“The Harbour City has been awarded the prestigious title by the International Festivals & Events Association (IEFA), an organisation described as the premiere Association supporting and enabling festival and event professionals worldwide. It is a great honour for NSW and recognition of the success this Government has had in attracting major events,” Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris said.
An international panel of judges decided on Sydney as a top destination, based on initiative and vision in encouraging the success and growth of festivals and events.
“Festivals and events in NSW create tremendous community and economic capital, however the partnership and support from the local community, at all levels, is critical to the success and sustainability of existing festivals and events, as well as the ability to attract and encourage new events.
“Since 2011, this Government, through Destination NSW, has secured 121 sporting, cultural, arts and premiere stage productions in metropolitan and regional NSW which will contribute an estimated $1.2 billion to the State’s economy.
“So, when it comes to tourism and major events, NSW has now taken the national leadership position, something we had previously lost”.
Mr Souris pointed out that this latest award was one of many honours Sydney had recently received, including:
- Condé Nast Traveler USA Reader’s Choice Awards as the best city in Oceana, World’s Favourite Overseas City, in the Conde Nast Traveller UK Reader’s Choice Awards
- Top 5 Best World Destinations, in the UK Cruise International Awards
- Number One City in Australia, in the Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards.
“NSW now has Australia’s leading Visitor Economy, which annually contributes more than $21 billion, with more than 96,500 businesses directly employing more than 152,000 people plus another 105,000 indirectly employed, equating to one in 14 jobs in NSW.
“This Government remains committed to ensuring Sydney and regional NSW remain number one when it comes to hosting major events in Australia because they boost tourism, create jobs, enhance the lives and lifestyle of the State’s citizens and inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy,” Mr Souris said.
The 2013 IFEA World Festival and Event City award was presented to the Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW at the 58th Annual IFEA Convention & Expo in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA yesterday.
Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said: “The NSW Government has made a strong commitment to encourage the growth of events and festivals in NSW. To win an award of this calibre confirms Sydney as a leading player on the global stage for attracting, creating, and hosting successful events, which enhance visitation and economic growth for our State.”
For more information about the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), please visit www.ifea.com
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