Tourism and Events Industry News
Destination NSW’s industry bulletin, Insights, is distributed to more than 3,000 registered contacts across the state. Information on Destination NSW marketing campaigns, events, development opportunities, research and general news within the industry is captured in the bulletin.
Subscribe to Insights and have the latest NSW tourism and events industry news emailed to you each week.
July 2021 editions onward are available in the table below.
Previous editions
Insights January - June 2020 | Insights July - December 2020
Insights January - June 2019 | Insights July - December 2019
Insights January - June 2018 | Insights July - December 2018
Most recent editions (July - December 2021)
| Issue | Articles |
|---|---|
| 26 November 2021 | Sydney set to Elevate the world’s most spectacular stage New Destination Network structure to grow regional visitor economy Further steps to reopen Australia and secure our economic recovery Sydney Modern project reaches new heights It’s oh-fish-ial! Work underway on new Fish Markets Bradfield City Centre’s first building reaches major milestone Reimagining the visitor economy Summer of seafood plates up State’s best Funding boost for National Parks New cycling strategy open for consultation $9.37 million boost for arts and culture programs New Sydney Culture Trails released Coffs the ultimate eco destination International tennis returns to Sydney LGA arts and cultural projects funding round Social media for tourism Two $25 Dine & Discover vouchers for summer New chopper to boost bushfire response Airport award winners Celebrating sustainable tourism |
| 19 November 2021 | NSW Government serves up Sydney’s Longest Lunch NSW Government invites visitors to Renew Gardens of Stone and the Lost City Adventures Vaccinated international students to return quarantine-free Heritage landmarks at heart of Bays West future Australia’s largest 360-degree ‘pop up’ cinema coming to Sydney Sydney to host Men’s T20 World Cup semi Matisse: Life & Spirit Ben Boyd National Park to be renamed New Western Sydney outdoor music festival is on its way George Street set to rock with permanent pedestrian proposal New program for Sydney’s premier international arts festival New event set to transform Manly’s North Head New fleet of drones to protect surfers More events for NSW in 2022 ASVO 2021 Winemaker of the Year Funds help event take flight Virtual jobs fair New Regional Arts Fund |
| 12 November 2021 | NSW to boost transparency for travel industry Free training to support Push for the Bush this summer Scholarships for aspiring regional event managers Give the gift of travel this holiday season NSW National Parks commits to net zero by 2028 Opera house glows gold for Diwali Stay and Rediscover voucher on its way Kids get a kick out of discounted tickets Business advisory support for Western Sydney New frog species ‘hopping’ into protection EOI sought for RGB creative Cockle Bay development on exhibition Government review to ensure best practice in grants Blak Markets is back Ready to raise the curtain at Walsh Bay $105 million for EV fleets Byron Way Pledge Winning Hawkesbury photos COVID Vaxx Practicing Businesses |
| 5 November 2021 | NSW gets the jab done Landmark music and technology festival for Western Sydney NSW Government support to reignite visitor economy 2021 NSW Tourism Awards finalists revealed Free hospitality training caters for skills gap Red tape slashed for more fun, food, festivals and filming Socceroos return to Sydney New digital one-stop-shop for Visitor Signposting Quarantine-free travel from all of New Zealand Watershed moment for the Baaka and Bidgee First new Emerald Class ferry now in service Draft Marine Park Management Plan released NSW secures another blockbuster series First regional gallery for Southern Highlands Historic $30 million commitment to Powerhouse Parramatta A weekend for foodies |
| 29 October 2021 | New tourism campaign to make you ‘Feel New’ Qantas Group brings forward international flying NSW tourism towns take home crown Grants for Small Business Month events Skills shortage hinders recovery Get bush fire ready Caring for country in Western Sydney Aboriginal businesses up share of Government spend Art gets boost for agritourism Big boost to National Parks in Western NSW New Chair of Tourism Australia Luna Park reopens with nine new rides |
| 22 October 2021 | Tourism and events recovery turbocharged as visitor economy bounces back $2.8 billion package to accelerate NSW recovery $86 million injection to kickstart arts, screen and culture in NSW Multi-million-dollar support to boost Sydney’s COVID recovery Opera House lights up for vaccination milestone Four new venues call The Rocks home Sydney Roosters come home to roost Parramatta’s Eat Street open for business Sydney’s Tech Central set to boom Reminder to register short-term rentals Tourism Australia’s outgoing Chair Inaugural music event to drive tourism 2021 Sydney City Business Awards Green light for electric vehicles Cowra’s video campaign lures Chris Hemsworth |
| 15 October 2021 | Destination NSW new tourism campaign NSW flying towards 80 per cent double dose target Regional Recovery Package to kickstart economy and create new jobs Property Council welcomes the end of hotel quarantine Doubling down on Dine & Discover Integrated vaccination certificate opens to all on Service NSW app $66 million Alfresco Restart package Mardi Gras Parade returns to the SCG in 2022 9 to 5 is back in business! Community voices vital in Aerotropolis exhibition NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable launches Confidence guaranteed as we get back to work $25 million to ensure shows go on Huge crowd boost for Matildas blockbusters Surry Hills ranks in World’s Coolest list Qantas to fly kangaroo route to London via Darwin $250 million gain for growing NSW communities Funding boost for regional arts and culture Local sport scores $4.6m boost First River Class ferry in service Industry survey to support pandemic recovery Crystalbrook Sustainability Month |
| 11 October 2021 - NSW reopens | Ready, set, go - NSW reopens Freedom never tasted so sweet Regional pilot vaccination certificates announced Vaccination the ticket to reopening venues and events Regional racing back on track Return of international students |
| 8 October 2021 | NSW on the road to reopening Regional travel just weeks away Hospitality workers vaccination drive NSW Ministry to deliver safe, strong recovery Showcasing Sydney in new image collection AMEX signs as principal partner of Mardi Gras 16 teams inch closer to Basketball World Cup Australian premiere of ‘Girl from the North Country’ Digital games industry powered up in NSW Record funding for arts in regional NSW Captain Cook Cruises wins the prize for pivoting Royal Randwick welcomes back fans for Everest Funding boost for travel agents New COVID-19 financial support for businesses Expo 2020 Dubai takes NSW to stage Central Coast spotlight on sustainability Big Bass to wash up in Carramar |
| 5 October 2021 - New public health advice for re-opening NSW | Australian Government announces next steps to reopen to the world Three stages for NSW to open up COVID-Safe business advice Vaccination compliance JobSaver support package extended Contact risk assessment for business Hospitality venues - advice on reopening Three COVID-19 vaccines available across NSW Where to find out more |
| 1 October 2021 | Accommodation Support Grant goes live JobSaver extension to boost business recovery Matildas bring international sport back to Sydney New Western Sydney National Park to lead fight against extinction Two world-class shows to take over Sydney Harbour in 2022 Don’t be alarmed - it’s time for daylight saving Destination Northern Beaches: visitor plan gets approval Supercars confirms return to racing under lights in October NSW First - disaster resilience guides COVID restrictions bring domestic airline industry to a standstill Storm season is coming Summer of fun - three-stage certainty for tourism industry Trees to cool one of Sydney’s hottest suburbs Foreshore precinct almost complete at the waterfront Shell Cove |
| 24 September 2021 | Time to look ahead this World Tourism Day Businesses unite to bring Australia one shot closer and local government backs vaccination New $5 billion WestInvest Fund and CommBank partnership to rejuvenate Western Sydney communities and boost jobs $60 million to make NSW the Creative Capital 2020 MEA Award winners announced New group to ramp up Central River City delivery Sydney’s West to boom with $139 million in new infrastructure Moore Parkland for people as cars moved off the grass $4 million for more green spaces in Sydney New Director for Sydney Theatre Company Wollondilly welcomes funding boost for tourism and rail heritage World’s largest shark management program deployed to NSW beaches Support for food relief, vaccination services and cultural case workers International student PIEoneers awards More cash to fix local roads New protections for high value conservation areas |
| 17 September 2021 | NSW to run home quarantine pilot program COVID support payments expanded for workers and vulnerable communities New digital platform to support reopening of the international border Seven business events secured for Sydney and ICC to reopen for in person events Commonwealth launches next phase of COVID-19 vaccination communications campaign Australia Council invests in performing arts tours across Australia from 2022 onwards ACCC finds Qantas and Japan Airlines alliance not in public interest New era for Pacific Australia labour mobility Historic Blue Mountains tunnel a step closer Tourism Australia relaunches Aussie specialist program and partners with The Wiggles NSW fast charging network to be number one in the nation Call out for Blue Plaque nominations to celebrate our state’s heritage ‘Get Ready’ for bush fire season Tamworth Monopoly approved to pass ‘Go’ Council credit card management under the microscope |
| 10 September 2021 | Roadmap to freedom unveiled for the fully vaccinated Lockdown lifted in parts of regional NSW Great Southern Nights returns to reboot live music in 2022 New guides to bolster natural disaster resilience in the tourism industry Upcoming NSW First webinar – engage your audience on social media $20 million to support Australia’s creative sector to rise Big names continue to roll in for 50th Toyota Country Music Festival A first for 20 local councils joining forces to protect Sydney Harbour Targeted COVID-19 support for international students Look after your mental health during lockdown New video with first responders released for Rural Road Safety Month Saving Australian fauna from extinction in NSW National Parks Free help to encourage shoppers to buy locally Applications open for NSW Disability Council |
| 3 September 2021 | ‘Let’s Do This’ campaign launched to encourage NSW to get vaccinated COVID-19 economic support measures extended Sydney stars in ABBA’s global music release CLIA outlines four-phase pathway for cruising’s revival in Australia Nominations open for 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards Lock in the perfect lockdown gift on the NSW Government’s Buy Regional website Acknowledging the importance of country in a new harbour walk NSW Government leads the way with leadership boom in regional NSW Archibald Prize 2021 ANZ People’s Choice Award winner announced $10 million upgrade for Penrith’s Tench Reserve Missing Eastern Suburbs cycling link on the way Commencement of bushfire danger period for coastal NSW National Flag Day today NSW calls for East Coast agriculture labour task force to be established Rebuilding fire-damaged fauna homes |
| 27 August 2021 | New freedoms for vaccinated first step on state roadmap out of COVID Sydney WorldPride 2023 reveals festival dates, new logo and official theme Qantas unveils vaccine reward campaign and strategy to restart international flights Supporting more small and medium sized businesses to access funding Over $388k to fund six priority services for NSW arts and cultural sector Mandatory risk management a step closer for NSW councils New research evaluates impact of COVID-19 travel bans $200 million support package for not-for-profits Community at heart of Aerotropolis MEA hosts COVID webinar Free TAFE short courses available Big savings on new electric vehicles will be backdated |
| 20 August 2021 | A message from Destination NSW New protections and compliance rules to carry NSW through to vaccination targets Hospitality and social media skills boost for NSW visitor economy NSW Government extends Dine & Discover and support for tenants and landlords Penrith set to become Australian film and TV capital Tourism Australia launches initiative to promote vaccination The 2021 delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Award winners revealed Design Sydney Harbour Bridge’s new bike ramp Reformed planning panels key to NSW recovery Business events and tourism industry seek JobKeeper support RFDS stars on silver screen Targeted emergency support for arts sector Take off from home with Qantas Slim Dusty centre secured as a Kempsey community asset |
| 13 August 2021 | $3.5 million boost with 20 new advisors to help businesses and improvements made to COVID-19 check in system Moderna COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia Hayden Quinn unearths Australia’s global city in Taste of Australia: Sydney Edition Get to know the team behind Get Connected $35 million additional support for arts workers and companies Land tax relief to help landowners and tenants affected by COVID-19 restrictions Vivid Sydney 2021 cancelled, planning underway for 2022 Transport plan to transform Illawarra-Shoalhaven travel Decade first event for Menindee lakes Opera Australia announces new CEO Last call for coastal and estuary funding and council jobs preserved NSW the state of volunteering ICC Sydney maintains connections through virtual event delivery |
| 6 August 2021 | Vaccination the priority for August National Plan to transition COVID-19 Response released Stay at home orders for Hunter and Upper Hunter regions $40 million boost for Australia’s creative sector to rise WSL Sydney Surf Pro returns to Manly in May 2022 Commonwealth support for domestic aviation, Qantas stands down staff Western Sydney smart future turbocharged Supercars unveils revised 2021 calendar New Emerald Class ferries arrive in Sydney Youth Tourism Association NSW Inc rebrand Support for Native Title and Aboriginal land rights Ideas and innovation funding to accelerate NSW economic bounceback Free COVID rapid response courses to build skills during pandemic Registrations open for COVID-19 business support webinar NSW stars in Qantas magazine Aboriginal workers engaged for Snowy 2.0 Rebranded Hunter Farm launched Australian Regional Tourism Convention 2021 postponed |
| 30 July 2021 | Major JobSaver boost to expand COVID-19 support Restrictions extended, vaccines ramped up and NSW Police boost compliance measures Commonwealth Government boosts Indigenous tourism sector Free advice for businesses affected by lockdown COVID-19 disaster payments increased for individuals An extra $7 million to support regional arts and entertainment Western Sydney Airport Metro gets green light Digital health pass will be the ticket to fly for Qantas and Jetstar flights New Director for the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) Sydney WorldPride 2023 appoints CEO Local government elections postponed Mundi Mundi Bash postponed to April 2022 Council rates relief for bushfire victims extended for another six months |
| 23 July 2021 | State’s visitor economy primed to drive future demand with NSW Government support Smart Places funding available for communities Providoor expands to New South Wales Payroll tax reductions and deferrals to support businesses New content showcasing North Coast regions Delivering more live music for Australian communities Vision Walks Byron Bay’s new virtual offering Destination North Coast Business Accelerator & Mentoring Program Workshops inspire women to run for local government elections Applications open for inaugural Sydney Awards Business Connect available to support businesses |
| 20 July 2021 | Accelerated 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant now open New restrictions for Greater Sydney in fight against COVID-19 - plus two vaccination hubs open Increased compliance operations for COVID-Safe workplaces Head of new Regional Housing Taskforce named |
| 16 July 2021 | Vivid Sydney rescheduled to September – October Vital support for NSW visitor economy Support for commercial tenants and landlords under COVID-19 fighting fund Wallabies confirm 2021 domestic Test schedule for eToro Rugby Championship More funding support for coastal councils now available Online portal speeds up planning in NSW Hunter Valley Zoo joins Featherdale Wildlife Park and Mogo Zoo New CEO to join AFTA Night sky dive now available in Byron Get the latest from the Neon Grid |
| 14 July 2021 | COVID-19 fighting fund to protect businesses, save jobs and support NSW through lockdown Lockdown extended for Greater Sydney and new requirements for COVID-19 testing Support package backs NSW businesses Key components of the 2021 COVID-19 package Visitor economy stakeholders welcome vital support Lockdown lifeline: Mental health support package for NSW Grant programs here to help residents and the community |
| 9 July 2021 | Restrictions tightened and extended plus covid check-in mandatory from Monday New online home for natural disaster support NSW Government welcomes banking industry support for businesses and individuals impacted by COVID-19 Newcastle to host Ampol State of Origin III Latest infrastructure grants funding open New grants empower Aboriginal businesses and employees Asia-Pacific’s leading pathologists to meet in Sydney Mice plague household and small business rebates now available online Support available for new Dubbo event organisers Applications still open for event management scholarship program NSW Tourism Award nominations close today Condobolin reaches for the stars with Condo Skyfest Miima Warrabinya |
| 2 July 2021 | Covid check-in mandate expanded Have your say on the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct Construction begins on Australia’s largest bike hub Businesses encouraged to share stories with Destination NSW $283 million for NSW bushfire recovery projects Emerging artists shortlisted for the Incubator NSW Theatre Fellowship Bangalay Dining on track for a Hat Mass vaccination rollout boost Rex secures two additional Boeing 737-800NGs Accommodation Association GM steps down Overseas agricultural workers hotel quarantine subsidy extended Registrations open for the Australian Regional Tourism Convention Byron Bay’s iconic watering hole sells Community tennis benefits from ATP Cup Legacy Fund |
