About Us
The New South Wales (NSW) Government established Destination NSW (DNSW) as a statutory authority in July 2011 to support growth in the state’s tourism and events sector.
The functions of four organisations: Tourism NSW, Events NSW, the Homebush Motor Racing Authority and the Greater Sydney Partnership were encompassed into the new state body.
Our Role
DNSW is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the visitor economy, with particular focus on driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and regional NSW. In addition, DNSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney with the aim to secure more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions for Sydney and regional NSW.
Our Vision
To make Sydney and NSW one of the world’s most successful tourism and events destinations.
Our Mission
To double visitor expenditure by 2020 and maximise the benefits of the visitor economy for NSW.
Our Strategic Objectives
- Achieve visitor economy 2020 targets
- Position DNSW / Sydney & NSW as Australia’s premier tourist and events destination
- Develop the strongest and most compelling events calendar in Australia
- Increase industry stakeholder and customer engagement
- Deliver value in our partnership/co-operative programs
- Attract and retain the best staff and build staff capacity and capabilities
Our Strategy
In the four years leading up to 2016/17 the NSW Government will invest $400 million dollars to fund implementation of a new strategy, now under development with industry. The Visitor Economy Taskforce is coordinating planning for the strategy which is due to be presented to the government by mid 2012.
The Visitor Economy Taskforce
The NSW Government has established the Visitor Economy Taskforce to develop a tourism and events strategy, which will double tourism expenditure to NSW by 2020.
A final report will be presented to the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts, the Hon. George Souris by the end of May 2012.
The taskforce is chaired by Russell Balding, AO and other members include the Hon. Bruce Baird; John King, Chairman of the Australian Tourism Export Council; and Sandra Chipchase, CEO of Destination NSW.
Terms of Reference
The taskforce is examining a broad range of demand and supply issues with the input and close engagement of industry and all levels of government.
Areas in which recommendations will be made include: the attraction of additional airlines and routes to NSW; cruise capacity; product and service gaps; investment attraction; destination development; Crown Land tourism development schemes; regional tourism and events; and global marketing and communications strategies.
View the Visitor Economy Taskforce Terms of Reference (42kb)
Stakeholder Input
Extensive stakeholder input is being provided to the taskforce through various channels:
- Industry Advisory Groups are channeling industry ideas and strategic concepts to the taskforce on specific areas of interest.
- The findings of recent reports developed in partnership with industry are being considered by the taskforce.
- Destination NSW and its Board are working alongside the taskforce in assessing and developing implementation strategies.
- Input, views and ideas from individuals or groups have been encouraged. See the Have Your Say website.
- Industry consultation meetings have been held. See the Have Your Say website for details.
- Individual meetings have been held with key industry thought leaders and peak industry associations.
- Formal submissions have been sought to address any (or all) of the taskforce’s terms of reference.
Formal submissions are now closed. To obtain more information please contact the Secretariat:
Visitor Economy Taskforce Secretariat
Email: visitoreconomy@business.nsw.gov.au
Tel: 02 9338 6885
Address: Visitor Economy Taskforce
Department of Trade & Investment
GPO Box 5477
SYDNEY NSW 2001