners announced
26 February 2021 Nominations open for NSW’s 2021 Top Tourism Town Awards
$20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund now open
Four NSW destinations feature in Wotif’s top 10 for 2021
NSW operators join Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences
Positive economic signs as confidence returns to NSW
Phase two of Dine & Discover commences
New Batemans Bay Bridge to welcome traffic within weeks
Coffs Harbour to host iconic rally championship
New opportunities for NSW operators to sell online
$40 million Indigenous Tourism Fund to assist recovery
Bushfire biodiversity recovery
Retreat to Byron Bay
Experiencing the great outdoors
19 February 2021 New passenger terminal at Shellharbour Airport, Qantas adds North Coast routes ahead of school holidays
NSW secures second Surfing World Championship Tour event
Superstar Mardi Gras line up announced – festival kicks off across Greater Sydney
NSW Government turns the beat up with $1 million for live performance
Parramatta presses ahead with Powerhouse approval
2021 Australian Tourism Exchange bound for Sydney
Aboriginal students to benefit from fine dining training
Attractions and hospitality businesses called to join Dine & Discover
$16.5 million for more green space
Designers offered a leg-up for fashion week
Royal Caribbean and Taronga Zoo join forces
Degustation in the Highlands
New experience at Firescreek Winery
Green light for $1 billion Metro town centre
New additions for Belisi Wellbeing & Equestrian Centre
SIGGRAPH Asia announces Sydney as host city
16 February 2021 $3 million boost for the regional NSW visitor economy
$2.5 million campaign puts spotlight on Greater Sydney
Funding boost to help regional business events bounce back
12 February 2021 Dine & Discover launches, Sydney restrictions relaxed
Best of NSW showcased through new food and lifestyle program Three Blue Ducks
Night-time expert to lead NSW’s 24-hour economy strategy
Coastal works to commence across the Illawarra
Guy Sebastian takes The Long Road to reboot NSW’s visitor economy
Major event news and infrastructure upgrades set for Newcastle
Vivid Sydney EOI closing soon and new acts announced for Sunset Piazza
Destination NSW wishes everyone a happy Lunar New Year
New campaign to boost business events across Australia
Meet the makers trail
TAFE NSW partners with Basair Aviation College
Vale Lilliane Brady
Disco spectacular set to dazzle Dubbo
Luxury eco-cabin opens in Snowy Mountains
Building Better Regions Fund – round five closing soon
Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World extended
5 February 2021 Refreshed 20 year economic vision for regional NSW released
Sydney secures blockbuster art exhibition
$800,000 funding program opens to support Aboriginal languages in NSW
Wollongong becomes only UCI Bike City in the Southern Hemisphere
Lord Howe Island’s biodiversity boom
Holiday here in Sydney this year – Tourism Australia and Destination NSW team up
From Port Macquarie to Newcastle with FlyPelican
Support for Northern Beaches businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions
Australian Sports Commission welcomes new Chair
Applications for Heritage Grants close Monday
Central NSW newcomer receives chef award
Government investment to support coastal councils
$500,000 funding boost for Ballina
Arts and Cultural Funding applications open
29 January 2021 COVID-19 restrictions eased in NSW, borders open
Major developments in train for Western Sydney
NSW artists invited to apply for four new fellowships
$16m upgrade for Taronga Zoo
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras guide released
Sydney set for summer loving with Sunset Piazza
Tourism Australia encourages Aussies to plan that next holiday here
Caravan and camping critical to domestic tourism and regional Australia
NSW Crown Land gets $51 million funding boost
Faster payments pilot for small business subcontractors
AIME 2021 cancelled
Sydney Tower Eye celebrates 40 years
Kempsey opens new visitor centre
Footy fever in Coffs Harbour
ARIA appoint new CEO
22 January 2021 Australia Day Live gives NSW residents a reason to celebrate
Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 receives overwhelming industry support and engagement
Sydney brought to life this summer
Business registrations open for Dine & Discover
Destination NSW’s 2019-20 annual report now available
Adam Spencer shares his first ever NSW Aussie road trip in new online video series
$14m Callan Park revamp
Love NSW keeps shining, showcasing the state to visitors
Regional communities hit home run through NSW Government support for sport
Biggest infrastructure investment in history of NSW National Parks
Young artists star in Manly
Callubri Station opens in Western Plains
Have your say on the draft local government rating bill
Small and regional businesses win big in NSW
CoastXP offers new experiences for the Hunter
NSW to host the Australian Track and Field Championships 2021
18 January 2021 - Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 edition NSW aims to be premier visitor economy of the Asia-Pacific by 2030
What’s next: Implementing the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030
15 January 2021 New year, new opportunities for NSW
NSW celebrates resilience and unity in 2021
New Aboriginal experience on top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge
Businesses reminded to download Service NSW QR code
NSW Government satisfaction climbs
Big Banana to become even bigger
Qantas and Japan Airlines join forces to support tourism recovery
Regional arts receive funding boost
New Aboriginal Cultural Sunset Tour
Work underway for National Snowsports Training Centre
Rugby Australia welcomes new Chief Executive
Jervis Bay region remains open
Famous Tasmanian calls Sydney home